A Thank You, To My Livestock Guardian

By: Nature + Nurture

Bear

As an advocate for animals, especially dogs, it was an uncomfortable concept for me: having a dog outside 24/7. Regardless of the weather, he works while my other dogs are in their cozy beds and enjoying their time with me inside. Even now writing this, I feel my eyes well. I understand that true/seasoned farmers out there might be shaking their head, and I understand how juvenile that may seem. The fact Bear is out there making it possible for my goats to live safely makes me feel deeply.

This is my first time with a Pyrenees, and I didn’t know what to expect of the breed. I had heard warnings of potential issues that could happen. Many weeks turned into months of research, and I decided on a Pyrenees. A pack of coyotes and a bob cat were living on my property. The goats needed protection without trapping or hurting these wild animals. It’s their home too, and my goal is to find a way to live with nature, not against it. I wanted to contribute to the “eco-systems” in my backyard that I had read about; finding a level of harmony with the natural world. I learned a guardian’s bark would usually deter the predators I was worried about. I felt ready for this next step, and I contacted a breeder. I wanted to ensure that he would thrive with livestock guardianship, and he’d be more prepared through learning from his parents on the job. The farm I got him from was home to a very kind couple who had goats, chickens, pigs, and a mini pony. Their pups had already become acquainted with these animals under mom and dad’s watch.

Then I met Bear. His calm was infectious. He pushed himself up against me, and I couldn’t believe the size of him. Big kind eyes, white fluffy fur, and a twitch to his upper lip as if he was trying to smile. He is truly the sweetest boy. Once we got home he acclimated well, he began his job right away. I observed him a lot at first, as you should. To witness a dog at work is a sight to see. I watched him learn his role, bond with his herd, and take his job very seriously. Bear and my largest goat, Luna, became best buddies. They can be found taking naps together and patrolling the perimeter. After some time, I realized the coyotes moved out of our forest, nor did we see the bob cat again. He was doing his job.

On the coldest nights and the hottest days, my heart aches for him. I pray that I’ve done enough on my part, and his instincts have prepared him well for the job. His wooly fur keeps him warm in the winter so much that I have never seen him shiver. He has a natural ability to change as the weather does. My ball of fur that resembles a polar bear in winter becomes an animal half its size come spring. “He was made for this" I repeat, time and time again. My husband always says “He’s the happiest, most free of them all.” Which I think rings true.

Every day he’ll meet me at the gate with his famous “grin”. I grab him, butt his head, sometimes we touch noses, and tell him how much I love him. Needless to say, Bear gets more bones than the rest. I sometimes take him for walks around the property, and it makes me smile to see him eager for his goat friends. I spend a lot of time making sure I earn the right to have a dog like Bear, and I take it seriously. I will always strive to improve and give him the best life possible.

To my first outdoor, working dog, I say from the bottom of my heart, thank you.