by Digital Diva S.
Member since:
September 26, 2006

Great PYRENEESE - Sheep Hearding Sheep Dogs

September 05, 2008 06:18 PM EDT (Updated: November 02, 2009 03:07 PM EST)
views: 418 | comments: 92

The image “http://media-files.gather.com/images/d109/d179/d745/d224/d96/f3/full.jpg” cannot be displayed, because it contains errors.

My daughter tells us of the mornings she wakes up to The "Baaaaa of sheep". Looking out the window she sees a local farmer moving his heard to a new pasture with the help of dogs. She is amazed.

The image “http://media-files.gather.com/images/d744/d178/d745/d224/d96/f3/full.jpg” cannot be displayed, because it contains errors.


Fast forward to my visiting her in August. We have a take a detour because a bridge being built and we pass the sheep farm. It's beautiful. I take some photos from the car.

The image “http://media-files.gather.com/images/d763/d178/d745/d224/d96/f3/full.jpg” cannot be displayed, because it contains errors.

The image “http://media-files.gather.com/images/d780/d178/d745/d224/d96/f3/full.jpg” cannot be displayed, because it contains errors.
The image “http://media-files.gather.com/images/d802/d178/d745/d224/d96/f3/full.jpg” cannot be displayed, because it contains errors.


Then we see the fields of sheep and I get out of the car to take photos and all of a sudden the sheep are running away and three big dogs run to the fence and growl at me. It didn't take me long to get in the car.

The image “http://media-files.gather.com/images/d826/d178/d745/d224/d96/f3/full.jpg” cannot be displayed, because it contains errors.

The image “http://media-files.gather.com/images/d850/d178/d745/d224/d96/f3/full.jpg” cannot be displayed, because it contains errors.

The image “http://media-files.gather.com/images/d65/d179/d745/d224/d96/f3/full.jpg” cannot be displayed, because it contains errors.

We realized the dogs live with sheep and protect them. I still wanted more photos so ...

The image “http://media-files.gather.com/images/d883/d178/d745/d224/d96/f3/full.jpg” cannot be displayed, because it contains errors.

The image “http://media-files.gather.com/images/d899/d178/d745/d224/d96/f3/full.jpg” cannot be displayed, because it contains errors.

The image “http://media-files.gather.com/images/d934/d178/d745/d224/d96/f3/full.jpg” cannot be displayed, because it contains errors.


We drove in the oposite direction so my window is near the sheep and I get lots of shots.

The image “http://media-files.gather.com/images/d3/d179/d745/d224/d96/f3/full.jpg” cannot be displayed, because it contains errors.
The image “http://media-files.gather.com/images/d42/d179/d745/d224/d96/f3/full.jpg” cannot be displayed, because it contains errors.


The image “http://media-files.gather.com/images/d169/d179/d745/d224/d96/f3/full.jpg” cannot be displayed, because it contains errors.


The dogs come to see what we're up to, but because we stay in the car and pose no threat, they just watch us and don't chase the sheep away from us.


The image “http://media-files.gather.com/images/d84/d179/d745/d224/d96/f3/full.jpg” cannot be displayed, because it contains errors.



Well trained dogs - that's for sure.

The image “http://media-files.gather.com/images/d141/d179/d745/d224/d96/f3/full.jpg” cannot be displayed, because it contains errors.

Photos taken in Lansdowne, Ontario, Canada. My camera Canon PowerShot A720IS.
link to this page
Bookmark this post:
Facebook
Twitter
Delicious
Buzz
More

Comments: 92

They are smart dogs & do their job well!
You got some great pictures~
Marianne R. Sep 5, 2008, 6:39pm EDT
Nice photos. I hope this made the cutoff for you. The promo ended at 5:30 eastern. Happy end of summerpics!
Nana to Seven Cutiepies Sep 5, 2008, 6:47pm EDT
Great photos, this must be a wonderful place. That's one wonderful dog.
Pat V. Sep 5, 2008, 6:54pm EDT
I don't think it would have taken me long to get back into the car either! Great pictures.
Sandy (back in Ohio...blah!) Sep 5, 2008, 7:02pm EDT
What a neat photo essay!!
Janet "Jax" B. Sep 5, 2008, 7:13pm EDT
What beautiful dogs...and they feel they "own" the sheep, so they are going to protect them at all costs. Neat photo essay.
Rose H. Sep 5, 2008, 7:29pm EDT
My friend has one of these dogs and they are smart, loyal and work hard.

