Before the Night Shift

The name of Great Pyrenees comes from a mountain range in southwestern Europe, where these dogs have been guarding livestock for many years, at least since the 1400’s. They were bred to withstand the cold and defend the flock against wolves, which are about the same size as these dogs – for that very reason. When bred and raised to be livestock guardians, “Pyrs” are incredibly loyal and devoted to the flock and will fearlessly defend the farm. They will stay awake all night, alert to anything out of the ordinary. Their sense of smell and eyesight is very keen, and their voice is instantly recognizable among Pyr owners, as they tend to stay up all night and bark, keeping all intruders and predators away. In fact, many livestock guardian Pyrenees rarely set foot in the farmhouse. They prefer to be outdoors, in part due to their thick, insulating fur, and in part due to their sense of duty and need to stay close, protecting their flock.

A number of years ago, one of Janie’s dogs died, and she was looking for another one to help on the farm. She met a man, from a ranch out west, who happened to have one. So the dog was sent on the plane from out west to Chicago, where Janie picked him up. When he arrived, he was a little, white fur ball of a pup, with no tail. Evidently, they’d started him out with the sheep at a very young age, and it being winter and all, his tail froze off, hence the name “Bear.” Since then, he has had a good life on Janie’s sheep and hog farm, with all of the other Pyrs. When he sees Janie, he gets up, tail wagging, and bears his teeth at her in a very goofy smile (if you’re not used to this, it looks a little scary). I also just learned, that after 7 years of dedicated service, Bear has been retired, and now enjoys life as a pet, coming and going as he pleases. He is very happy.

When I went to Janie’s farm to photograph the Pyrs with their flock, it was a golden fall afternoon, with the sun starting to sink low in the sky. All of the Pyrs were sleeping soundly, resting up for their night watch. When night falls, they rise, stretch and start making the rounds, barking to all that the night guardians have awoken. Trespassers beware.