The Heart and Soul of Me

This is something I've wanted to do for a very long time - add this picture of the woman and borzoi to my blog. Since I'm not the handiest person with technology, I'll have to keep my fingers crossed that this works...and wonder if the picture will also be added to all my older posts.

The original snap shot also gave a clear view of a depot with the awaiting train, the somewhat foggy atmosphere suggesting London. That would actually be highly appropriate since it was primarily due to the efforts of an Englishwoman who had received several of the dogs from family members in Russia that the breed was saved from the ravages of the Russian Revolution.

I dearly love this breed. From the first moment I saw them at the Westminster Kennel Club Show so many years ago, the essence of their being spoke to me, as though somehow they were my alter ego in canine form. Originally bred to travel in pairs and accompany troikas traveling across the frozen Russians wastes as protection for the aristocrats against wolves, they are both fast and fierce in attack mode. One would go for a wolf's leg, and when tripped, the other would go for the throat.

Amazing that they can look so delicate while being so solid, resilient, and strong. Just a touch lazy, too. Borzois are 'leaners.' When they stand next to you, that long and long legged body wraps around you and they lean into your legs. Perhaps it is a protective stance, but perhaps it is just restful for them. Whatever it is, it's a wonderful feeling. (Greyhounds do the same thing, but there is a great similarity between breeds - both built for speed, but the Borzoi breed for speed in extra cold weather.)

I've always been glad they were always somewhat rare, and thus, never an overly popular dog like so many others the public has nearly ruined by over breeding. Unfortunately, sometimes that's what we humans do best. Weaken or destroy what we love.