I did the Dragonte route on the 13th May, and also enjoyed a great variety of wildlife including many dogs and cattle...4 times I had to very quickly get off the path as farmers were moving their cattle to a new field...quite an experience with the cows' horns passing within a foot or so of my face!
I found that the dogs were just doing what dogs do...guarding their territory and letting their owners know when a stranger approaches...so while there was lots of barking and noise and posturing from the dogs, I didn't feel threatened at all.
The route is very challenging and hugely rewarding. There were no other pilgrims to be seen on the Dragonte route that day, and as there are no shops, bars or restaurants it's important to go well prepared! There is very limited waymarking in comparison to the rest of the route so it's also necessary to follow the guidebook closely and often!
Brierley states at one point that while crossing a stream 'you may get wet' ...I found that at this point I had to take boots and socks off to wade shin deep about 40 yards through a couple of streams!
The marking of the paths down to San Fiz do Seo is quite confusing...I managed to miss the quarry altogether, but just kept heading down to the bottom of the valley following the stream and river, keeping the village in sight, and then walked back along the road into the village from the opposite end.
Walking on to O Cebreiro after reaching Herrerias is a huge achievement...that's 4 big climbs in one walk...I can understand why your son was very tired!!!
I stopped at the albergue in Herrerias, where the sign at the door said 'Completo / Full'. I bought a couple of drinks and while talking to Richard, the hospitalero, mentioned that I had come along the Dragonte route, to which he said there was in fact one bed remaining that he always keeps in reserve as late as possible for anyone coming that way...great relief!!!
Enjoy the photographs...and hope you get to experience the Camino yourself one day.
Very best wishes
Nick