Dog Days

Since I was a child, I have heard people refer to the “dog days of summer.”  The context was always in reference to the hottest, driest summer days, usually July and August.  The original meaning of the term, however, was the days between July 3 and August 11 when Sirius, the “dog star”occupies the same region of the sky as the sun.  Sirius is the brightest star in the constellation Canis Major, the Greater Dog.   In the summer, Sirius rises and sets with the sun.  Because the star is so bright, the ancient Romans thought that it gave off heat and added to the sun’s warmth, producing higher temperatures.  

But no matter the origin of the term, it has come to mean (at least here in Texas) the days when man and beast are miserable in the heat of the day.  When outside, my pups dig “dog holes” in a cool, shady spot, and there are puddles of cows under almost every tree.  

The dog days here at Goat Hill Farm started earlier than usual this year.  The first 100 degree day occurred on June 11, a month earlier than the preceding three years.  And temperatures continued higher than usual for most of June and into July, with readings of 106 and higher. 

But we and our border collies have found a way to beat the heat.  We work sheep early in the mornings, and in the late evenings. Last week, Cody, Bo and I left early and spent a couple of hours working sheep at Allen and Kay Mills’ place near Goldthwaite.  

Then, we followed our friend Charly Kronberger home to her farm near Richland Springs.  

We had some fine porch-sitting, and got in some more sheep time in the late afternoon.

The flock we were working contained some bred ewes, 

four of last fall’s lambs, and a number of this spring’s ewe lambs.  The handsome fellow below is the father of the lambs we were working.  I don't know his name, but I think "The Man" suits him.

He is as much master of his flock as Charly's handsome rooster is of his. 

Charly's sheep are under the care of five livestock guardian dogs.  Most of the time they hang out with their sheep, loafing in the shade or moving about as they graze.  

When we drove through the pasture, Beulah, Buster, Pink and Flicker came up to say hello and to check out the visiting border collies.  Don't be fooled by their smiling faces, though.  When they perceive a threat to their sheep, whether a stranger driving down the road, a fox, coyote, raccoon or even a snake, they alert and their barks are intimidating to say the least.  The sheep are in good hands.  

We were up early on Wednesday, and were on the field by 6.  We separated out the bred ewes to give them a rest, and Charly’s open dog, Tyg, brought the lambs from their overnight paddock for us to work.  

Bo got some experience handling a large group of sheep, something out of the ordinary for him.  

Cody and I practiced shedding, and he came through with enthusiasm and took the designated sheep away.

Charly and Tyg worked on their shed, as well.  

 

And, while we were working early and late, back at home Rue and Kota had their own methods of keeping cool, 

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as did Flicker when her sheep didn't need her.  

 We had a great time and can't wait to go back.