Osix

Saturday, March 30, 2024

One of my favorite photos is “Osix With A Flower,” taken a few years ago during a hike along the Deschutes River. The cool and pleasant photo shows Osix in a “thinking moment”—anticipating our next moves and evaluating possibilities—in her unique, slightly weird way.

It reveals much about the once-tiny puppy I adopted nearly thirteen years ago. Osix grew into a very smart, quirky, and sometimes quasi-independent adult. She’s also a great communicator. Time and again, noticing her expression precisely as in the header photo, I wonder about her next move.

Mostly, she’s dependable and stays with the group, but sometimes leaves and disappears. I might find that she’s returned to the parking area and is either inside or under my vehicle. However, sudden gun-shot types of loud noises make her run away and hide. I might look for her (usually fruitless) or wait (sometimes a long while) before she feels safe again and reappears.

She’s my best watchdog. Some neighbors dislike her because of her sometimes almost unstoppable barking. I understand, but from my perspective, the alert dog instantly warns of anything unusual. Her presence is especially reassuring when I must walk down to the barn, to my horses waiting for hay, in the nighttime darkness.

Osix is very beautiful. Her slender nose and colorful, abundant coat hint at her genetic connections to the Rough Collie breed.

Dear Friends: Today, sharing sweet Osix, my fine and slightly offbeat companion. Diana