I've made a lot of trips around Sacramento. There are a lot of nice areas there. The climate is a lot more temperate than CT. Good luck in The Golden State!
How sad, especialy for her children. It's heartwarming to see people do something for others. Usualy we hear such bad things that people have done to each other.:(
Actually - I posted it on the Podengo group - lots of members in the area and looks like might be something from one of the hunt packs (or a golden GSD mix) Maybe one of them will bite.