Tales of Anatolian Shepherds : A Turkish Dog

Precious

2010-05-26T07:31:00.002-04:00

Fitting her name well, she is precious. A friends new Emu hatchling.

Love Thy Neighbor

2010-02-26T19:16:00.000-05:00

Coyote Hunt

2010-02-14T10:04:00.000-05:00

In the wee hours of the morning, the dogs suddenly went wild and I knew a Coyote must of been very close by. We've had a pair of Coyotes hanging around the area now for the past year. They never come on my property but one is so bold, it went after a neighbors old dog mid day. Fortunately he was right there and it did run off. Early morning I let the dogs out and they did their routine perimeter check though this morning they did not come back up to the house. A bit later I ventured out with camera in hand. A lot of fresh tracks in the snow in my neighbors yard and right along my fence line. Something was keeping him hanging around my neighbors yard and the dogs were all over it.

Fresh Coyote tracks.

The dogs on high alert and keeping tabs on the Coyote as he moved between the upper and lower yard

Babe in hot pursuit as the Coyote headed towards the river

The Coyote on the other side of the fence moves along the river heading off into the woods.
Had he not seen me and spooked, at first he seemed to have stopped and was looking at the dogs.

Snow Dogs

2010-01-02T19:37:00.006-05:00

Miss Hannah

The Babe

Zoran

Kid Crazy

2009-12-14T17:14:00.002-05:00

Nick is 9 years old and loves dogs. He came over to meet the 'big dogs' but was a little intimidated at first when he got to the gate and saw just how big and how many. We assured him it was OK and my dogs love kids. Lots of lovin going around.

Babe gives a big hug.

Hannah as always, the perfect lady. Gentle, calm and reassuring.

Shameless Zoran. Somehow he *always* manages to charm every visiter into scratching his butt! But the both of them sure do look happy.

Anatolian Song or Name That Tune!

2009-12-03T17:34:00.002-05:00

Girls!

2009-11-01T15:28:00.001-05:00

I have a real fondness for cattle and particularly the girls, I always like to stop and see them.
Its especially nice to still find small family run farms which are ceasing to exist. This farm is a dairy and specialized in real milk still in glass bottles and ice cream.

What could be cuter than baby cows!

Late Fall

2009-10-28T16:45:00.002-04:00

Late fall has a beauty all of its own. Most of the leaves are gone and what is left lacks the brilliant color of peak. Just the same, the blankets of leaves covering the ground, the starkness and the contrasts are beautiful in themselves. It was a cold and rainy day and the rain added that something extra worthy to take some pictures.

I was driving by Houghton's Pond and the storminess of it all just beckoned.

No one out but the crows!

2009-10-14T13:59:00.001-04:00

Fall in New England is always so nice. The foliage, the harvests, wonderful farm stands, so much to see and do. The weather is nice, not to hot, not to cold and nice and dry.

Apple picking has become a yearly ritual, along with the hunt and excess consumption of perfect Apple Cider Donuts!
While 'peak' foliage wasnt quite this far South yet, still fabulous, the rows and rows of apple trees and the beautiful colors surrounding the orchids.

With so many varieties to choose from, one must try sampling several varieties to find your favorites.

A drive by snatch!

This year we checked out a new orchid. This was a nice non-commercial place and low spray which definitely made for some funky stuff.

A Hawk soaring over head.

Some interesting color.

At another farm stop, the Pumpkin harvest and some cool critters.

Vermont, The Queen of Color, Part 2

2009-10-10T16:14:00.013-04:00

It had rained a better part of the night and when it finally stopped and day light broke, I was out the door.
The rain had magically enhanced the world around me and all the trees and the hills were bursting with color. The sky was completely overcast and the forecast was for rain. Once again, had to run around and take more pictures in a whole new light.

Heading off to Montpelier, I was hoping for more great scenery and photo opportunities and I was not disapointed.
I loved these big pines standing strong at the crest of the hill.

And into the Valley, the fog rising out of the hills and the Valleys.

Vermont is famous for its covered bridges and these people had their own.

Vermont is also known as a dairy state and most important in making my trip complete, seeing some cows. I love Cows! Needless to say, when we came up on this pasture along the road, I was ecstatic! Girls!! A field of Girls!

Unfortunately after the quick trip to town, time to head back to the farm and ready to head back to Boston. Way to little time with so much more to see, roads to travel and even find those LGD's working the farms. ;)

As I hadnt gotten any good pictures of cool old barns, while driving out of town, snapped off a few shots along the road.

