Once By The Ocean

If instead of a dog, I were but a pebble on the sand,
I'd be cleansed in the bath of the ocean's gentle hand
The days would pass in my quiet contemplation,
I would lose myself in rhythmic meditation

The ocean would wake me with whisper and song
And tell me the stories of when her waters were strong

I would be just a pebble but a part of much more
A stone on the sand, a guardian of the shore

A life in the sand, in the sun, with a job but still free

A flockless existence as a shepherd of the sea

I would be understood, this yearning of my soul

I would be just a pebble, free to roll, free to roll

Can You Believe This Guy?

Um. Excuse me? Pindaro? Um. That's my couch. And my Mom. And by the way, that's my couch. And, in case you think you are a Bergamasco who can ignore the rules and order that give our lives meaning, dogs are only allowed on the other side of the couch where the towels are. I know Mom is just being polite, helping you to feel welcome, but come on buddy. We've all noticed you slowly moving in. You came to visit when you were just a tiny squirt , and I excused your antics because you were a puppy and everything. And now, well, technically, you are still a puppy, and maybe I should be lenient, and those sad puppy eyes are killing me. I mean, do you really have to look at everyone like that? Like this:

I do get it. A dog in these times has got to work whatever charms he has to impress the ladies, but could you maybe do your snuggle fest sad eyes routine back in CT?

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.