As we started our downhill trek along the rocky path, I was entranced by the beautiful scenery around me. The rock formations in the canyon, the valley where grass was just beginning to turn green for spring—it all felt so alive. I was walking my dog, pausing occasionally for him to investigate curious scents along the trail. Admittedly, I wasn’t paying much attention to the path ahead. I was chatting and enjoying the peacefulness of the morning. I did notice the branch sticking out, but I dismissed it as a mere weed or broken stick.

I was wrong.