06/06/2023
Buck the day we brought him home. He was 8 weeks old. That was 6-1/2 weeks ago! He has grown so much since then, and this photo almost hurts because, while there were times when life with a puppy was overwhelming (this is Loretta), the love we have for this little guy is unreal, and he is simply growing up way too fast. On another note: What an amazing dog! Buck is an English Shepherd. They come in many colors: Clear Sables, Tri-Colors, Black & White, Brindle, Red Sable, Shaded Sables, to name a few. He is a Shaded Sable. He has a "Shepherd's Lantern" on the tip of his tail. It is a white tip that has been said will lead the flock home at twilight while their tail is lifted - like a lit beacon in the falling darkness to follow. A hundred years ago this was the #1 family dog. (At least that is what we heard) And that is no surprise as they are extremely versatile, though they are mainly a herding breed. They can be taught to flush birds, track, trained for search & rescue, agility, and of course, herding. They are a wonderful dog that is highly intelligent, slightly emotionally reserved and can be a touch stoic, but very loving and emotionally intelligent. They are not hyper and high-strung, but active and love stimulation, puzzles, and to be engaged. We felt they were the perfect breed for us and it seems to be the case! Buck will probably be about 65 pounds when fully mature. He is 20 pounds now. In this pic he was 10-1/2 pounds. I will show updated photos soon 🐶