Quite the foreboding sky, time to head South.

Vermont, The Queen of Color

2009-10-08T17:11:00.006-04:00

I had the opportunity to take a quick trip to a friends farm in Vermont and being Vermont, fall and peak foliage in North Country, not a hard choice. Packed the car and the camera's and headed due North.

The first signs of color at the first 'scenic lookout' in New Hampshire.

I just liked this truck and a sure sign you've left the city so it gets an entry.

Heading North the colors were improving and the sky was beginning to look quite ominous.

By the time we got to Vermont, we were already having random rain showers, then bursts of sunlight, sometimes sun showers! The changes happening sometimes in just minutes.
Made for a day of varied lighting and interesting pictures.

The road to the farm.

The farm house in all her glory. I was told built around the time of the Civil War.

Overlooking the valley.

The view from the upper pasture.

Dusk moved in and the temperatures started dropping quickly. The sky varied on degree's of threat. Time to fire up the stoves both inside and out.

Stay tuned for day 2!

Shine On Harvest Moon

2009-10-04T09:39:00.001-04:00

Full Harvest Moon over Hull Bay.

The picture doesn't come close to how amazingly huge and looming it appeared in reality. Fantastic!

A Deer of a Different Color

2009-09-25T09:22:00.001-04:00

A friend of mine who's now moved out to the country has been sending me pictures of the local wild life happening into her yard. The usual assortment of critters and plenty of Deer but this one is obviously quite unique.

Turkey Time

2009-09-04T07:22:00.000-04:00

It was a beautiful day and my neighbor and I had been doing outside house projects. I was in the driveway and he started yelling for me to come. The dogs were on alert in my neighbors yard. By the time I got through the gates, not too much to see. A big fat wild Turkey was strutting his stuff across my neighbors yard. When the dogs started barking, he took off to lower ground.

I ran for the camera, ran down the hill and was able to get a few less than exciting shots before he disappeared. Cool just the same as we do live in city limits.

Very early the next morning the Anatolians were going wild and all but bouncing off the French doors. Ran down stairs and to my surprise, the Turkey was hanging out at the fence line! Once again, ran for the camera, checked the yard first to make sure he wasn't in my yard and let the dogs out. They ran down the hill in search and the Turkey was long gone. The last thing I expected was him to fly back into my yard!

A little while later, looked out the window and the dogs were all sitting around a tree on the edge of the hill. Head out to see what's up and sure enough, there sat the Turkey high in the tree.

Maybe he enjoyed taunting the dogs. He hung out for a good hour or so and then disappeared permanently.

Dumb Bunny?

2009-08-03T07:42:00.000-04:00

I think not. This bunny has been spending a lot of time in my neighbors yard and finds the vegetation irresistible. This patch he's particularly fond of is just a few feet from the fence line. Needless to say, this drives the Anatolians crazy. Regardless of how much they bark and carry on, the bunny just sits there completely unfazed and continues munching. Humans can walk up behind him and he still doesn't budge. We thought maybe he was deaf but when I made noises U can see he picked up his head and ears. More amazingly, we have 2 Coyotes who have taken up residency in the area and have been on my neighbors property yet this cute little bunny survives.

Urban Blight

2009-06-03T19:11:00.005-04:00

My neighbor has been talking about building for years. A nice area of woods separates our houses and offers my yard a lot of privacy and what I have become accustomed to. Even though we are within city limits, its quite countrified and about as good as it gets for city living. Nothing really has become of the building talk and with the crashing economy, its become an issue again. Does that make sense?
When I saw contractors and chain saws, got me worried as my priorities and theirs are not one and the same. And so I became captive on guard, camera in hand while the clear cutting took place.

GASP! For now, there is no building going on which is a relief but this is how its being left for now.
Part of the mess they created in the 2nd picture is on my property!

My private woodsy world was suddenly seeming like a barren waste land so I quickly set out to regain some privacy. Put some bamboo mats on the chain link and planted some nice fast growing evergreen Holly's. I'm quite pleased with the result.
And look how much new growth in short order. These bushes are supposed to grow up to 3' or more a year. Cant wait till they're 10'!

Zoran helps with 'fertilization'.

What a guy. He's careful to not damage the bushes on departure.