Great shots too - with the risk of attack you took - yup, I hope you made the summer promo. I thought it was EST, but now I'm not sure.
Kim M. Sep 5, 2008, 7:52pm EDT
Beautiful photos! I probably wouldn't have gotten out of the car to begin with if I saw the dogs. You did a great job on the essay.
Larry H. Sep 5, 2008, 8:06pm EDT
thanks for sharing your pictures
Digital Diva S. Sep 5, 2008, 8:12pm EDT
I didn't realize the cut off was that early. I was thinking midnight. IfIi made it, I did. If I didn't - doesn't matter. I took the photos for a photo essay before I knew about summerpics.

Thanks for your comments.
Debby C. Sep 5, 2008, 8:34pm EDT
WOW, who knew they worked that well. I guess thats why they cost the $$. I love the sky in your pictures....and the colors are so vibrant!
Lisa Frost Sep 5, 2008, 8:37pm EDT
That is great! I love the pictures.
Elaine S. Sep 5, 2008, 9:01pm EDT
Beautiful Dogs
David W. Sep 5, 2008, 9:12pm EDT
Cool dogs, shaggy sheep and a great collection of photos.
Melinda ~choosing happiness~ S. Sep 5, 2008, 9:21pm EDT
Love that sheep with the bird on his back! Great shots!
James B. Sep 5, 2008, 9:23pm EDT
Great work. I once camped near the Lake District in England, and there were a lot of sheep nearby. I found out that they don't sleep terribly well, and have a remarkable need to continue baa-ing throughout the night. Some of the baas sounded quite human. I didn't sleep much that night, but it was worth it.
Karen M. Sep 5, 2008, 9:24pm EDT
wow...they all look so peaceful...I loved this...
Elaine M. Sep 5, 2008, 9:42pm EDT
Nice article, Mare. Funny about the dogs--I can see you leaping back into the car quick as a bunny, lol

I'm glad summerpics is done. Now I can go back and actually look at the photos and enjoy them. It was difficult to choose between posting and looking...
Elaine A. Sep 5, 2008, 10:20pm EDT
great photo's ;-)
Nancy S. Sep 5, 2008, 11:13pm EDT
Great pictures. I had a friends dog for a few days and it was awesome. I couldn't afford to buy one already trained.
Marsha S. Sep 6, 2008, 12:41am EDT
this is a nice one
Kimber L. Sep 6, 2008, 8:21am EDT
Great photo essay.
Richard Frisbie Sep 6, 2008, 10:23am EDT
Hard working dogs AND driver - Thanks for the tour!
JoAnn C. Sep 6, 2008, 11:38am EDT
great pictures
Fran S. Sep 6, 2008, 3:39pm EDT
the pictures are awesome!! the dog is beautiful, looks like a Great Pyranease (sp) like my family used to have! the pictorial essay is wonderful!! thanks for sharing with us
Vikki M. Sep 6, 2008, 6:04pm EDT
Great photos! Sounds like the dogs are really good at their job! :)
Dagmara H. Sep 6, 2008, 7:47pm EDT
what a nice photo essay
Wendy F. Sep 6, 2008, 9:14pm EDT
wow nice photos , the dog is adorable . Wonder what breed it is ?
Wilma M. Sep 6, 2008, 11:49pm EDT
Wonderful pictures. That's neat that the dogs were so protective. I didn't realize they would act that way. We have some small herds of sheep around here but I haven't seen any dogs out with them.

