Article: BEFORE HORSES, DOGS TOTED BURDENS.(Local News)

Byline: MARC SIMMONS

When the earliest Spanish explorers ventured upon New Mexico's eastern plains, they discovered Indians there, mostly Apachean-speaking, who were true "dog nomads." Most people I suspect, have never heard of them. But their way of life makes a beguiling story.

It is generally known that the Spaniards brought the first horses to the Southwest. In the pre-horse era, Indians dwelling on the open plains had only the dog as a beast of burden.

About them, Coronado in 1541 wrote: "They have dogs that they load, which carry their tents and poles and belongings." And he made reference to Moorish-style packsaddles with girths.

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