The Kid, The Snow, and The Coat

Ayla has taken to things such as these: coats, snow storms, puddles.... What can I do? I tell her, "Run! They are getting out the rain coats! We are not Morton Salt Dogs! We are Bergamascos! We have no need for such things! We do not go out of doors in inclement weather!" But, alas, she is infinitely sweet. Her reply is more like, "Oh, what? I have my very own coat? How lovely! I like my coat. Oh, it's snowing? How nice! I like snow. Oh, we're walking through puddles and mud today? How wonderful! I like puddles." Watch out fellow Bergs, she's blowing our cover. Our control is slipping away in the paws of a youngling. Soon, our people will think we should submit to baths, to being dried with a towel, to going to bathroom in inclement weather, to getting out of the car when we are very comfortable, and *gasp* going anywhere we don't really want to go on a leash of all things. Ugh, kids today.

A Running Mate With Her Nose Pressed Against the Glass Ceiling

My friends, it is with great excitement and respect that I announce my running mate, your next vice president, Ayla Del Albera. She is a young woman but in her short life, she has seen much and understands the struggles facing Americans today.

Unlike her opponents, Ayla is very Pro-Cat and has consistently voted for resolutions supporting a Cat's right to dominate a household. In fact, when considering accepting the opportunity to run for VP, she consulted her senior cat, Misty, for her approval. Misty admittedly could not be bothered with such trivialities but consented that she would not really approve of anyone else in that position anyway. Anna was unavailable for comment as she was in silent meditation in a brown paper bag.

Like myself, Ayla is ready to work hard to win the support of Americans and be a strong representation of The Herding Party values. Ayla is aware of the growing threat of the Squirrel problem. In fact, she can see them from her house.

I know you are wondering if she really has the executive experience required to be my vice or to be the president if required. My friends, Ayla has been around the block. She knows which streets have the meanest dogs. She can judge the proverbial weather. And, she, like myself, knows well enough that when the rain comes, stay inside. Stay inside.

I invite you to get to know Ayla over these next weeks. I think you will see that together we are the sheepdogs to bring the change this country desperately desires, like a bag of treats on the dining room table.

An Unexpected Candidate Throws His Flock in the Ring

"He was born in a small town in Pennsylvania, the son of single mother who fell in love with an Italian man when she was visiting extended family in Italy. She struggled to raise two strong sons, supported by her family. His mother instilled in him a clear work ethic, a loving character, and a desire for leadership.

"After he left home, he spent time in rural NY, developing an appreciation for the struggle of farmers and an understanding of small town values. From there, he lived in NM where he gathered insight into the Native American plight and witnessed the effects of dwindling resources such as fresh water.

"His journey took him back to New England for greater learning and growing. It was here that his intellectual pursuits blossomed and he began to study politics, with the hope of one day affecting greater change in his world.

"He became a strong force for the Herding Party, leading rallies and peaceful demonstrations. He became the clear voice for sheepdog principles. He became someone to herd us into times of peace. He will herd us into a good shady spot and protects us all there.

"Is he change you can support? Yes. Does he put his herd first? Yes, of course. Does he believe in equal rights for shitzus and newfoundlands alike? Yes. He supports nationalizing veterinary care, increased support for shelters, the elimination of kill shelters, and the protection of more free running nature space. He supports all dog's right to choose: kibble, canned, or homecooked.

"In the next few weeks, this blog will document this exciting campaign. I encourage you to watch our candidate choose his running mate, meet with the people, and speak out against injustice. He's not just anyone running for office, he's Orso, our Orso. Orso, the next President of the United States of America, a sheepdog for all of us."

--------A biography of Orso provided by The Herding Party

My name is Orso and I approve this message.

A Romp With the New Kid In The Extendo Family

There's a new squirt around these days but thankfully not in our house.

Our friends, Jeanine and Calem (where Ayla came from), got a new puppy named Pindaro. It's summer and the adventures are many these days as Dad is home everyday. Oh that reminds me...

