|
Fair Share Farm's New Dog
"Rocky"
For the past 5 years we have been growing vegetables not only for our
members, but for the many critters and varmits that live on the farm.
Such biodiversity is of course good, and we enjoy the company of these
animals, but prefer to see them outside our deer fence,
rather than in with
the
strawberries and tomatoes.
From voles to racoons, we have used live traps and other means to deter this unwelcome munching. Many have suggested that we get a dog to solve the problem. This fall we resolved to get a dog for the 2008 season and beyond. This decision led to the complex question of "what kind of dog?"
Thus began several months of talking, thinking and research. We were looking of course for the ideal dog, one that would chase the unwanted animals from the fields, was smart, would be good with people, and also have a certain amount of independence. Early possiblities were Jack Russell or other terriers, due to their breeding for rat and mouse elimination. A mutt was another possibility. Either way, we figured we should get a puppy so that it would be free of bad habits.
We had also been to Tom and Paula Parker's farm several times and were impressed with the talents and good nature of their sheep guarding dogs. Their Great Pyrenees and Pyrenees/Anatolian mix dogs are bred to guard livestock (with thier life). Both breeds are described using words like courageous, brave, loyal, intelligent and gentle majesty. So when the Parkers went to buy a new dog from a farmer right here in Lawson, they let us know there was an extra puppy available.
So welcome to Rocky, named after both Tom's father (Frank "Rocky" Ruggieri) and Rocky Racoon. We picked him up on February 5, and listened to him howl and yodel on the drive to the farm. Quite understandable for a 4 month old separated from its parents. But he quickly warmed to us, and took to his makeshift straw-bale house. Perhaps someday we can build him a proper one, with stucco and all.
We are in the process of training him. He is more farm dog than pet. His second day on the farm he followed us through the recent snows as we walked the inside perimeter of the deer fence. We will continue to do this for awhile so that he knows the territory he is to guard. We are also going to be working hard on getting him to learn and obey the simple commands of "sit," "come," and "no." As he will grow to 120 pounds, we want to have some control over him.
We welcome members out to the farm to help us socialize him and keep him occupied during the winter. Please keep in mind, however, that as he is in training, we may have special instructions for you as to how to relate to him.
See a video of Rocky here