May Showers and Flowers

2009-06-02T05:39:00.005-04:00

Never mind the old addage, 'April showers brings May flowers', this is New England and the weather is always full of surprises. Just the other day it was a beautiful spring day in the 70's some places had frost warnings that night! May was very rainy this year though it did bring a profusion of greenery to our space.

With all the rain, the river is high, everything is lush and very peaceful. The Ducks and Geese can be heard early in the morning squacking their delight with spring.

Tall ground cover abounds hiding the beasties moving about. Well almost. :)

Not all is welcomed but we can live with it. Copious amounts of Poison Ivy.

Not new growth but interesting.

Beautiful big pink blooms on the Rhododendrum.
This bush was teeming with bee's. Tried my derndest to get a good picture but the best I could do. They dont sit on command.

Rows of Daylillies bursting up from the ground. Cant wait for them all to bloom.
Finally warm enough nights to move the cactus out. Being some of the slowest growing plants in the world, new growth is always so exciting. If U look carefully, the spiders have been busy spinning across this cacti.

And what a difference a week makes!

Johnny Jump Ups taking over last years tomato pots! Ive never planted any on the property but they're here and certainly pretty.

And of course what would spring be without a downed tree. :( This one came down overnight when we had rain, wind and thunder storms.
Fortunately the fence wasnt entirely crushed nor could the dogs escape. Once the tree was removed the fence was an easy fix.

Spring Cleaning

2009-04-28T18:32:00.008-04:00

We've finally had some beautiful spring days here and it's a real delight after our long cold winter. The dogs are enjoying the weather immensely and the usual spring activities are under way.
Over the years I've come across many starts of underground holes on "search and seizure" missions but never amounted to much. Last week I spotted Hannah quite intent on this one.
This is the only time I've seen anyone at this hole but yet it grows daily.
I'm not sure if this is a group effort or Hannah's own personal project.

A week later and the dirt mound outside has become quite large.

This sits under an old rock garden, Forsythia and what's left of a dead Maple. It's heavy on old massive roots which seems to be holding the ground together quite well.

Yesterday I had another peek inside, and its becoming quite cavernous! As well held together as the earth is, I can no longer see the end. I just may have to be the party pooper and start filling it in.

Oh lucky me! Once again happened to have the camera with me right time, right place and captured Hannah in another "spring cleaning" moment. This huge old tree sits down below. With its own entry, I'm sure the victim of carpenter ants. While it really should come down, its still a beautiful tree and hate to see the old granddam come down.

Snug as a Bug

2009-04-12T08:08:00.008-04:00

What a 'Kodak moment'! Badger obviously thinks this feeder is a nice comfy spot for a light snooze. Of course as typical of Anatolians, I'm sure he thought it was designed just for him. :)
Badger is just over 3 years old and the son of Hannah and Zoran.
Badger is a wonderful all around family and farm dog. He looks after his Alpaca and family and a steadfast guardian. As well, Badger participates in all sorts of extra curricular activities such as obedience, tracking, etc. He enjoys doing all the extra activities and I hope they try some Therapy work too. Badger Has also earned the title CGC.

Badger and a young Cria 'Annie'

Badger and 'Boomer'

Winter Thaw

2009-02-17T08:41:00.006-05:00

Its always nice when the river begins to thaw although it has its own beauty. Some mornings when the early sun reflects off it, it has a golden hue to it and looks incredible reflecting through the trees and right up to the house.

The temperatures are slowly warming and the days getting longer. Sure signs of spring!

Storm Watch

2008-12-31T19:49:00.001-05:00

Another snow storm to bring in the New Year. With bitter winds, by tonight they say the wind chill will be well below zero. The Anatolians of course love such weather and and still have their domain to keep in order. Hannah, Babe and Zoran watch over the property for any invaders.

Babe spots something moving below and is off like a rocket. The other two follow shortly after.

The Snow Family

2008-12-24T15:32:00.004-05:00

The neighbors snow family. I thought it was too cute and had to take a picture.

The Frozen Tundra

2008-12-22T10:30:00.000-05:00

After the snow, came the deep freeze and arctic winds. When I woke up very early, the temp was 13f and a wind chill of 1f! Eveything is frozen and the calm and stillness in the air is incredible. Brutal yet beautiful. While the view of the moon in the sky and the sun rising was amazing, I was too wimpy to join the dogs just yet and took a few pix as the sun rose through the door.