To put to rest the age old question: "Orso, aren't you hot in the summer with all that hair?" It's 92 degrees, do you want to run around and play in the sun at 2 in the afternoon? Every dog, cat, human, and critter alike is hot in the summer. We're mammals! It's summer! It's New England! Yes, dammit, I am hot in the summer but so are you! It's not the hair, it's summer. I keep trying to convince Mom to move us further north but alas... At least we will vacation in Nova Scotia where there is a fine front porch and a cool river breeze.

Ok, I'm done now. Had to get that out.

So anyway, Pindaro was just a tiny squirt - we met up with them at some cool woods in CT called Old Furnace. I did not see an old or new furnace anywhere but the parking lot appears to be a random meet-up spot for all things shady in western CT. But the woods were nice and shady in a good way. Pindaro was totally overwhelmed at first, just sitting and watching, afraid of Mom, Dad, Ayla and me. Then he got his confidence up and really enjoyed himself. I think he knew I was in charge. It was pretty clear that I was the only adult dog as Ayla dug herself a great big hole in the side of creek and flopped down in the muddy water. These are things only a puppy would do. She and her sister Anthea seemed to really enjoy each other and enjoy being muddy and wet.

I'm sort of getting the hang of being the wise older Berg, guiding the young and flockless. Someday, they will have both the hair and manner of true Bergamasco. For now, I am learning to appreciate the fluff balls and even tug a stick or two with them.

Ayla's Adventure and a vacation with Nore!

Ayla got to go have a special trip with Mom out to visit Ayla's family. I have to admit I felt really lost without her home for the day. I've just sort of gotten used to having The Kid around and I kind of like my job of looking after her. When she came home though, she told me all about how she played with her sister Anthea and her mom Mezza. I could tell from my inspection of her that she also spent time with my girl Aria. Sweet Aria. Next time, Mom better bring me.

This weekend was very special. Every now and then I get to go stay with Nate's mom, Nore. Nore is one of my most favorite people. I think Nore understands me in a way that no one else can. This was Ayla's first time for a sleepover. I tried to explain to Nore that we really didn't have to pay any attention to The Kid - she could just chew a toy or something. I like having Nore to myself, but I could see that she needed to pay a little attention to Ayla too. I am a very good boy for Nore so I was appalled when she tried to put the "gentle" leader on me for a walk. Did she forget that I am a big boy and only unruly puppies need such devices of torture and control? So I took care of it, but just getting that thing right off. It can be hard work for a sheepdog at Nore's - I have to keep an eye on her and the cat, Tuck. It's tough to watch them both but I manage without too much strife. I was a bit too busy to eat though.

Mom is still without a camera but we have one on loan so we should be able to post a bit more soon. Jeanine (Anthea's person mamma) took these great pics of Ayla and Anthea for us.

Home again, home again

Well, the rest of our trip was fun but exhausting. They took us on a long walk on a road that was still closed for the winter so it was covered with a foot or so of ice and snow. This walk I really enjoyed - shade, packed snow and flat walking. We took a break in the middle and Ayla and I played a bit of chase and tug with a stick. Now you think this would have been enough, but no, Mom wanted a little more time in the woods and tried to get us to do another walk with her. This time, I put the breaks on and refused. She once again did not understand my clear communication so I had to plant my feet in the dirt and refuse to move. Then Mom understood. One good walk is really plenty for me so they left me in the car. I think, though, Mom missed me and came back to the car in a few minutes with The Kid and she sat and read while Dad climbed a bit of the mountain.

In Bethel, Maine in April, there really are very few people around at all. We saw almost no one on any walk we did. Our walks were challenging because there was still so much snow, but there were some nice spots. So I really didn't encounter any new fans and no one even took my picture. But privacy on vacation can be really nice. Now if we went there in the winter during ski season, I'd be swarmed.

I mentioned the fast food in the last post, but I will have to add that leftovers from Mom's dinner are also very good. We had HADDOCK.

Overall for our trip, Ayla really did very well for such a little kid. She hiked, she ate, and she slept (mostly). She did admit that I was actually right for once; vacations are fun but tiring. When we got home, she seemed just as happy as I to get a big drink of water and collapse in our usual locations. And it was really great to be with Anna and Misty. One of the first things I did was find Anna and give her a little smoocheroo. She resisted but I know she loves me.

