Snow Day!

We rarely get much snow. Even this light fall turns all the brown to lovely white.

Lucy wondering why I'm taking so long.

Heavy traffic. I'm not the first to take this road.

Serve and Protect

 Millie, like most dogs, takes her job very seriously. She loves feeding time, as she gets to range out to be sure the area is safe from predators while I feed the horses.

When it looks like I'm almost done, she turns and makes her way back, ready to clear the rest of the route.

Lord of All He Sees

Pardon the blur, these were taken through a window streaked with rain.

Zander, overseeing his domain - while keeping his butt dry. It's difficult to get a picture of him doing this, because he almost instantly realizes I'm at the window, and turns to greet me. As you can see, he likes to keep his feet dry, too. He has no idea why we live here, where it rains so much; he doesn't mind being out in the rain, he would just rather not sit in the mud, thank you.

Cutting Grass

It's a simple plan. I have a horse I want to fatten up before winter, and unfenced wetlands filled with canary grass. Most days I drive up to the power lines, down to the wet area, and cut treats for the Arab. Then dogs get involved, and it becomes a magical play time.

It was a scorcher of a day, and even at 5PM it must have been 90F. Red, a visiting Border Collie, Lucy, my Border Collie, and Millie the Pyr joined me on the trek.

Red, checking that he's going the right way

Lucy and Millie burrowing into the area I was about to cut

Lucy tucked into a hollow

Millie can't quite get it right...

Perfect!

Red is having none of this resting idea. Here he is trying to leap tall buildings.

Lucy think's it's too hot for that nonsense.

Finally I stopped taking pictures, got the grass cut and loaded, and we headed home. All 3 dogs are in this picture.

Screen Door Art

Best screen door ever! This was for sale at the Great Pyrenees National show earlier this year. Hopefully Veryl remembers the artist/seller. I want one!

Sharing Warmth

Getting hay. There's always something interesting going on by the barn. Sources claim there are usually 5 or 6 kittens sleeping on the old dog - aptly named Buddy. Sharing warmth on a cold winter's day.

Fence Reinforcement

My "Dog Yard" is also part of my septic system field, filled with underground pipes. This, plus the inevitable slope of the land, makes fencing a challenge. I first put up my usual sheep fencing with concreted in wood end posts and interior metal t-posts and woven wire. However, there is a long area that is both sloped and over pipes I didn't want to risk pounding posts into. The fence was never tight and strong, and didn't improve over time. The solution?

I had a large number of stored bird cage panels, and thought the wood frames would add some stability to the fence. They do. They also add a rather whimsical air to the place. 

This should also keep Zander from figuring out that he could really jump fences if he wanted - a skill I hope he never acquires.

Dogs!

Photos by Pearl Dun

Berners!

These lovely dogs are rarely out when I drive by. They were playing in the trees, but came running as soon as I slowed down. They wouldn't stand still for pictures, though. Aren't they beautiful? Bernese Mountain Dogs. 

And this is what I'd stopped for in the first place. Lovely view for the Berners.

Hay Day

Much of today was spent getting hay in and then getting some hot wire around the shelter to keep the animals out of the hay.

I'm trying out these smaller round bales. If I can move them reasonably easily, they last much longer and are much cheaper than the rectangular bales.

Some prefer a liquid lunch.

Everyone likes the new hay. Of COURSE they prefer the small bales to the round bales.

Two youngsters making friends.

Help at Feeding Time

MY Stick

Oh look - a stick!

I can carry this one. This looks like a GREAT stick.

I SAID *I* can carry this one! MY stick!

Mr. Man

Mr. Man arrives from Boston, to take up livestock guardian dog training at Ravenwood.

This beautiful, confident little guy was bred by Audrey Chalfen. He is the calmest, most secure 3-month old puppy I've met. He still has to grow into his ears and feet. And I still have to come up with a call name! (Now Zander!)

Meet Lula

In my continuing efforts to find a co-worker and companion for Charlie, my working Pyr, yesterday I brought home Lula.

Lula spent the past two years with her sister with a herd of goats - they were raised with the goats. Owners sold the herd, and the dogs ended up in Pyr Rescue.

Lula is missing her sister, and a bit overwhelmed by the animals here (when she finally saw a goat she went right up to say hi), but is doing pretty well. She's calm and quiet, and not too interested in chasing chickens. Today she spent some time in a paddock by herself (and some time in there with Charlie), and more time on leash with me while I did farm chores. She's feeling insecure, which I'm sure will pass as she gets used to life here at Ravenwood.

Listen To Your Dogs

The dogs are barking. It's night, that's what they do. But wait - that's Jesse, down below, and that's a "come here" bark. Berna takes up the cause and goes outside to get a better view. OK, time to go see what's up. I gather jacket and flashlight and head down the hill. As I get close to the bottom I call out "What's up Jess?" and see Jesse rounding the building. I am then hit sideways by a very exuberant Lady. Lady?

Lady has obviously decided I'm going too slowly on her training, and took herself out of her kennel to tour the property. Fortunately at night, because she isn't good with chickens. She is ecstatic to see me. I guide her into the bird building, where I have spare leashes. I keep hold of her while I grab the spare, because she's also not good with cats, and a cat lives in the building. Lady doesn't care, she's happy to be out, and happy to be with me.

We go by the horses, to make sure all is well. They look over at us, obviously undisturbed. At their feet are sheep and goats, also unruffled. The geese are against the back fence, looking less sanguine. Lady and I walk up the hill back to the kennel, and inspect the damage. Not bad, easily fixable.

No harm done, one happy dog. I am, however, very glad I listened to my dogs.

Welcome Lady

Lady, an Anatolian Shepherd Dog, lived happily on a small ranch with a marina for two years. However, when the tide went out she would sneak around the edge of the fence and visit the neighbors. The neighbors started getting upset, and now Lady has found her way to me.


She and her people are sad to be parted, but Charlie and I are thrilled to have her here. She is familiar with peafowl, chickens, sheep and goats - and emu! I think she will fit in well here. Charlie needs the help, he is getting old and his hips are bad. Not that he lets that slow him down much, but hopefully with a young girl to help him out he will take more breaks, and consider retirement.


She'll live in the kennel for awhile, until everyone gets used to her (the sheep are NOT ready to accept a strange dog!), and she gets the feel of the place. She's a lovely girl, very gentle and sweet with a quiet manner. I hope she'll have many happy years here at Ravenwood.

A New Bedroom

A friend gave me a dog house her dog had rejected. I set it up in my back yard, hoping that Hannah or Trey would find it acceptable.


And Trey claimed it for his own. Now when he's stuck outside he has an official house to snuggle up in.