Dave, in your second pond with the deceased dog, it reminds me of Moby Dick when they were out on the ocean with nothing in sight and they encounter a floating casket/funeral drifting by.
It's hard not to look at it like an omen. Not that I think it is any kind of omen, just forboding. But then you throw in the commnent about the dog being poisoned.....it just sounds dark.
Even in such a gloomy situation, your kind and caring character shines right through by thoughtfully asking your wife for help!!.
Keep hope alive for some rain showers.
