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Saturday, January 21, 2012

A Dog And His Boy

Hank and I were horsing around last night after I got done feeding and I remembered that I'd forgotten about some fun shots I'd taken back in the late fall.

Hank was pretty feral when we got him. For the first few days he was here, he was tied up in the sheep shed, and for a couple weeks after that he drug around a long rope so that we could catch him. We didn't care if he became our best buddy, but wanted to make sure we could at least get ahold of him for routine or emergency veterinary care.

I don't remember now how long it took for him to adopt us into his flock. It doesn't seem like it was too long, but it also almost seems like he's been here forever. I do remember his first really cold, nasty evening. I went out to the barn to feed, expecting to find Hank shivering and miserable, huddled in the corner of a stall. I couldn't find him anywhere.

At the time he still had few sheep friends and as I searched all over I feared that between that and the weather, he'd given up and headed out looking for a better life. I finally caught a glimpse of him, racing around in big circles out in the field next to the barn with a huge smile on his face. Hank loves cold weather. I was so relieved to find him and find him not miserable that I went out and joined his fun. We've been playing ever since.



His favorite game is attack tag. He races in.



Jumps away just as you get close to tagging him.



Makes a big, fast circle.



Buzzes by again.



Darts away.



Races back.



And away.



Until he's had enough. Or maybe until he senses we've had enough. Then he trots over,



collapses in a fit of tickle giggles,



and gets up happy.

He especially loves to race around at dusk. I'm not sure if it's because he's rested up and just feeling good or excited to start the night's work or if he's just getting warmed up, sort of like stretching exercises. We love being part of his nightly (and daily) ritual.

24 comments:

Deb at Merciful Hearts Farm said...

Don't you just love those big guys! Ours are out acting a fool in the pouring rain. Such a precious gift to a farm!

Christine said...

Yep, that looks familiar! I absolute ADORE that last photo. Sooo sweet.

Tombstone Livestock said...

Love the pictures, thanks for sharing. Didn't think I would get as attached to a breed as much as the Border Collies, but gotta love the Pyrs too.

Anchor Cottage said...

Love the story of Hank.

Marcy said...

It's a great feeling to see all that joy! Thanks for sharing.

Unknown said...

Oh mannnnn, I want a Hank!

Lori Skoog said...

Tim and Hank look like a very happy pair. Sweet!

Sheepmom said...

That last picture is frame-worthy. AWARD-worthy in fact. It's what every farm dog should be. Hank makes sure the Peaceable Kingdom stays peaceful. God bless Hank. (You and Saint Tim ain't no slouches either.)

Sheepmom said...

PS. I think the post title should be 'A Dog and His Boy".

thecrazysheeplady said...

Right you are!

Oak Creek Ranch said...

This is wonderful! The smile on that pups face is priceless.

Alice said...

Great action photos for Fun with Tim and Hank, and thanks for showing us how to play attack tag. That game is a new one for me. :-)

sheepsclothing said...

great action photos. looks like he is having so much fun- and that last photo is just awesome. happy dog :)

~Kim at Golden Pines~ said...

Add me to those that love that last photo! Such joy and happiness that may have taken awhile, but was so, so worth the wait!!!

June said...

That last photo says it all!! I used to not care much for dogs (being a cat-person), but since my daughter got a dog, I consider Lucky my "grand-dog". They are such precious animals.

Shirley said...

Hank looks like he is the happiest dog ever. Great photos.

Sue said...

What a beautiful series of photos! Almost makes me wish for a dog (but don't have nearly enough work to keep one happy). Used to have a cat that played tag like that with me.

small farm girl said...

So this is what I get to look forward to? LOL

Benita said...

Wow, that is one happy looking dog! How lucky for him and lucky for you that he lives on your farm.

Bee Lady said...

SO cute. You can just see the smile on Hanks face in that last picture! That is one happy fur baby!

My fur babies and I have started training today. Just me and them. No trainer, 'cept me. I'm hoping it isn't hopeless. (sigh)

Cindy Bee

Janice Grinyer said...

I love love love his big smile in that last photo :)

Terry and Linda said...

I adore that smile on his face! I'm so glad you have him and he has you!


Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com
http://deltacountyhistoricalsociety.wordpress.com

Firas said...

Lovely shots : )

Anonymous said...

What a fun set of pictures! His smile is infectious :)

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