Six Kittens and an Aussie Watched the Pond Go Quiet
On a weathered plank at the edge of a quiet pond, a blue merle Australian Shepherd sits with his marbled gray coat and pale blue eyes fixed on the horizon. Beside him, six kittens, cream, ginger, gray tabby, black and calico, are crowded together, all looking in the same direction. Reeds and trees curve around the water, and the gentle ripples reflect the soft evening light. The group looks as if they are waiting for something wonderful to appear on the surface.
Blue merle is a coat pattern, found in several breeds including Australian Shepherds, and it creates the mottled mix of gray, black and silver. Despite their name, Aussies are not from Australia, but were developed in the United States as herding dogs. They are smart and energetic, and they love having a task. If a dog and kittens go near a pond, supervise closely. Water can be dangerous for small animals, and pond water can contain bacteria and algae that are harmful if swallowed. Keep everyone back from the edge, and bring fresh water for them to drink.
The Aussie has the look of a patient lifeguard, and the kittens have the focus of a tiny audience. Whatever they are watching on the water, it has their full attention. It is a peaceful picture, shared in silence. Peace like this is easy to share.
