Introducing, our new Livestock Guardian, Snowball!!
Our hardest challenges this year were brought on by predators. We tried better electric fencing, moving the animals out of the forest to give predators less cover, we even tried scattering wolf urine around our property! (Of which is one of the strangest things I have ever purchased. Who knew Amazon sold wolf urine?! You learn something new every day!) But no matter what we did, the bobcats and coyotes always outsmarted us. It got to the point that I would spend my whole day out with the herds and flock, and we moved all babies into our backyard.
We knew that locking the animals away in small runs could not be an option, but I also could not spend the rest of our life on predator watch. So we came to the decision that it was finally time to put a dream of mine in action - welcoming a farm dog home! We could NOT be happier!
Not only have we had NO more predator losses since bringing this sweet boy home, but he has also become a beloved friend to every one who crosses paths with him.
The Great Pyrenees: A Age Old Guardian
Sweet Snowball is a Great Pyrenees. Let's learn a little bit more about this amazing breed.
The Great Pyrenees originated in the mountains of Asia Minor - in the area which is now known as Turkey - centuries ago. They served a priceless role guarding their sheep, as well as their shepherds, from wolves, bears, and even sheep rustlers. The iconic white, fluffy coat not only protected them from the harsh elements and allowed them to move through sheep herds without scaring the sheep, but it also disguised them from predators until it was too late. Eventually, these dogs moved westward with their flocks towards the Pyrenean mountains, hence the name, the Great Pyrenees.
Centuries later, this dog is still prized by farmers and ranchers around the globe. Their calm, gentle-giant nature paired with their desire to work and protect not only makes them exceptional guardians, but also beloved friends.
About our boy:
Snowball has been with us a couple months now, and we could not be more in love with him! Every morning he sits in the hay bales waiting for his belly rubs and raw egg before breakfast, and is the most relaxed and chill dog I know!
Until he hears something unusual, wether that be a goats cry, a chickens distress call, or even a rustle in the leaves that is a little too close for comfort. Then, (even if he is sound asleep on his back!) he shoots off like I bullet to go investigate the threat, and will not rest again until he has checked on his animals and is confident no one is in danger. This sweet boy impresses me every day!
Someday, I would love to get him a puppy friend to train up, but for now, he is as happy as can be guarding his flocks!