I just love that saying of yours about the meditation, etc. Do I get royalties now that I gave you another saying?
Kathy D. Sep 7, 2008, 11:12pm EDT
Great shots - those are pretty dogs!
Sarah (I want points) Sep 8, 2008, 1:16pm EDT
Great photo essay. Hope you made lots of summerpics points.
necee t. Sep 8, 2008, 8:47pm EDT
ooh what sweet photos... sheep herds and their protectors... cool... lovely
country side...
Sandi S. Sep 8, 2008, 9:01pm EDT
Beautiful scenery. It reminds me of my Grandparents' place when I was a kid.
Amy C. Sep 9, 2008, 9:30am EDT
awesome photos beautiful scenery!
Sheila Deeth Sep 9, 2008, 4:24pm EDT
Beautiful dogs, lovely pictures, and fascinating read.
Ellie !. Sep 9, 2008, 11:35pm EDT
WONDERFUL! I'm so glad that a talented artist like you has taken pictures from the passenger's seat, too!
Elaine B. Sep 10, 2008, 1:55pm EDT
These are beautiful pictures
Jerry Owens Sep 10, 2008, 5:41pm EDT
Very nice photo essay Marilyn! Beautiful dogs!
Kelly Kay Sep 11, 2008, 10:59am EDT
Some of the shots remind me of Ireland, beautiful
Quinn (aka Entwife) Blackburn Sep 12, 2008, 8:16am EDT
how splendidly peaceful!
Quinn (aka Entwife) Blackburn Sep 12, 2008, 8:18am EDT
Sheep are wonderful Creature Teachers, but I almost fell asleep counting them all.

..
U wishing you laughter
Bonnie S. Sep 12, 2008, 5:07pm EDT
They are nice pictures, sure are smart dogs also.
Victoria H. Sep 13, 2008, 9:56am EDT
Sounds very cool. I had no idea the dogs were that protective. Or that they actually lived with the sheep. I was just reading an article in a magazine a few days ago about raising sheep...
Karen S. Sep 14, 2008, 11:06am EDT
sounds like the sheep dog is doing his job.
Donna T. Sep 14, 2008, 4:03pm EDT
Great photo essay! I would love to wake up to the sound of sheep!
☃ Aunt Shanny Sep 14, 2008, 4:05pm EDT
Are those Great Pyrenees? (sp?)
Shelbia C. Sep 15, 2008, 3:07pm EDT
Great photo essay
Xavier Neduveli Sep 16, 2008, 7:13am EDT
Beautiful photos... nice place to be :-)
Alison H. Sep 17, 2008, 2:44pm EDT
Very interesting photo essay. Thanks for sharing!
Patty B. Sep 18, 2008, 5:25pm EDT
Wonderful pictorial -- I'm a dog lover anyway but to see one this intelligent and "at work" is amazing. Thanks for sharing.
Rae M. Sep 19, 2008, 6:18pm EDT
Wonderful photo essay.
elizabeth e. Sep 21, 2008, 9:05am EDT
Absolutely beautiful dogs. Loved all the images. Lamb chops for dinner?
David S. Sep 21, 2008, 10:40pm EDT
This was so fascinating! Thanks for the share!
Toni V. Sep 22, 2008, 10:36am EDT
Wow. You got some great shots.
Christine G. Sep 22, 2008, 12:29pm EDT
That's so funny how the dogs take care of the sheep like that. Those pictures are great too!
Jennifer aka Jenn B. Sep 22, 2008, 8:41pm EDT
Marilyn..a wonderful photo essay...
I lived in New Zealand for a while, and I learned sheep are really dumb...good things they have protectors as they really NEED them...
Ask your daughter, I'm curious...does it snow a lot there? I mean deep snow?..I was curious about the building and decided snow was why....
LeeAnn D. Sep 23, 2008, 9:18am EDT
Those are Great Pyreneese dogs. They are born and raised around sheep and become to think as themselves like sheep....only they protect the flock. It amazes me how loyal and devoted they are to the sheep and how well they interact/herd them. Very smart dogs.

We had a Great Pyreneese at our shelter. It had been terribly neglected and was about half it's weight and mangy. He was the most gentle dog I've ever known. So laid back. Very cool dogs.

Wonderful photo essay.
Jennifer N. Sep 24, 2008, 8:51pm EDT
You have some amazing shots here. I've never seen a sheep dog, but it's amazing the way that they protect them.
Cindy P. Sep 25, 2008, 1:20pm EDT
How many dogs did they have for all those sheep? Llamas make good guard animals for sheep, too.
Mary G. Sep 25, 2008, 5:59pm EDT
Great photos I use to have lots of sheep. The dogs are great and really help make it easy to move the sheep.
Connie C. Sep 26, 2008, 6:26am EDT
LOL That is a lot of sheep for sure. I dont blame you for getting back in the car. Big Dogs are Boss. LOL

