Ursa December 24, 1994 - February 13, 2009

Ursa was my friend, companion, and protector for nine of her fourteen years. She taught me so much. She continued to do her job until the day she died. When she was unable to sit or stand, she lifted her head and smiled at me with her eyes.

Ursa watched the sun come up and transverse the sky and as it started to set, she crossed the rainbow bridge very peacefully, with me beside her. (Thanks Veryl, for that wonderful sentence!)

She chose a spot with a good view, well protected by her friends. I was able to get her onto a rug, and covered with blankets. We spent the day together, Ursa nobel and uncomplaining as always.

Early in the day a raven landed atop the nearest tree and spent several minutes singing a chortle song. 

Ursa's Last Day

Berna stood watch from the northwest, the back of the house.

Jesse and Charlie watched from the top of the hill.

Even Millie, who was always challenging Ursa's Queen status, stayed by us, guarding from the south.

The geese came by, either to pay tribute, see what was happening, or to steal water. I'm not certain which.

But they spent most of the day nearby.

Queen Ursa

Not bad for a 14 year old. The pink lump on her jaw is a non-cancerous tumor she's had for several years now. She doesn't seem to feel it at all. The treatment would have been to take the end of her jaw off - a procedure I couldn't see putting an old dog through (neither could the vet). She sleeps a lot these days, but is bright and cheery when she's awake. As you can see from past posts, she still gets around well. My thanks to Audrey for placing her with me all those years ago.

Trey has been feeling left out lately, so I thought I'd include him here. My pretty little herder boy, Trey is a very sweet and gentle Border Collie cross.

Ursa the Intrepid

At 5:30 this morning 14 year old Ursa was less than thrilled with the strong wind, cold air and crunchy snow. When she tried to get to her favorite pee area she got stuck in snow drifts with a hard ice surface. 

That didn't stop her from accompanying me later on my morning water-hauling and feeding rounds.

On the way back to the house the path was partially blocked by a fallen tree. Ursa looked at it thoughtfully.

What do you do after slogging through crusty snow, getting stuck in drifts, and generally having a hard time of your morning walk, and now being confronted with an obstacle?

Rest up. 

The Guardian

Berna has always loved and revered Ursa, but hasn't been so thrilled to have her inside most of the time. Today, however, Ursa had a difficult morning, and Berna took a protective position, watching over her aging friend.

Berna the Protector

Berna was 5 months old when I got her. From the moment of her arrival she adored Ursa, the now 13 year old Caucasian Ovtcharka. I worried that as Berna grew up this would change, as Ursa is and always shall be top dog. Berna is now 3, and still thinks Ursa is the coolest thing ever. Here she has placed herself between Ursa and the other dogs, so Ursa can gnaw her bone in peace. Instead of challenging the old girl Berna protects her.

Even Brown Dogs Get Muddy

Berna, 2 yrs old, lays down next to Ursa, 13 yrs old. Ursa has finally decided to come in out of the rain and mud, and Berna is ensuring she can rest and dry unmolested by the rowdy herder dogs.

More Lovely Seniors

One of my favorite email lists is LGD-L (Livestock Guardian Dog List), hosted by Listserv. It started years ago with a small group of LGD owners, including the owners of these two Caucasian Ovtcharkas. I feel we "grew up" in LGDs together - along with the owners of Ursa's family members featured earlier.

Mishka is the beloved companion of Cissy Stamm, living in New York state. She has recently retired from being Cissy's service dog in NY City. Mishka is a beautiful 11 years young. She went through several homes before she found Cissy, and her perfect place in the universe. Mishka turns 12 September 6.

Nushi also lives in New York state. Originally imported from Budapest as part of a breeding program, her Hungarian birth name was Feleghazi Hetordog Aida (Hetordog means "seven devils"), and the breeder's call name for her was Garra (Claw in Portuguese). At 4.5 months Nushi had other ideas, and instead found her way to Pamela and Joel Rose where she has been their joy and delight for 11 years. She diligently protects her home and family, including the cats.

And, since this is my blog, here's another picture of Ursa, taken a couple months ago. The huge tumor on her jaw is now getting smaller - since I've been putting raw honey on it. Very odd, but very wonderful if it continues. Ursa wasn't a rescue but was rehomed to me at the age of 5. It took her some time to adjust to country life (she grew up in Boston), but she now loves it, and spends most of her time outside helping Charlie protect their world. My life has been richer since Ursa has been in it.

Family Portrait

Ursa is from one of the most beautiful Caucasian Ovtcharka families I've seen. Here's a partial family album; all of these dogs are over 12 at the time of the pictures.

Stately Blanche, mother

Ilka, proud sister

Ursa, wanting only belly rubs

Brother Slava, the largest of the litter and one of the most beautiful

Dog Days of Summer

Why Working Dogs Have Double Coats

Ursa's lovely warm coat keeps all her body heat inside, not outside melting snow. The red lump on her jaw is a non-cancerous tumor. At 11 we weren't willing to put her through the surgery to remove it. She enjoys every day of her life, in spite of the tumor and serious arthritis.

Keeping Watch

Jesse the Samoyed hangs out with Ursa (Caucasian Ovtcharka) and Berna (Anatolian Shepherd Dog). 

Ursa the Caucasian Ovtcharka

Ursa is our Grand Dame and primary (vocal) backup. She's 11, and thinks belly rubs are more fun than photo posing. Ursa is from Boston, where she was the ultimate city dog - familiar with transit systems and busy streets. It took her awhile to adjust to farm life, but now she considers herself an integral part of farm security. She still loves car rides.