Today … we did something we thought we never would do …
Yes …
We added a puppy to our family.
I know what you’re thinking {Crazy?! Don’t I have enough to clean up after?!} – but this is no ordinary puppy.
She’s a Great Pyrenees – which means, she’s a Livestock Guardian dog, a mountain dog, bred to protect, bred to work, they are known to be brave when needed, they are strong willed, gentle, confident, fearless, patient and affectionate. I’ve even read articles where they have taken on bears and coyotes to protect a herd of their family. In fact, this little puppy’s father (who we met) had recently killed two coyotes on the farm where he lives …
So this little puppy … she has a job. Well, first she has to grow, grow, grow, which no doubt she will do so quickly. We got a young dog as they would need to grow up with the animals and children they are to protect.
Since moving here, we have lost three chickens, one duck and a bunny to predators. To be humbly honest, I am often a bit scared at night when we have to go out in the dark and put away the chickens and ducks. We’ve even seen coyotes in our yard and that was before having all these tasty chickens and ducks on our property. And with all these beautiful little children running around outside most of the day, I’d love to feel a bit more secure and safe with a guardian dog by their side…
Of course, the girls are in love, especially the three older ones … it is nice to have their extra helping hands as they take care of our newest addition.
We think we have settled on the name Winnifred {Winnie for short}, which means peaceful guardian. We’re trying it out for 24 hours to see if we think the name suits her …
I have to admit, she’s pretty cute. Let’s hope she lives up to her breed’s reputation.
by Gigi
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