Happy Post Thanksgiving! If having way too much food around at all times AND being off work isn't enough, we had our sweet daughter, Lauren, in town for 4 days. We were thrilled to have her here for the holiday, but her puppy (Tula) was even more excited to have her Dog Mama here. They are bonded beyond belief, and only have eyes for each other. So with that, here's the scoopie poop:
Lauren is moving back to the Dallas area at the end of December, as she has taken a job here, instead of the original plan of going to Houston. Either way, it's a win-win. Houston has a fabulous library system, and Lauren was to be a Youth Librarian there. But after much thought, she has decided to take a Children's Librarian position in the Dallas area instead. She's super excited to 1) move back to Texas, and 2) have her puppy back - and be near family again. We are looking forward to her being close again, and I will have my yoga partner back, as well as a fellow running partner. Colorado has been good to her, and I know it will be a experience she'll always remember.
As Tula awaits her Dog Mama to come back, David and I are doing the best we can to be surrogate dog parents. Tula and I are still going to Manners Class at What A Great Dog training facility in Frisco. It's a completely positive reinforcement discipline used to train your puppy/dog. I have blogged about this new-to-me training method previously, and am happy to report I've come a long way in my own progress. Tula can only be as good as I am, as she relies on me to train her. And I'm not that good. So she rides the struggle bus, along with me, as we go through this journey of learning good dog manners together. It's a team effort, and since there's no "I" in team (there is a "me" though) it's either we're both succeeding - or we're both screwing it all up. I'll leave it as: we are a work-in-progress. I definitely have more work to do, but I will tell you, I can regurgitate the proper actions verbally, but actually doing them is another story. I do know one thing, that when it rains dog treats from my fingers, Tula is a perfect puppy pupil. Attentive and willing to do most anything. Unfortunately, I can't live my life with my dog-treat bag hanging from my waist band. That's a real thing, by the way, and I'm "that lady" with her bag of treats hanging from the waist band of my sweat pants. It's not a good look. But I do what I have to do - when I'm at dog school.
Now what about those new baby chicks I got awhile back, you ask? We had purchased 6 mystery chicks a couple of months ago, because the people who sold them to us said, "Well, we think they are (make up any name) breed, or (make up another name) breed. Yeah, we're pretty sure they will be one of those breeds". WRONG. It only took a matter of (short) time to realize they did not know what they were talking about. And it's not like we are experts on baby chickens either, so between all of us involved, no one knew what-the-heck breed these chicks really were. Fast forward 2-3 months, and waa-laa, we learned several things. 1) 4 of them were roosters. Now, you know the Sheriff (my husband, David) does not have many rules in life, but one of his rules is: No Roosters. Period. Away those 4 go, to a new home that allows roosters. 2) The 2 remaining chicks began to divide their cells at such a fast pace, they were hot to the touch. This is true, I promise. If you were to pick up one of these sweet chickens, you would think they were running a fever. They feel like they are literally on fire. Their cells are dividing and growing at a incredible pace. Why? Because they are cornish hens. Beautiful, huge, white cornish hens. Huge, short, wide legs. Ginormous bodies, waddling around on these short, fat legs. They are meat chickens. Just like the majority of chickens that people eat every day. The problem is, I have named them. Daisy and Lily. How could I possibly eat them?! They don't forage for food, they enjoy the food provided for them, and they will lay very few eggs. They are the kindest and sweetest chickens you can imagine. Gentle giants. The smaller (yet older) chickens boss them around! To add a twist of irony to this dilemma, is David got a new Big Green Egg and he'd love nothing more than to cook these tasty delights on it. I am sick about this. It's a predicament that's weighing heavy on me. Do we really eat them? Do I let them just continue to grow and grow until they burst? Because they get bigger all the time. This "update" will go unsolved. It's like watching a Dateline that doesn't find the perpetrator. This will continue to be a mystery of what we'll do. David is off work Friday to cook a brisket, and I have a hunch that there will be more than red meat on his new smoker. I feel nauseous.