I love your photos
Great photos, I am with Connie, that's a whole lotta sheeps there missy!!! LOL
And they are so big, they ain't missing no meals for sure!
Thanks for stopping in and leaving comments at my photos as well......
what beautiful dogs
I enjoyed reading this and seeing your pictures.
This is interesting, especially that the dog is protective of his "flock". Great shots.
Elizabeth Madrigal Sep 28, 2008, 5:19pm EDT
By August every year, I try to convince my husband to get some sheep so that next year he won't be mowing 5 or 6 hours every weekend. These photos may convince him, because he'll think that could justify getting another dog.:)
Pam S. Oct 4, 2008, 8:48am EDT
Great photos, beautiful dogs.
elizabeth e. Oct 5, 2008, 9:44am EDT
Came back to see these sheep herders once more.
Dena Straughn Oct 5, 2008, 1:26pm EDT
This is such a good photo essay. Love the verdant, bucolic scenery. Would love to be there right now.
Nurse Nancy S. Oct 6, 2008, 1:00am EDT

glitter-graphics.com
Darin Waugh Oct 6, 2008, 10:40pm EDT
Nice!!!
Sujata (funnily 'Suji' ) S. Oct 9, 2008, 8:10pm EDT
Fascinating photo-essay !!
Sujata (funnily 'Suji' ) S. Oct 9, 2008, 8:11pm EDT
Beautiful heard-head Dog shot after the sheep !!!
Sujata (funnily 'Suji' ) S. Oct 9, 2008, 8:14pm EDT
Love the green and the lot lensed dear!!

Thank you so Marilyn for sharing the wonder post !!!
Jessie L. Oct 14, 2008, 2:47pm EDT
Wow, cool article. What well trained dogs!
Debbie G. Oct 14, 2008, 4:12pm EDT
Wonderful photo essay. Great Pyrenees (possibly misspelled) grow up with their herd. It is their pack. Exciting to glimpse them at work!
Ann Weaver Hart Oct 15, 2008, 4:01pm EDT
Cool photo essay. Great Pyrenees are wonderful dogs, bred to take on bears.
Sandra H. Oct 17, 2008, 7:20am EDT
Wonderful photos! Amazing color, really neat!
Marge H. Oct 19, 2008, 4:48pm EDT
Love the photos. The way those dogs protect the sheep is very impressive.
Lisa K. Oct 22, 2008, 6:54pm EDT
What a wonderful photo essay. I really enjoyed this, and you got some fabulous photos. Whoever says animals are dumb has NO clue what they're talking about!
Angela <:3---}~~~~ M. Oct 25, 2008, 4:05pm EDT
what cool photos, sheep are such neat animals
William Dotani Nov 2, 2008, 3:59am EST
Great photographs of what looks like wonderful contentment. I'm sure you had a pleasant time.
William Dotani Nov 2, 2008, 4:00am EST
I think the sheep dog is named Fluffy.
Nurse Nancy S. Nov 2, 2008, 10:45am EST
Great essay!!!!


glitter-graphics.com
Sandi S. Nov 11, 2008, 8:48am EST
I like the photos! They remind me of a simpler time.
Mary M. Nov 16, 2008, 8:08am EST
Stopping by to give you a 10!
glenda j. Nov 16, 2008, 5:29pm EST
great
Mary G. Nov 24, 2008, 12:37am EST
I enjoy looking at sheep and miss having them.
APE 131313 Nov 27, 2008, 5:13am EST
10 Happy Thanksgiving comments to you!
Sandra L. Dec 5, 2008, 12:00am EST
This sounds like a really cool trip. I love the pics. Especially the one where there is a bird riding on the sheeps back. LOL
Debra H. Dec 7, 2008, 9:15pm EST
Wonderful photo essay!

Please share with us at All Creatures Great And Small
Maryjo E. Jan 4, 2009, 6:17pm EST
I Love the Great Pyrenees Dogs they look like a Santbernard with out the Brown & a NEWFOUNDLAND but all with LOL (((Love all your Photos)))) Mj

Join the Conversation
Chime in! Become a Gather member to comment.
Already a member? Sign in
top
 
Gather | Friends | Groups | Share
About Gather | Engagement Marketing | Make New Friends | Gather Points | Advertise on Gather | Gather Press | Privacy | Terms of Service | Community Guidelines
Books | Celebs | Entertainment | Family | Food | Health | Moms | Money | News | Politics | Spirituality | Sports | Travel | Writing
Version 16961, "Pacino"; Copyright © 2009 Gather Inc. All rights reserved.