They say when you least expect to find what it is you are looking for, the solution walks right up and bites you from behind.

I needed a break from my job and the hectic pace of life in the U.S. So, this past summer I joined two friends, both born in China but now living in the U.S., for a tour of the Middle Kingdom.

Midway through our journey, we arrived in Guilin in the South Guangxi Province. From Guilin, we set out early the next morning and took a three-hour drive to go on a hike through the remote Longji Terraces, magnificent rice fields sculpted into the side of the mountains. The mountain peak is where, we had been told, the many Gods of the land make their home.

By early afternoon, we made it to the top of the mountain and began exploring some rice paddies. My friend, who was leading the way, turned around to admire the view and suddenly screeched at me, “Look out behind you!” Expecting a panther or at least a wild cat, I quickly glanced behind to find…nothing; to the front and to the sides. . .nothing. “What is it?,” I yelled, slightly irritated that he would be playing pranks considering the altitude and grade.

I felt a slight tugging on my sock, followed by something wet and sponge-like brushing against my left calf.  Startled, I looked down to find a little ball of white and brown fur with a furiously wagging tail and a slobbering tongue attacking my leg. “It’s a puppy!” my friend cried out. There he was – a real little guy no more than about 8 inches tall.