UPDATE: We got into Hot Springs, NC last night. We got to a local diner and tied the dog to a post outside. We started referring to him as "Muttly" even though I'm sure he's a specific well-bred bear hunting dog. I called the number on his collar and talked to the owner. A couple minutes later, the owner put me on hold because another call came through. It was a man outside the diner that knew it was a bear hunting dog, knew we were just thru-hikers, and thought we were trying to keep him ourselves. We all grew attached to ol' Muttly. I know at least Red and I were sad to see him go. Oh well, it wouldn't have been easy taking a dog on a hike through the Smokies anyway. Muttly is at home and hopefully putting some meat back on those bones.