Forgot to mention that during our walk yesterday morning I saw my first live alligator outside an enclosure. It was laying along the driveway of one of the houses we pass. I guess it was about six foot long, easily large enough to make short shrift of the pup. Raised its head to look at us as we approached. Fortunately Thistle did not notice it so didn't raise a fuss. We passed within ~20 feet but there was a large shrub between us. After we were passed it got up and slowly wandered in the direction of the pond. Not the same pond Thistle was swimming in two weeks ago. This was in a neighboring development.