Dogs and forts

Don't know what it is with dogs on mountains, and around forts. Maharashtra has plenty of both. I am not partial to dogs as a rule, preferring to appreciate the canine species from a distance. But on my recent visits to two forts, these friendly fellows rather endeared themselves to me. 

At Rohida fort

The one at Rohida accompanied us all the way from the base to the top. It was the perfect host and would wait for us to move ahead. 

Atop Sinhagad

 This dude turned up after we sat down for lunch. However it did not come very close to us, nor was it pushy or interfering, and was happy to settle close by.

An interesting find on Rohida Fort

Found several of these attached to stalks of grass at Rohida Fort and its foothills. Is it the ootheca of a mantis? Any id help or confirmation would be appreciated. 

Incidentally the climb up to the fort went well. Though an easy one, it was challenging due to the peculiarities of this season. Will write more on that later.