Time Travel

2008-12-21T20:20:00.002-05:00

One of the nice things with Blogger is you can change date and time on any post to when you want.
As weve been on blogging hiatus for waaay to long, time to catch up. Watch for new and back posts of the adventures of the Anatolian crew.

Snow Dawgs!

2008-12-21T20:19:00.007-05:00

Our first big snow storm of the season in the Boston area and its been snowing for days. Fortunately its been the nice fluffy kind until this afternoon when it started turning to rain. Now were having 'flash freezing' where temps drop rapidly and everything turns to cement. :(

Hannah sits at the top of the hill and surveys all that is hers.

Zoran suffers momentarily not used to the snow. Sure hope he wasnt expecting booties!

2 headed dog?

The Babe kicks it up in the snow! Yeehaw!

Zoran and the Babe trotting off.

For a while the dogs were obsessed with sitting around this particular tree as though there was a critter up above. No doubt they know and Im sure something was inside in a cozy winter nest.

My favorite picture of the day, The Babe. A rare moment when she didnt give me the Anatolian blow off and let me take a good pic. :)

Therapy Dogs

2008-04-20T19:18:00.000-04:00

Unfortunately one day late winter my mother fell and broke her hip. Not a good thing when your pushing the century mark! One afternoon I was leaving the rehab center and a woman was coming in with her Standard Poodle. Of course I stopped to talk with her and found out not only did they let dogs visit, they encouraged it. Thats all I needed to hear! A great opportunity for the dogs.
I had no doubt Hannah would ace the situation and she proved me right. She has age and wisdom on her side and I couldnt of asked for more from her. I forogt my camera first visit so we had to make due with cell phone pix.

Hannah, after saying her hello's, quietly laid down at my moms feet.

Then Hannah just decided she'd visit with her roomie Sylvia and hung out with her a bit too.

On Hannahs second visit we brought mom a pizza for a special treat. Hannah was angelic and quietly waited for some leftovers.

Next good day I decided to bring Zoran. Hes such a big goofball but also a big busybody and wants to check out everything. And very much a male...... he has been known on occasion to try and mark a 'territory'. We breezed through elevators, hallways of people, wheelchairs, food carts, etc., and only a bit of surprise on just his size. One woman in a wheelchair had a huge smile on her face when she saw us coming and Zoran made her day giving her a big goofy greeting. Imagine my surprise when a visitor stopped me and knew the breed!

Like Mom, Zoran has a big sweet tooth. He couldn't help himself from scoping out the goods on the counter and of course mom was only too happy to share a few cookies with him.

What a boy! I couldnt of been more proud of the dogs handling this situation on the fly. The Babe sadly didnt get to make her trial run but good thing for my mom getting to go home.

Going To Ground

2008-02-26T09:39:00.000-05:00

Come February/March, its the beginning of skunk season.

In the woods along side my fence theres a huge ditch which mother skunks love to take up residency to whelp out their young. Skunks are surprisingly tough and territorial and I've actually seen them kill via strangulation any encroaching opossum. Hannah feels the same way and when she came up one afternoon cover in mud, I had to go investigate.

She just about had gone to ground as needed.

On Guard!

2007-12-04T10:29:00.001-05:00

The Babe and Hannah on watch. Babe loves this log to elevate her view. In late fall all the wildlife is preparing for winter and theres a lot of activity. The dogs are kept on high alert.

Call of the Wild

2007-05-27T13:28:00.001-04:00

One early morning I heard the dogs on a wild rampage down below. It was intense enough for me to head outside and see what all the commotion was about. As I started down the hill, I saw a coyote take off into the woods and down to the river and the dogs went in hot pursuit on our side of the fence. This continued every morning and sometimes a few times a day. I was determined of course to get some pictures but no matter how sneaky I tried to be, the coyote always took off before I could snap off the camera. After a week or so, all parties seemed to have settled into their fascination with each other and it came down to the coyote laying on the ledge on the next property and the Anatolian's lying in a row having haze fests. The coyote seemed to get a bit more relaxed about me sneaking down the hill as well and one day when least expected, he stood proud, we exchanged a deep stare, and off he went. It was an incredible moment! He did this one more time with me and only one more time. This time I was prepared and was lucky enough to snap off a few pictures. He did hang around for about three weeks and then disappeared.