I spent most of today cleaning. I had most of a small forest floor stuck in my flocks. It has taken me all day to crush sticks and pull them out of the most uncomfortable places. Mom has been complaining about the twigs and pine needles and keeps sweeping them up. Little does she know that there is literally 10 times what she has already cleaned up still stuck deep in my coat. She has said that every content sheepdog has an important job. I guess she's feeling pretty content right about now.

Where is Orso? In Maine!!!!

Our camera fell victim to an unfortunate, long fall into my water bowl (I was trying to take a picture of my yummy supper) so pictures may have to wait a day or so until we see a store large enough to carry such things as digital cameras.

We are spending our week vacation in the White Mountains in Maine. We're staying at a great bed and breakfast that happily allows dogs. This is only The Kid's second trip and the first was during her first week with us. So it is all really new for her. In the car yesterday, I slept, saving my energy for what I know will be a very active week. She, on the other hand, was up in between the two front seats watching everything. I tried to tell her, "Sleep now Kid. You have no idea how much walking we'll do. Listen to your wise big bro on this one." But did she? No. Two years ago in Lake Placid, the hiking was pretty intense. We were doing short hikes up mountains, but multiple mountains in a day. I caught on to the routine and protested after the first one of the day, plopping myself deeply into an unraisable nap in the back seat. A nap in the shade of the woods at a parking lot of a trail head is a lovely thing.

Today we started by walking a bit on the property of the B&B. Mom and Dad had to wear snow shoes because the snow is still very deep in the forest. The Kid, of course, is very happy to flop, smush, and roll in piles of snow. It was okay, because it was packed down, but I followed close behind Mom's snow shoe tracks. I should say, it was okay until we reached an ice bridge over a spring rushing stream. I thought we shouldn't go over it, but Dad and Ayla were pretty insistent. I decided to leap it which was a good choice. Coming back, however, I felt even more hesitant. Dad went first, then Ayla, then me and then, SPLASH, Mom's foot totally went through the ice into the stream. I tried to tell them. Humans are so reckless.

We did two more short walks. One was on a paved path through town. And the other was part of the Appalachian Trail. Mom only wanted to do a little of this one, so she took us back down the hill and we had a rest at the car. Then The Kid got to experience for the first time, one of the best parts of our road trips: Fast Food. Mom bought us each a hamburger. At first, Ayla was just happily nibbling, then she got really into it and tried to steal mine. She's cute and fluffy and everything, but man, she can be bossy.

Right now, we are taking a much needed rest back at the inn. I think The Kid finally gets it; Sleep every minute you can before they run you ragged.

Hopefully, I will be able to share some pictures soon of our beautiful adventure.

Adventures and Quiet Moments

The Kid has been practicing rolling in leaves and mud. She likes to blend into the woods. Can you find the puppy beast in the picture?

I, the more experienced hiking Bergamasco, remain unleafed and unmudded as I stay trail bound when exploring the woods. Rolling is currently reserved for sandy beaches only.

I decided I had to share this recent photo too. The Kid used to love to lie underneath the coffee table for a good nap. Now, she's a giant flocking beasty. She tucks her head under the table and lets her belly flop to the floor. Poor Kid has no idea how large she has become. Now that she chews on me a lot less, I'm starting to enjoy playing with her. I chase her for toys and sticks. We are starting to have a real relationship. Of course, just when I'm starting to enjoy her, she'll jump on me and start biting my head. Mom says it's okay for me to tell her no so now I do. She listens to me, well... most of the time.

Cuddle Fest with Gabe

Lately, at least once a week, we have our friends over. The frustrating part is that they all hover around the dining room table rolling dice and moving things around. And all the while, I'm just waiting for my friend, Gabe to be done with the adults and come to the couch with me. Sometimes it takes a little barking to get his attention, but eventually, he knows what I want and goes to the couch with me. There have been a few nights when the adults have played games late into the night and Gabe decides to sleep for a bit. We share the couch and I watch over him while he rests. Although he and Ayla play and wrestle, Gabe and I have a sacred bond and a love of the cuddle couch time.

