Today on Sesame Street

we learn about sharing...the dog bed. 

I was there - honestly!

In spirit at least. Up at 5:20 this morning in time to grab coffee, head down stairs to the big screen to watch the USBCHA semi finals. 

Scott and Don - bringing their sheep around the post.

So far it's been well worth it. Great view most of the time, good commentary, and a fresh pot of good coffee just a few feet away. 

Right now Scott and Don are holding a comfortable lead with a 192. Looking forward to watching them tomorrow in the finals. 

Want to watch?

http://www.nationalsheepdogfinals.com/webcast/

Homeland Security

When locals find out we have sheep, one of the very first questions they generally ask is "How many have you lost to coyotes?". So far, our answer has been "not a one". As a matter of fact, so far we've had more trouble with stray dogs than wild things. 

However, we're not blind to the fact that we are surrounded by wild things and there's a really good chance that eventually they'll try out the Meanook Valley buffet we've laid out for them. 

A number of our friends have gotten livestock guardian dogs for their sheep and that seems to be the end of their coyote problems. 

Given that Bruce has no desire to chase sheep, I asked him if he'd like to earn his keep around here by guarding the sheep instead. 

 

While Bruce was happy to take one for the team, he pointed out that his real job is to act as court jester, eat cheezies with Travis, and drag hair and sticks into the house. 

Today I took a more traditional route and went out and bought us a Maremma - a real livestock guardian dog. 

 The sheep feel safer already.

Pretty ferocious looking...

 and already taking his job seriously. 

Of course he needed a name that would match up to the seriousness of his job, so we thought long and hard about naming him after a dog he could really look up to. Of course we wound up naming him after the most famous guardian dog of all.

Who's that you ask? 

Why Sam Sheepdog of course!

Check out my new South African import ram

As some of you know (those that read North Wapiti), my neighbour Karen went over to South Africa last month. She was kind enough to bring back a new ram for me. Dorpers are a South African breed of hair sheep and they make a nice cross with Katahdins - the breed we already have at our place.  How thoughtful of her, given how much of a hassle it must have been getting him through customs. 

Here he is.

Isn't he a beauty?

Especially those blue eyes. 

We still haven't introduced him to Gordon. I'll let you know how they get on when we do.

We're renovating and we need your help.

This?

or this?

 

Happiness is

NOT having to share the bed with Bruce

Long weekend buffets...and a sure sign of things to come.

Seen on our walk today:

 The leavings from Mr. Squirrel's breakfast buffet at the famous "Top of Fred's Trail" restaurant. 

Gone and left for other squirrel Labour Day Monday activities, or gone back for more rose hips?

Hmm...pretty in a "six or eight months of white stuff" kind of way. I'm psychic and I predict winter.

Oh, and a rare shot of Ben, AKA "Ears" standing still on the trail.