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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
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(2013.MAR.30)

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  4. In Dogs We Trust
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Canon 550D EOS
Sigma 70-300mm
Kenko 2x

Corel PhotoImpact x3

Tags

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

  • Anne  McGinn
    Anne McGinnabout 1 year ago

    I love this image Arla – what a wonderful beast he is

  • Thanks very much, Anne! They certainly brought me a smile. :)

    – Arla M. Ruggles

  • Bunny Clarke
    Bunny Clarkeabout 1 year ago

    Sweet capture. I always love seeing these dogs with their herd.

  • Thanks, Bunny! They’re so interesting to watch. :)

    – Arla M. Ruggles

  • Torfinn Johannessen
    Torfinn Johann...about 1 year ago

    Lovely capture Arla!

  • Thank you, Torfinn!!

    – Arla M. Ruggles

  • arvyart
    arvyartabout 1 year ago

    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

  • Laura Retyi
    Laura Retyiabout 1 year ago

    March-29-2012

  • Carla Jensen
    Carla Jensenabout 1 year ago

    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

  • tinypaws
    tinypawsabout 1 year ago

    Well done on stuning capture and feature.

  • Thank you, tinypaws!

    – Arla M. Ruggles

  • autumngirl
    autumngirlabout 1 year ago

    Love this shot, Arla!

  • Thank you, AutumnGirl!

    – Arla M. Ruggles

  • Vickie Emms
    Vickie Emmsabout 1 year ago

    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

  • Linda Sparks
    Linda Sparksabout 1 year ago

    Congrats on a wonderfully eyecatching shot.

  • How wonderful! Thank you so much, Linda!

    – Arla M. Ruggles