Quantum Growth

Oh my, there is a giant lapse in material here and to my faithful fans and readers, I apologize. Time has a different meaning in the life of a dog. We function on more of a quantum relationship with our lives. For me, I wrote you last just moments ago or a lifetime ago. But in your linear perspective, a month has passed and much has changed.

The Kid has some moments of seeming like a dog I could be friends with. We have shared some joyous moments of good games of chase on the beach. We both love sticks. At home, however, she continues to try my patience by stealing my toys and chewing the squeaky in my face. I find this completely and utterly irritating, but what can I do? She's just a kid, so I can't steal the toy away. I end up crying until Mom comes to retrieve my toy. I'm sorry, but I just think it's Mom's responsibility. I mean, it's totally obvious that it's my toy. Eventually, though, Mom ends up taking the toys away and telling us to settle down. It's pretty unfair, but sometimes, I see where she puts the toy and go stare at it until someone comes along to give it to me.

The Kid is now almost as big as me and she absolutely does not know this fact. She tries to sleep on top of me quite a bit and that not-so-little rump of hers is quite a presence when you are trying to get some rest. But, again, what can I do? She's still the baby and if she needs a snuggle partner, I'm it.

Mom took us to a dog show in Providence this weekend. The above photo is Ayla playing with her sister, Anthea. I have been to one other dog show. These things are crazy. People put tiny leashes on their companions and trot around in a circle with them. Then they stand very still with the promise of a tiny morsel of a treat being held out in front of them. It's archaic. The Kid was so excessively excited by the whole thing, she didn't do as well as she has done for Mom other times, but Mom was happy that they got second place (um, out of two). I was only in there for a brief period (they know better than to think I would want to be a show dog - I only came in to watch) and my fans surrounded me. About a hundred people touched and talked to me which was very nice.

Today is a wet and rainy day; the perfect day to lounge on the couch with my laptop and reconnect with my fans. I will try to be more conscious of your linear time and write some more very soon.

From Where I Sit

Where ever you go, there's a couch. Even in the woods, I was so happy to find a nice little wooden couch to perch myself upon. Mom's been taking us to some land trusts she found and this one is called Destruction Brook. They must have named it that after dogs like The Kid came and dug holes at every turn.

Getting the Love You Want

You may be oh so curious about how your dog's mind works. Let me enlighten you to my inner dialog:

**Sniff, sniff, I wonder what Mom had for lunch today, oh she was at work, sniff, sniff, maybe I'll go back to the couch for a while and stretch out, sniff, sniff, oh I'm thirsty, oh Ayla was licking my bowl again, what's Ayla doing?, Ayla's not supposed to have slippers, she's really bad, sniff, sniff, she's a girl, sniff, sniff, she's thinking about supper, sniff, sniff, oh yeah, the couch would be good, sniff, sniff, mail man is coming and he's having a bad day, sniff, sniff, wonder when Dad's coming home is that his car door no it's not, ok, sniff, sniff couch**

You get the idea. So you can imagine my surprise when I'm having normal thoughts and I hear, "Hello Orso, I'm here to talk to you if you want to." What the &*^(% is that? At first, I thought I'd gotten too close to being human and was having a breakdown. Instead, as it turns out was a nice woman Mom got to have a conversation between us. It seemed kind of silly when Mom and I have great communication but I guess I was wrong about some stuff and Mom was too. So Mom and I had a conversation through this other lady. It was pretty cool.

The long and short of it is that I now know that they got The Kid to be a friend to me, not because I'm not a good enough dog for them. So I feel a little less anxious and am being a bit cooler about the whole thing. I guess I could have chosen better ways to release my anxiety than using Ayla as a real live Big Red.

So now Ayla and I are playing with toys together and I'm teaching her how to play tug with me. I'm still feeling like I need to be very careful with her, even though she freakin' tries to tug on my flocks relentlessly sometimes.

Famous Dog Times: An Interview

I was recently featured in an article in Famous Dog Times. At the risk of letting my popularity go straight to my flocky head, I am sharing an excerpt of that interview here so that my fans may be privy to the insider's answers to questions you've always wanted to ask. Oh, and they interviewed Ayla a bit as well.

