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Wednesday, December 19, 2018

A Thousand Words


I took this picture tonight as I was finishing evening chores.  I'm not sure now if I was behind the barn feeding Hank or back there checking the water tank, but I saw Maisie standing there by herself and quickly grabbed my phone.  

I knew what she was doing.  She was out there looking for Hank.  Of all the relationships within the flock, theirs is the most interesting.  Maisie had walked away from eating hay with everyone to go outside and check on Hank.

When I painted Maisie on the Christmas card, right up front, that's because that's where she sleeps.  Right up front.  I never really gave it much thought.  Many of the sheep have favorite sleeping spots.  A few nights ago, as I peeked in on everyone, I found her sound asleep...right up front.

As a few of the sheep rustled about, she woke up, looked around, got up, stretched and then walked out of the barn and to the left.  When she saw Hank sitting in the dark, facing the front field, she quietly called out to him "Mmmmmmmmm."  And I realized that's why she sleeps by the door.  As close as she can get.

I love the composition of this shot.  I love the colors - the midnight blue, the black barn, the warm lights.  I can't get over how small Maisie looks standing next to the barn.  I love the story behind scene. I wish I'd stayed out there a little longer to watch what happened next.


18 comments:

Michelle said...

Good night, John-boy. Good night, Mary Ellen. Good night, Sara.

Michelle said...

P.S. That needs to be a puzzle. ;-)

LannieK said...

A beautiful shot, Sara. And the story is... Maisie. Thanks for sharing it and give MM a hug for me.

Lady Locust said...

What a great photo! And that Miss Maisie might get into mischief once in a while, but I think she is pretty special.

Far Side of Fifty said...

She is a loyal friend:)

Shirley said...

They are a ll special but Maisie is a special special. :0)

thecrazysheeplady said...

Here you go! It wasn't as hard as I thought it might be :-).

https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=1dcadb511699

knitski said...

I find the relationships that people have with animals interesting but the relationships animals have with other animals is even more interesting. Maisie and her buddy Hank--just have to know where he is and what he is up too!

Leslie said...

You live in such a wonderful world, full of animals with their fascinating personalities and honest hearts. Love this pic too and am putting it on my mood board at work.

Marcy Habetrot said...

People often speak of the dedication and love of the guardian dogs for their flocks but rarely mention that it flows both ways. Here is clear, beautiful proof. ❤️ Maisie and Hank

Grey Horse Matters said...

Beautiful photo. I love the story behind it too. Maisie and Hank have a bond and I think watch out for each other. It's amazing to me how animals bond and react with one another. So sweet.

Terry and Linda said...

They are beautiful friends. Hank watches the flock and she watches for Hank. I love the photo. Put it on a calendar sometime.

ElaineChicago said...

Perhaps we don't give Dear Maisie all the credit she deserves for being such a good little girl with a big heart!

Sheepmom said...

Great picture and even better story. Maisie is smart and complex. She's a thinker. "I know I'm safe here at home but I better check that Hank is out there watching over us." Lovely.

katherine littrell said...

One of my favorite of your posts! love the barn scene at night. Love Devoted Hank.....and of course, love Maisie. Wasn't surprised at all. Maddie has a Big personality. And that includes a Big Heart.💖

Laura L. said...

It's amazing the bonds and friendships that develop between the sheep and their dogs.

Susan said...

GOOD MAISIE! Love that story, thank you.

Lisa Smith said...

What a lovely post... thank you for capturing the moment for us, Sara! It is so sweet to see the softer side of dear Maisie. I keep forgetting, but this just reminded me, I want to look back and locate the video you posted several years (?) ago -- about guard dogs and their flocks. It was wonderful; I am going to go on a search for it!

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