A Day in the Life of The Mr. Mook

2007-01-21T15:29:00.000-05:00

Narration by Mook himself! :)

Geez, I've been working my butt off all night keeping those coyotes at bay and a little mischief too..........thought Id catch me a few Zzzzzz's. But naaa, Mom is pestering me to get up and take some pictures so I can be on something called a blog.

You want me to do what?!?!!!

Yaaaaawn. Photo shoots are sooooo boring, I think I'll be a brat!

Steadfast Ruby puts an immediate halt to any notions of bratty behaviour.

Hey, I need some lovin after all that hard work.

Ahhhh, now this is the life. A boy and his dog. :)

My What Big Teeth You Have!

2006-12-27T09:00:00.000-05:00

Hannah has some big teeth! Probably the largest of any of my dogs over the years. A friend brought over a Black Bear skull one day to show me and decided to do a comparison.

The results were rather surprising and not the huge difference one might expect.

Shameless Solicitation

2006-12-27T08:14:00.000-05:00

Zoran LOVES to have his butt scratched. He's quite bold about his demands with me and guest friends too who of course he feels they must of come to visit for this sole purpose..... or at least partially. He's also quite the clown and comes up with new and charming ways to make me break down and stop what ever Im doing at the time and attend to his immediate needs. :)
I was on MY time one morning and Zoran charmed the sox off me with all these cute poses.

Fall Moonscapes

2006-11-07T09:47:00.000-05:00

She Devil

2006-10-31T18:06:00.000-05:00

The Babe for All Hallows Eve. She wasnt very happy with the silly human tonight. ;)

Local Color

2006-10-22T19:33:00.000-04:00

Fall is definitely one of the prettiest times of years and certainly for us here in New England.
By Houghtons Pond in the Blue Hills.

Close by is a winding countryish road surrounded by cemeteries. A favorite local spot to go leaf peeping and take pictures.

Not the best color but loved the tempestuous looking sky that moved in at one point.

Water Baby

2006-10-10T07:10:00.000-04:00

Rory loves the water! Just like his dad. :) Splashing about in Ponkapoag Pond in the Blue Hills. A beautiful 8,500 acre reservation just minutes from home.

A Babe in the Woods

2006-10-04T16:53:00.000-04:00

Babe loves to prune. All the young Anatolians love to prune the bushes but Babe has taken pruning to a new level. Every once in a while, Babe will spot a branch or 2 up above and decided she has to have it. With typical Anatolian determination, she gets what she wants!

A little light easy access nibbling to start off with.

Scoping bigger and better things!

Got it!

The Buddy Dog

2006-10-04T07:36:00.000-04:00

Buddy, (Shaman's Tatanka) at almost 10 months old with Meagan. Meagan reports what a wonderful protector Buddy is for her. He always stays close by when shes out in the yard alone and sleeps in her doorway every night.
More amazing, all those beautiful gardens untouched by an Anatolian Shepherd puppy!

Buddy and his security blanket. Buddy carries his favorite towel with him everywhere.

Buddy uses the pool as his own personal 'tall dog' watering bowl. He's pretty sure this was made just for him. ;)

A Dogs Life Part 3

2006-09-13T07:51:00.000-04:00

Kaz, a young Anatolian Shepherd Dog, now 9 months old on his weekly foray to the ultimate dog park outside Salt Lake City. And what a fabulous place this is! Acres of doggie entertainment and all fenced in too! (Narrating by Kaz. :)

Oh boy, oh boy, were going to the dog park! Could you drive a little faster?

Cool! Me and my buddy Cruisn'. A boy can really stretch his legs here.

Isnt that ball supposed to be for me?

Wow! Big fields for me to romp in.

Hmmm, not sure about this wet stuff.

Playmates! Guess Ill get my feet wet afterall.

Time to catch some Z's. A day at the park is rough I know, but hey, Im having fun!

Outrageous "Shape Shifting"

2006-09-05T07:26:00.000-04:00

Hard to believe but an adult Anatolian got through this spot! I never cease to be amazed. If they can get their snout through, thats all it takes and they can miraculously flatten out like a pancake and slither on through!

The Snake Hunters!

2006-08-22T17:27:00.000-04:00

Zoran and Babe are the resident snake hunters. This year we've had more snakes than in all the years Ive been here. Fortunately we only have to deal with harmless Eastern Garters.
I went to toss the now very dead snake but Zoran wasnt giving up his treasure yet and grabbed it back!