FDT: So, Orso, you've had a lot of readers to your blog. How has the notoriety changed you?

Orso: Well, I try to keep it real you know, for the fans. The paparazzi was a bit of an affair before my blog. In fact, the blog was originally intentioned as a way for the peeps to channel their curiosity. Before this, people were taking all kinds of pictures of me with their cell phones, with digital cameras out of car windows, and so on. This provides real access to the real me. I guess to really answer your question, I'd say that I've always been a noteworthy dog, it just has more substance now.

(Ayla: Notes? I like to eat paper! Yea paper!)

FDT: We are dying to know who you're favoring in the upcoming election. Can you share just a bit of your political leanings? Your existential, liberal nature must be evident here, no?

Orso: I say bring back people like Shirley Chisholm, someone who can speak strongly for the people. She fought for the right to be heard and used her public time to share her ideas. I'm really still trying to puzzle out just where everyone stands. These days, it's a challenge to get more than just personality.

(Ayla: I have a new gray elephant rope toy. Yea toys!)

FDT: We've all seen the pictures of you on your couch. So on any given day, when you are kickin' back with a bully stick, what sort of music do you love to listen to?

Orso: I love instrumental jazz like Coltrane and Miles. Mom actually sings and plays guitar and most of the time, frankly, I find that to be pretty annoying. I have to leave the room. Folk music - blah blah, why me? why us? it's so sad what's happening blah blah G chord D chord C chord blah.

(Ayla: Raffi! I love Raffi! Yea Raffi Yea! Peace is cool la la la!)

FDT: You've been called, "The Existential Dog Poet," "The Dog's Dog," and "Orso: Funny Man with an Edge." Do these names tell you that your fans are getting you or are they missing the big picture of who you are?

Orso: Good question. Good question. You know, it doesn't matter really. We dogs are so used to being anthropomorphized and projected upon - it's just become a part of our relationship with our people. I am who you think I am, man. I am Dog.

(Ayla: Me too I'm a dog too me too. Yea! Me too yea!)

FDT: Last question, Orso, what other famous dog do you admire - either present or past?

Orso: I like a dog with a strong work ethic and strength, both inner and physical. So I have to go with Sam the Sheepdog. He clocked in and out everyday. It sounds simple but that Wolf never got those sheep, you know what I mean?

(Ayla: Sheepies? Me supposed to do stuff with sheepies? Where dem sheepies? Yea sheepies! Oh boy sheepies!)

FDT: Anything else you want to tell your fans, Orso?

Orso: Sure, thanks to everyone who reads the blog. We really love your comments too. It keeps me writing and thinking. Oh, and for those of you who asked me to, you can now subscribe to my blog (over to the right) and you get an email when there is a new post.

(Ayla: Hi fans! Hi! Yea! Do you see me through the 'mputer? Mmmm power cords. Yea yea yea!)

That Which Should Never Be Named Nor Discussed

I'd been hearing wind of it for a few weeks, but I dismissed it as me not hearing all of the conversation. Even when Mom sat me down to tell me about the procedure, I still didn't quite believe it would happen.

It was a rainy Friday morning, and Mom put us in the car just like any other day. When we pulled up to the vet, I thought Ayla must need something because I've been feeling pretty darn good. I do love going to the vet, especially this vet, but I didn't want to get out of the car in the rain. Despite my obvious protest, Mom pulled me from the car and brought me in and then did something she's never done........She left me there.

Everyone was very nice and Dr. Lord came to hang out with me. Pretty soon, I was in a deep sleep and when I woke up, I felt some pain of course, but also an emptiness. I felt a little umph, a shenesequa, a part of me was just sort of gone. Hmm, they really did IT.

I took one for the team. We can't really risk Ayla getting in a family way while she is so young. It's okay, I'm okay. Dr. Lord took really good care of me and even called to check up on me a few times.

I'm not sure how I will feel as the next days and months roll on, but right now, when I think about Aria, my pulse beats a bit faster. You can't take that away from me.

