Seen along a remote dirt road …. it struck me as perfectly iconic of March in rural Nevada; lambing time draws near – a time of rebirth and renewal – and peace.
The resting dog appears to be a cross-breed, Great Pyrrenese and Australian shepherd. Pyrrenese are highly regarded as defenders against predators, and they generally work the night shift, patroling boundaries. Australians and border collies are preferred herding dogs in the region. No efforts are made to keep bloodlines from mixing.
Butte Valley, Nevada – USA
(2012.MAR.27)
PLACED TOP TEN
April Avatar Challenge on Pets Are Us
(2013.MAR.30)

Canon 550D EOS
Sigma 70-300mm
Kenko 2x
Corel PhotoImpact x3
sheep, lamb, ewe, sheepdog, dog, herding, flock, nevada, great basin, arla ruggles, ranching, ranch, western, agriculture, farm, ovine, barnyard
Great Basin Life exists … between … high desert expanses and majestic mountain wilderness.
Daily, I watch the winds of change sweeping away what remains of our western culture and heritage, and the land that has produced them.
My mission is to preserve as much as I can, of that which will soon vanish, through my photography.
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Comments
I love this image Arla – what a wonderful beast he is
Thanks very much, Anne! They certainly brought me a smile. :)
– Arla M. Ruggles
Sweet capture. I always love seeing these dogs with their herd.
Thanks, Bunny! They’re so interesting to watch. :)
– Arla M. Ruggles
Lovely capture Arla!
Thank you, Torfinn!!
– Arla M. Ruggles
Nice shot Arla. It brings a special mood that I have no words to describe. But it’s certainly a positive mood. :)
Arvy! HELLO!!! So good to see you again!
For me, to see a “natural predator” (dog) living so harmoniously with another species that would ordinarily be “prey” … and without training, but only the evolution of compatibility over many generations, is indeed “the lion and the lamb”. It doesn’t get any more “Easter” than this. :)
– Arla M. Ruggles
March-29-2012

Stunning image of this big beautiful dog…Arla!! Looks like he was taking a nap on the Job…lol Excellent work as always , my friend! Wtg
Thanks, Carla!
I’m pretty sure this guy worked the night shift. He deserved a break. :D
– Arla M. Ruggles
Well done on stuning capture and feature.
Thank you, tinypaws!
– Arla M. Ruggles
Love this shot, Arla!
Thank you, AutumnGirl!
– Arla M. Ruggles
and the dog is a peace, look at that face soaking up the sun. I’d say he’s an old fellow by the looks, and must be much loved. He enjoys his work.
Thank you, Vickie! Yes, It is the ideal life for a dog like this.
– Arla M. Ruggles
Congrats on a wonderfully eyecatching shot.
How wonderful! Thank you so much, Linda!
– Arla M. Ruggles