australian cattle dog – Preindustrial Craftsmanship

Before the cold weather came we were able to escape to one of my favorite places in the world. A little hidden corner of the Ozarks that has many fond memories for me.

Kyly the wonder dog got some much needed wilderness time as well. Of course, she always needs to be first down the trail.

I think she nearly forgot just how much she loves water, even if it was extremely cold. I think she swam back and forth about five times… just because.

It was also a much needed time in the woods for Stacey and I. Even a quick trip into nature does something magical to reset the brain; no sounds of machinery, just the wind, the water, the trees, and the birds.

One of my favorite pastimes of old; just sitting and watching and listening.

When it finally came time for lunch and a nap, this little patch of ground served us all well.

And the view could not be beat.

Even with all the distractions, our girl needs a certain amount of “stick time” on every walk. I think it is the obsessive need to work bred into these guys over so many generations.

And back into the water for a cool-down before we headed back.

Happy trails to you all.

So, a vardo is a small space, especially when living with a dog.

The old dog loved sleeping under the rig as she took her guard duties seriously but unfortunately, she is no longer with us. The youngster, on the other hand, has no interest in that sort of nonsense and only wants to be by my side as much as possible. She loves enclosed spaces so the vardo is a big attraction for her. She spends much of her time under the main bed, hidden away, and often forgotten about until she decides to get under foot. I even lost her for the better part of a day when she snuck in while I wasn’t looking, slipped into her bed, and was locked in for several hours. When I found her, she looked content enough and came out stretching like a sleepy child.

Much of 2016-2017 I was lucky enough to spend many nights camped in the gypsy wagon with just my dog for company. She doesn’t get on furniture inside the house but the dog has decided the floor or her bed are not good enough when she’s in the vardo. Since she knows she not really supposed to sneak into the bed, the (too small) bench seat is often her compromise in the wagon. She doesn’t really fit but I guess it makes her feel like one of the family.

A couple years ago I learned to be extra careful when sliding out of bed, especially in the dark, as she often plants herself on her favorite felted rug; right under my feet. In this case, it also happens to be in front of the ceramic heater on a chilly morning.

Photo-bomb. She climbed out from her bed in order to not miss the action.

Even while getting ready to go to work, she seems to manage a photo-bomb; always lurking nearby and not wanting to be left behind. Just because it’s a small space, there is still plenty of room for a dog; sort of.