Heel, Come, Sit, Down, and Cookies

It's like they never stop training The Kid. "Ayla down, ayla sit, ayla this way, ayla good girl, oh no ayla not in the house, ayla blah blah, blah ayla blah, blah, blah." I've just started tuning them out. Yammering aside, the good thing about all this is that there are lots more cookies going on. Suddenly, every time I sit, I'm getting a cookie too. Not that there has been a cookie shortage in my life, but The Kid requires lots of positive reinforcement tools. I just sort of started doing everything they ask her to do, and wah-lah, the cookies keep on coming.

Today's walk was at a new place called Ridge Hill. We found some nice soft sand to play in. I practiced my elegant leaping and The Kid dug a few holes and ran around like a ..... puppy. I do get it: She's cute, very cute. I have even enjoyed kissing her a bit here and there. But it will be nice when she becomes a little more distinguished, a little more dignified, a little more polite, a little more like me.

Do You See What's Happening Here?

Remember me and MY couch?

I wrote a lovely poem about it's splendor.

I have even shared so nicely.

Mom always straightens out my blankets for me to make it the perfect Bergamasco nest.

But now? As you can plainly see, as evidenced by the above photo, which clearly demonstrates, and conspicuously capitulates that The Kid is taking over. This is not a puppy in the middle of a sweet snuggle. This is not, "But Big Brother, it's so cold, lend me your flocky warmth." No, this is a slow and deliberate take over of my spot. And a take over of Mom's snuggle blanket, I might add.

Luckily, generally speaking, The Kid has an alarmingly short attention span and smushes me for short periods before abandoning me for a chew toy.

I think Dad was hip to my dilemma and tried to find Ayla her very own spot:

This is fine, actually, as it gets her not only off of my couch but literally out of my hair for a bit. But if you refer to the sandwich post, you will realize as I did, that technically, this is still a take-over.

{PS: You might have noticed that I really am getting the hang of embedded links and moving pictures around. Hopefully, I did not just create one of those shows that is supposed to be a new show but they keep just showing snippets of previous shows, because that is so lame.}

mmmm...fluffy sandwiches

How to Make a Fluffy Sandwich

Begin with an open faced clam chair of a comfy variety, preferably with soft pillows.
Add one medium sized person who if you are lucky is covered in an blanket. Let the person get significantly warm and comfortable.
Add one beautiful (if I do say so myself) 6 year old gray and black Bergamasco, male.
Top off with a smallish 5 month old soft Bergamasco puppy, female.

Let sit for long enough for all to find comfortable locations amidst the body parts and chair contortions.

Enjoy the fluffy, flocky, persony goodness.

New Year's Revolutions

I heard the downtown fireworks last night from the warm cozy sanctity of my couch and watched Mom fight to stay up to midnight. And I knew what night this was. New Year's Eve.

Dad suggested that I work on some resolutions for the new year in keeping with tradition. As I thought it over, however, I realized that I don't have any goals, any need to change who I am to meet who I think I ought to be in the course of 365 days.

I think once again you could all consider the dog's perspective here. I could resolve to be more in the present, but man, I am so there. Or here, as it were.

I could resolve to be closer to my family, but our closeness grows naturally with the flow of time, in each walk, in each shared meal, in each journey together.

I could resolve to lose weight or be healthier, but I am concerned with neither. I only eat until I am satisfied. I exercise daily and get plenty of couch time.

So instead of resolutions, my dear readers, I am promoting only revolutions. You human people have a lot of work to do in this area - the government needs a serious shift-a-roo, people need to come together and support each other. I could go on about how you all should be able to go to the doctor when you are sick, but I digress.

The dog revolution is different. We really only require a few stand-up changes, really. Driver's licenses are a good start. We shouldn't have to wait to "go for a ride."

The handle for the refrigerator should be lowered and turned 90 degrees for ease of canine opening. Though, given a few months, The Kid may figure out how to do that one all on her own.

Lastly, we here at the Bring About Revolution Kanine (BARK) are extremely interested in forming a new branch of the internet - a dot dog if you will - our own virtual dog park. This would make communication go way beyond a good sniff if you know what I mean.

I wish all of you a wonderful New Year - May it be filled with personal revolutions.