I'll turn to a happier bit of news. David and I have the opportunity to travel to Honduras in February for a mission trip. One World Surgery Center is able to provide surgeries to the people (in need) in Honduras based on volunteers and donations. It is located on a 24/7 well-guarded ranch, along with an orphanage. I will volunteer as a Operating Room Registered Nurse, while David will volunteer for what they call "General" duties such as cooking, assisting in the surgery center, assisting in the orphanage, or many other general duties such as mowing, painting (or such) that is needed at the time we are there. I'll definitely blog each day I'm there so you can come along with me!
As we all fall back into our usual routines after this wonderful holiday, I realize how much I love routine in my life. I'm one of those people who can eat the same things each day, go to bed at the same time each day, and become way too set in my ways. So in my effort(s) to be more mindful, I stay turned for opportunities to grow. This helps me not be so stuck in my ways. I do enjoy thinking outside of my 9 dots. It's good for my brain, my mind, my soul and my spirit. Whether it's asking my daughter the specific reasons I should change my internet browser to Google Chrome (because she thinks it's the bomb), or not using the sentence "well it's not broken, so my iPhone 5 is just fine", or recognizing when I'm saying something "old people" say - or resisting change, esp when it comes to technology. I have many opportunities for self-improvement. As each year passes, I have to remind myself to be more objective. It's easy to start closing my world down a little at a time as each year passes. I want to be better, and open myself up, instead. This definitely requires extra effort on my part. Did I mention I'm a work-in-progress?
Stuck on my Safari internet browser,
Cyndi
Sunday, November 26, 2017
Sunday, November 12, 2017
Tula
Tula is an (almost) 7 month old Australian Shepherd puppy who has come to the farm to live with us. She is Lauren's (our daughter) little puppy who will live with us until she moves from Colorado back to Texas. Lauren has taken a new Children's Librarian position in the Dallas area, and will be making her way back to Texas around Christmas time. Until then, Tula is on vacation here at the farm.
This actually occurred a few weeks ago, but David and I have been finding our 'new' normal and figuring out how a (herding) puppy will acclimate at the farm. Or should that be, how we'll acclimate with her here at the farm. I'll start with telling you about Tula. She's sweet, smart, playful and has a great desire to please. She has bright eyes, soft fur, and a heart of gold. She's had prior training at the age of 4 months and knows commands such as Sit and Heel, with a sprinkle of Tula, Come and/or Stay that needs some further undertaking. Granted, this prior training was done in a older fashion of what I've come to understand as "negative" dog training. Wait, what? Telling a dog No is a bad thing? What if we never told our children No? I may be old-school, but I was under the impression that that's how you help a dog understand expectations. No, don't do this, Yes, do this. And then the dog figures it out......right and wrong behaviors. Insert record scratch noise here. Nope, sorry Cyndi, that's not how it's done these days.
After hearing about some 'crazy' positive reinforcement dog training concept from not only my daughter, as well as co-workers, I poo-poo'd it (nice pun, huh?) and deleted that idea from my brain. I was convinced that since I've had plenty of dogs that have all turned out okay, that this "new" training idea was not for me. Then, I realized what I was doing. I was not receptive to this idea, and turned it away before even trying it - or considering it. I find as I get older that I can somehow justify this behavior. I can say, "No, thanks, I don't want to do fill-in-the-blank". It's as if I feel entitled to NOT have to try new things anymore because somehow my "old" way is still just as good. Kind of like the old adage: If it aint broke don't fix it. Time to reevaluate this, Cyndi. I can't start the old-person-hard-headed thing yet. I want to, but then I'm just setting my own self back in time. I've tried to tell myself I'll stay current, open-minded, objective and aware of new things as I age. How quickly this example shed a light on my need to improve, and stay true to being mindful of my thoughts and decisions. I was in auto-pilot mode when I shot down the positive dog training idea. That sounds like I would need to learn something new, that I don't care to learn. So, no thanks.
This situation of conflict brought about swirling in my soul, and chaos in my spirit. Should I try out this positive dog-training program? Should I revert to my old dog training ways? Why am I making this such a big deal? I know why. I have a puppy who is relying on me to help her be the best dog she can be.
