06/06/2026
Work hard, play hard: farm dogs
This is Bear (white) and Bloo (brown) at play while I finish chores. Bear is our “Mongo” - very big, strong and full of happy but super serious about threats.
Bloo is our herding dog in training - not even as big as our resident coyotes. Bloo needs help on defensive technique. Bear is more than happy to coach him. Here Bloo is learning to break a neck hold. It will take time and his speed will be an asset.
How big are the coyotes around here?
Coyotes on the mountain are slightly smaller than Bear. Bold, too.
One actually pawed at the storm door a week ago trying to get at the cat and ran to the fence when I turned on the porch light.
This is why Bear insists on sleeping outside in the cool air. He keeps watch over our sheep, the neighbor cows, and the other neighbor’s horses.
He takes his job very seriously though I worry for his safety, too. We keep motion lights and other deterrents on alert, plus two sassy donkeys.