Where The Buffalo Roam

2006-08-22T17:18:00.000-04:00

After seeing the poor forlorn Buffalo a few weeks ago, it inspired me to dig out some old pictures.

Back in the 70's I was fortunate enough to have a private tour of one of the largest Buffalo Ranches, the "Triple U" in South Dakota. They put me, my friend and my dog Wilbur, a wonderful German Shepherd into a pick up truck and we drove over the hills till we spotted the herd. They cut the engine and we coasted down the hill till we were smack dab in the middle of a huge herd.

My series of 'up close' pictures start out with full view of the hood. With encouragement and precaution, I eventually stepped completely out of the truck and got some great shots. Fond memories that will stay with me forever and how Buffalo should be. Free on the range.

Down on the Farm

2006-08-10T20:25:00.000-04:00

I was heading down to visit Karen and Zora and decided I'd take Hannah along. Zora loves seeing 'Mom' and it was a great opportunity to see Hannah with livestock. She'd never been up close and personal with livestock before being pretty much a city girl. I expected at least some sort of reaction, a look, maybe a woof, but nothing. I brought her close to the fence line and she finally took slight notice and air scented one of the big horses. Then we brought the pony in and she gave a few investigative sniffs. I couldn't believe how relaxed and calm she was. Needless to say, I was beyond pleased. I always knew she had it in her to be a good LGD and she proved it true.

When we went in the house, she didn't even bother to get up to take note of where I was going. It was if she had been here her entire life and was right at home, very content and happy.

What a good girl!

I think she was dropping me some big hints too. ;)

Tatanka and Company

2006-07-22T06:30:00.000-04:00

What a beautiful and majestic animal. Sadly, he and his companions just seem to be for 'show and tell' at a now primarily vegetable farm. What once was, now at the edges of pastures, suburban sprawl.

War Games

2006-07-12T20:05:00.000-04:00

Rory lives just down the street from us so he continues to be extended 'family' and comes up for play day often. He loves to come here, visit with Mom (Hannah) and Dad (Zoran) but the most fun is getting to play with big 'sis' Babe. And what fun they have with their war games and wearing each other out.

A Dogs Life Part 2

2006-07-12T19:16:00.000-04:00

Not too spoiled a boy, the 'baby' Kaz at 7 months with his buddy McCall.
What a big lover boy!

Beautiful Anatolian Puppies!

2006-07-06T20:38:00.000-04:00

What big beautiful babies at 3 weeks of age! Both dog and human parents are very proud. :) More pictures of 'Mom' at 'Watchful Eyes' Anatolian Shepherds.

http://home.bellsouth.net/p/s/community./dll?ep=groupid=725628ck==

Flora and Fauna

2006-07-03T12:33:00.000-04:00

Once upon a time, I had some lovely gardens around here. Some were here when we came and others I planted. There was always an abundance of day lilies and the vegetable garden was already sectioned off. It seemed fitting as many a moon ago, this was a gardening estate with greenhouses and terraced gardens running down to the river. The old root cellar (just like Norman's sans Mom ;) still has a rustic old kitchen piece and piping for the greenhouses.
I had a wonderful mentor as well. My neighbor Nick was an old world Italian gardner with huge fabulous plots of everything imaginable. His wealth of knowledge and desire to share was extraordinary.
Gardens and dogs? What was I thinking? Fencing be damned!
All those raised beds and soft tilled earth was just to tempting.
As each dog took their toll on the yard, Ive finally given up. Im pretty content to grow weeds in the upper yard just being green! Now if only I could get a goat to do the mowing!
A few remnants remain mostly outside the main fencing and decided to snap off a few shots of the present blooms......only the very hardy survive!

Save a Groundhog Day

2006-06-30T20:45:00.000-04:00

Groundhogs can climb trees! Around here all critters are fair game. Hannah is one very slick huntress. She can sit in wait on the edge of the hill in total darkness waiting for a mark. Once she senses a critter has breached HER property, like a heat seeking missile, fly down hill through the woods and fell a raccoon, opossum, skunk or groundhog in one quick grab to the neck. She finds squirrel and groundhog quite tasty too. :)
One lucky groundhog was fortunate enough to get a head start on her.

