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Garip is BlueFlowerPress' watch dog in more than one sense of the word because Garip is indeed a real watch dog.
Garip (meaning something shading between dispossessed and stranger; Turkish) was born at Gordion, a small, but archaeologically significant village about 50 miles outside of the Turkish capital, Ankara.
Although Garip is more of a mutt than anything else he has a strong resemblance to a noble breed of Turkish sheep dog, the Sivas Kangal. He is admired by most who meet him, and dearly loved by his owners.
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They are generally bred for herding sheep and goats on the Anatolian plateau around the ancient settlements of many thousands of years.
From very young age, 7-9 months they accompany their mother, or follow the tail of the senior head dog, thus learning the scents, hills and valleys of the landscape, in its
infinite horizons.
Sensitive to the commanding "look" of the shepherd, can round up 200
sheep, slow-moving fat tail, from the wheat field or deep ravines...
Their wrought iron collar, with spikes, is its mark of initiation to the adult world of sheep dogs-at age one-to keep away the wolves and fend off unfriendly dogs away from the herd.
Known as 'Akbas' or 'Karabas' (white head, or black head). The awesome look of grayish brown head on heavy shoulder muscles, and turned up curl of the tail, honey colored eyes, melt the heart of the owner and his friends, his 3 layered fur, so white and thick, makes him undistinguishable from the rest of the herd.
Faithful serves his herd for a decade, when he is too old to walk at all, his usual 12 hour daily walks, he is allowed to stay behind by the sheepfold, and guard it.
Adventures with wolves at night, under the great sky, Corban dogs take their place on the outer circle of the big pile of wooly sheep. Always on guard, to sense the upcoming, ominous visitors (Mr. Wolf, or Mr. Thief)... If such a moment arises, he howls like the wolf,to wake up the shepherd.
Even in his rest hours, near a fountain, while the thirsty herd fills up their stomach, Corban sits under the weeping willow tree, keeping vigil... Friendly only to friends of the shepherd, one eye open always, for upcoming surprises...
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