Farm Dog Good, House Dog Bad

Mia sat for her portrait this week.

“Lay your tail out behind you to your right—no, your other right. Good. Now, ears up, look off into the distance like you’re looking into your destiny, and smile!”

Moments after her portrait, she became obsessed with running through muck most vile in a wet part of the Christmas tree patch. Then, she proceeded to roll around for a while and really grind in the stink. Imagine Pepé Le Pew with his wafting vapors. It was like that. But she was a proud and happy farm dog.

Yesterday morning, we had to break down and give her a bath. Mia will run through any creek, puddle, whatever, regardless of the temperature but absolutely dreads getting in the tub. She must think that, being cuddly clean and pleasantly fragrant, she’ll be considered a “house dog.” People will think she’s gone soft, and the other dogs will laugh at her despite our constant reassurances that she is still a tough farm dog.

After the bath, we went up to the farm, where she promptly headed back toward the mud.

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This Week on the Farm

Last week, we wrote about our draft horse class. Friday, Jeff found the Tillers International Facebook page posted a video of his first trip across the field with a four-horse pulling a harrow!

And here’s a scene that never gets old for me. Friday, as soon as I laid out netting for new pasture, the sheep, goats, and Lenny all gathered at the corner of the paddock. They knew fresh grass was imminent.

Farm Shop

Weaning time is approaching, and we’ll soon have breeding sheep available for your flock! This March 25 ram lamb with beautiful curly wool and a neat color pattern is ready to come home with you. We take care of registration and transfer fees. Reply to this email for more details!