Babe and The Bug

2006-06-28T19:07:00.000-04:00

Per Semavi Ladies request, we'll flash back a year to Babes first encounter with BIG bugs.
I dont know what U call these giant things but like Lobster, they are pretty hard shelled and have pincers. Babe was fascinated with this giant thing crawling across the floor but wasnt quite so savvy then......... After much studying, sniffing and poking, the bug decided to pinch back!
I just love Hannah's expression sitting back and watching the whole event. Ho Hum, she'll learn.

Crustacean Invasion!

2006-06-23T21:03:00.000-04:00

Here in New England, one of our great pleasures come summer time is Lobster. YUM!
I had stopped by the market on the way home and they were having a sale so decided to splurge. Babe is the resident busybody and has to inspect everything including anything I come home with. Imagine the interest in a bag making its own movements! Enter Hannah and Zoran to see whats so exciting. I decided to let the dogs have a looksee and put the feisty little things on the floor. Im not sure Ive ever seen such fascination from them and they certainly didnt know what to make of them at first. It was rather cute watching them investigate and then settle 'round. When I finally picked them up, they all ran around the house in a mad search, where did the critters go! The fascination continued through dinner and they surrounded me as well. No doggie treats on this meal!

PUPPIES!

2006-06-20T17:21:00.000-04:00

Old Glory Zoran. Proud Daddy sez ' Yo, Im the man!'

Night Watch's Leydi Ana being a perfect mom.

After 2 stressful days for both Ana and her humans, finally, on June 11th, 8 beautiful babies were born at Watchful Eyes Anatolians! http://home.bellsouth.net/p/s/community.dll?ep=16&groupid=72562&ck=
5 boys and 3 girls.

Mr. Mookie!

2006-06-10T11:27:00.000-04:00

The fabulous Mr. Mook at one year of age. Mook is a full brother to Babe. He is a beautiful blue fawn Anatolian Shepherd. He too specializes in demolition. :)
His other job is a family/farm guardian and lives with dogs, cats and horses.

Mook and his little buddy 'Ruby' the Australian Shepherd. He's being bratty here and nibbling on her so he can steal the limelight for the photo shoot.
But Ruby takes no guff and has been known to deck the boy on occasion.

The Babe

2006-06-09T18:04:00.000-04:00

Babe smiles with the good news. We got back Babes prelim report from OFA today. Hips and elbows good!
She'll celebrate in her usual 'Joie de Vie' attitude with her favorite pastime, demolition work!

Uriel in December

2006-06-01T04:05:00.000-04:00

Uriel taking a break in the barn. Shes in training as a full time Alpaca guardian.

A Bad Tree Day

2006-06-01T01:00:00.000-04:00

Much worse than a bad hair day! More results of our thankfully now passed, bad weather. A nice woodsy lot isnt always so grand!

Too Much Rain!

2006-05-20T19:12:00.000-04:00

Our own private spot along the Neponset.
Hannah, Zoran and The Babe

Weve had waaay to much rain here in New England. It seemed to be like 40 days and 40 nights..... The dogs arent particularly happy with the terrential rain either but can get some out time if they head down the hill and get some shelter by the canopy. But, drenching rain is drenching rain just the same. The other day the rain finally broke late day and I took the opportunity to do a perimeter check and head down to the river. Something I usually do at least every other day and I hadnt in over a week. I dont think Ive ever seen the river so swollen but still not cresting the land. I could hear the rushing of water before I even got to the bottom of the hill. Not typical for this quiet little river and fortunately, not one of the many rivers flooding out of control. I was meandering up the other side of the hill and looked up to catch this great shot of the LGD's (Livestock Guard Dogs) on watch.

2006-05-16T08:02:00.000-04:00

Buddy and Meagan.

A Dogs Life

2006-05-13T14:36:00.000-04:00

A new picture of Kaz and his buddy Grey taken just this morn while enjoying 'Spa time'. I suspect once the covers come off they'll be pool hopping too!

2006-05-13T14:29:00.000-04:00

Violet and a few of her many charges.

2006-04-22T17:03:00.000-04:00

And admiration. Hannah and Zora.

2006-04-22T16:58:00.000-04:00

A mothers love.

2006-04-22T16:02:00.000-04:00

'Rory' gives his best 'Im a cool Anatolian' look.

2006-04-22T15:58:00.000-04:00

'Kaz' aka 'Baby Z'. He looks just like his dad.

PUPdates

2006-04-22T15:28:00.000-04:00

Rajah and Jordan. What good manners for such a young pup!

