In 2010, about a year after returning to Texas, I was doing one of those occasional drives in the countryside south of Granger when I noticed a man, joined by a Great Pyrenees as they herded sheep along a barely-traveled road.
The shepherd was Rosalio Rodriguez, who graciously agreed to letting a photographer observe his work. His dog, Charlie, took a while to warm up to another’s presence, but after a while all was fine.
Through the years since then, I’d see Rosalio at the grocery store, or back out there with his sheep and Charlie. When not minding his herd, he worked at a printing company in Pflugerville.
Now, in 2025, I still see my friend as he herds sheep along a still-quiet rural road. Charlie, who lived 18 years, was replaced by Rambo, another dog meant for herding.
In recent years, Rosalio has dealt with some potentially serious health issues, but now, about to turn 71 this month, he’s as fit as ever, still able to run along with his herd without missing a step. And he continues to work three days a week at the
printing business.
These photographs were taken earlier this week while noticing man and dog keeping those sheep in line. Because there’s a little more traffic, a product of continued growth, he has signs posted asking drivers to slow down because they’re entering a “sheep area.”
Longtime Sun readers may recall earlier stories about Rosalio, but he merits the occasional repeat on these pages. In a week that began with Labor Day, few can compare with the work that this gentleman continues to do. Keep it going, Rosalio.