Helpers

We are thankful for Mia’s help with last week’s post. She has continued her good work on the farm by assisting with creating a grain storage bin, turning loose sheep back into their pen, and overseeing yard work.

As we’re writing this missive, she’s zonked on her mat by the couch. She is apparently hunting imaginary monsters as she occasionally snarfles and yips while flicking her paws like she’s running.

She would tell you her primary job is to chase—well, anything and everything. But really, her main job is to help her Mom with the sheep. Mia attended Sheepdog School last year. She’s very intelligent (Ed. note: devilishly so -Jeff [Ed. note: well, yeah, she’s a Malinois -Elise] ), and so she caught on quickly to the different commands. Now, she can help manage the flock.

Before Mia, there was Toby. He was Jeff’s dog for more than a decade. He was a good farm dog, but in a completely different way than Mia. A big day for Toby was to be fascinated by the chickens. He mostly slept in, or under, the truck, helping by staying out of the way.

He also helped us feed the animals, pick up corn from the store, and water the cows. He had a beautiful (Ed note: read: LOUD! -Jeff) continuous howl that always let us know that things were peaceful.

Best. dogs. ever.

Thanks for Reading!

Who is your best dog ever? Let us know with a reply to this email. We’d love to hear from you!

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This Week on the Farm

A farm dog can never have enough pup cups.

Our local hamburger and ice cream stand opened early this year, and after an errand, we stopped by for a treat.

Toby loved his pup cups, too.

This week, we’ll continue Lamb Watch, and we’ll gather with fellow forage enthusiasts at a grazing conference.

Farm Shop

Our Shetlands are so much fun to photograph. Now, one of our flock members is featured in a sticker! Our Light in Winter artist, Lydia, has created stickers from her pen and ink drawing of Gandalf the Ram. Check out Gandalf’s sticker here!