Our Favorite Bag Lady

2006-04-11T15:07:00.000-04:00

Were very fortunate to have wonderful dog loving neighbors. This is the dogs 'Aunt Helen'.
Helens special thing she loves to do is give the dogs milkbones. In fact, Helen takes her special milk bone time quite seriously and even shovels paths thru deep snow to the fence line. Needless to say, lots of mutual love going on here.

2006-04-11T14:48:00.000-04:00

Zoran goes 'Cowboy Cool' too! He loves his new collar and his new macho man image. :)
Check out these great custom made collars at: http://stores.ebay.com/INTO-THE-WEST

Hope Springs Eternal

2006-03-10T20:57:00.000-05:00

After long cold winters in New England, its always so nice to see signs of spring. Earlier morning sunrises and the later sunsets gives one hope. Spring is coming!

2006-02-18T08:51:00.000-05:00

Zoran all dressed up in his special Turkish decorative collar. Que Suave!
All kinds of cool Turkish collars and things can be found at Andrea's 'Taking My Time'. www.anatoliandog.org/members/takingmytime.htm

Anatolian Shepherd Fashionista's

2006-02-14T15:05:00.000-05:00

Hannah's debut as a model wearing her 'cowboy cool' collar.
See her and more cool collars @ http:stores.ebay.com/INTO-THE-WEST

2006-02-14T14:44:00.000-05:00

Hey Dad, how do U drink this stuff?

2006-02-14T14:43:00.000-05:00

2006-02-14T14:41:00.001-05:00

2006-02-14T14:41:00.000-05:00

The Storm Chasers

2006-02-14T14:39:00.000-05:00

Faces of the Future

2006-02-06T18:32:00.000-05:00

2006-02-06T18:31:00.000-05:00

Shamans Badger

2006-02-06T18:29:00.000-05:00

Girls just wanna have fun! Shaman's Uriel in December

2006-02-06T17:55:00.000-05:00

Shaman's Tatanka (Buddy)

2006-02-06T17:54:00.000-05:00

Shaman's Kaz

2006-02-06T17:52:00.000-05:00

Shaman's Zora Victoria

Serenity

2006-02-06T17:29:00.000-05:00

Rajah and The Babe

2006-02-05T16:25:00.000-05:00

These brazen little girls followed the big dogs almost down to the river. I didnt really want them that far down yet without me and I was mid way with the other pups. I called for the big dogs to round em up and they did!
One girl taking the lead and the other bringing up the rear! Had me humming Bonanza. :)
I love how carefully the big dogs watch her and give her full reign.

First snow!

2006-02-05T16:14:00.000-05:00

I had forgotten they predicted snow during the night and let the big dogs out with pups in tow. They all ran out, froze for a second and were then ready to hit the slopes! No surprise here, after all, they are hardy little Anatolian Shepherd pups!

2006-02-05T16:04:00.000-05:00

Checking out one of the critter patrol hot spots with Dad .

Braving New Worlds

2006-02-05T15:52:00.000-05:00

When the pups turn around 4 weeks or so, weather permitting, which isnt easy in the dead of winter in Boston, I start taking them out. Once theyre comfy in the upper yard, they take on bigger challenges. This is some pretty rough terrain and brave little pups handled it with ease! Zoran and Babe supervise till everyone figures it out.

First Light

2006-02-03T20:12:00.000-05:00

I always love when pups first open their eyes, usually around 2 weeks of age. Very exciting to watch them discover a new world.

2006-02-03T20:10:00.000-05:00

2006-01-21T15:47:00.000-05:00

Zoran thinks the pups are pretty cool too. Hes very proud and now fashions himself as a real 'stud muffin'. :) Zoran's proven his outstanding parenting skills with their first breeding. More on The Babe and Mookey soon.

2006-01-21T15:23:00.000-05:00

Hannah supervises while Babe helps nurture and clean the pups.

A Family Affair

2006-01-21T15:01:00.000-05:00

Big sister 'Babe' (Shaman Dream Catcher) couldnt wait to get in on the action. At just 8 months of age all her instincts were in the right place.

2006-01-21T14:55:00.000-05:00

The Blessed Event

2006-01-21T13:55:00.000-05:00

On Dec. 6th, Hannah (Breezyway's Hannah Victoria) and Zoran ( Old Glory Zoran) became proud parents of a beautiful litter of 9 Anatolian Shepherd puppies. 5 boys and 4 girls.