Tess and Gabbie - babes in the woods

Our two old english sheepdogs, Tessie, and Gabbie, are right at home in Bittersweet Woods. They are officially indoor dogs - at night and during the day while we are work. But otherwise, they love the outdoors. And they do almost everything together. Tessie is the youthful one, just approaching 3 years old. She is smaller at about 65 pounds and slimmer than your average old english sheepdog. When running she reminds me of a cheetah running full bore on the Serengeti. The puppy energy and playfullness is still there but starting to fade a bit. She has a gentle spirit but is a little less affectionate around other people.



Gabbie is the big sister at 5 years old still very active but a little more calm, protective when needed, and a disciplinarian. She scolds Tess when youthful one returns after bounding off to chase a deer or visit an unsuspecting neighbor. She is also larger in stature and weight. Her coloration includes black fur around her eyes, resembling a raccoon mask. Gabbie loves everyone and can quickly become a pest by demanding too much attention from visitors. She also has developed an odd vocalization, resembling what I call a loud purr, when she greets us in the morning or when we return home. Grandson Connor is her favorite person of all time. She is relentless in her attention, purring,licking, nuzzling, and herding him in true sheepdog fashion. He is barely tolerant of the hubbub.

Every day we walk Tessie and Gabbie on the trail in Bittersweet Woods. Mention the word trail and they are alert, lunging toward the door and skidding on the tile. Or they look at us expectantly if we're outside. Yesterday on the trail was a typical day for them. They each grab a tennis ball without fail on the way out, having failed again to realize there is no ball throwing on the trail. We start down the trail. Tess scouted the lower perimeter along the creek looking for deer and squirrels. Gabbie nosed around a known chipmunk hideout, then strolled nonchalantly into the brush to uh,well,leave a solid waste deposit.

Waiting for Mom


Near the waterfall, Tess abruptly zoomed up the hill and disappeared. She probably saw a deer. She acts predatory in the chase, but if a deer ever turned around on her, she would run away just as fast. Five minutes later Tess returns. Gabbie scolds her for leaving the pack - barking and chasing after her. Tess pretends to ignore the provocation but quietly enjoys the attention. Together they run breakneck down the trail to the house.

So ends a loop on the trail - one of several each day. They are a joy to watch. There are complications once in a while. Their feet often have to be cleaned when there is mud around. There are unauthorized visits to adjacent neighbors yards. The worst is when they roll in some noxious fecal matter and return stinking to high heaven.

Busted by the hazmat team


But we love them. They bring us more enjoyment and love than aggravation. HEY! TESS AND GABBIE, GET OVER HERE. NOW! Yeah, right.