Confession: I've been working on my mindfulness vs my mindlessness. It's so complicated, yet so simple. Mindfulness: A deliberate way of paying attention to what is occurring within oneself as it is happening. It is the process of attentively observing your experience as it unfolds, without judgement or evaluation". If I am to be mindful regarding this, I need to continue to develop deep attention to the present moment. Hence, I am utilizing this concept to have the awareness to see my own behavior regarding this dog training topic. I saw it! Right before my very eyes, when I am mindful, I am able to see what I'm doing. Dang it. It's easier to push it all away, and just say I'm not going to do this positive dog training thing. I'm going to do what - and how - I know in regards to training this puppy. And I did that. I said that. I put my foot down and said it out loud. "Not going to learn a new dog training technique". Period.
Yet, I didn't like the way it felt saying that. It's as if it tasted bad. Yeah, it felt good for a second after I said it, but then I knew better. If I am to be mindful of what I'm doing, I must be aware of all elements of it. Shutting down and rejecting this new opportunity of dog training was my example of mindlessness. Oh no! Just what I was trying not to do. I want to be less mindless and more mindful in my life.
I sat on my obstinance for a day. I let it brew inside me, and made every excuse why I made this decision. Then, I made my break-through. I paid attention to my thoughts, and the chatter in my head about it all. I observed my behavior as it all was occurring, and decided to be present in the moment. The old me would have plowed through with "not gonna do it". The new me wants to go somewhere new in life. Okay family, I'm boarding the train of Positive Reinforcement Dog Training. Okay then, I can't say the word 'No' to this puppy?! That's just crazy. Ooopppps, I didn't mean that. Or did I.
I proceeded to find a Doggie Day Care for Tula because David and I are both gone too long during the day to leave her crated. If we leave her out to roam the farm, she consistently herds the chickens, sheep and barn cats. Not a good thing. So we find a wonderful doggie daycare that specializes in positive reinforcement. That's a real thing, and apparently not hard to find, esp if I can find it.
Tula starts going to school each day. She plays hard all day, and there's even nap time from 12 - 2:30. By the way, you can't pick up your dog while they are napping (what universe do I live in?). The people there teach your dog a few chosen commands - with treats. They never say the word No. It rains treats at this Pet Resort.
Next? I signed up for a positive dog training class for me - and Tula, of course. But more for me. The name of this training center is called "What A Great Dog". For real. I've gone there twice now, for two group sessions with Tula. I'm in the moment while I'm there. I'm like a sponge, who is mesmerized by every word the Professional Positive Dog Trainer says. My mindfulness seems so natural there, as if I'm in a trance. Absorbing every action, word and movement around me. Like it's all happening in slow motion. I can't quit staring at the instructor, as if I can't believe what I'm hearing. Does this really work? I know one thing for sure.....I'm going to find out.
I better go buy more dog treats,
Cyndi
This actually occurred a few weeks ago, but David and I have been finding our 'new' normal and figuring out how a (herding) puppy will acclimate at the farm. Or should that be, how we'll acclimate with her here at the farm. I'll start with telling you about Tula. She's sweet, smart, playful and has a great desire to please. She has bright eyes, soft fur, and a heart of gold. She's had prior training at the age of 4 months and knows commands such as Sit and Heel, with a sprinkle of Tula, Come and/or Stay that needs some further undertaking. Granted, this prior training was done in a older fashion of what I've come to understand as "negative" dog training. Wait, what? Telling a dog No is a bad thing? What if we never told our children No? I may be old-school, but I was under the impression that that's how you help a dog understand expectations. No, don't do this, Yes, do this. And then the dog figures it out......right and wrong behaviors. Insert record scratch noise here. Nope, sorry Cyndi, that's not how it's done these days.
After hearing about some 'crazy' positive reinforcement dog training concept from not only my daughter, as well as co-workers, I poo-poo'd it (nice pun, huh?) and deleted that idea from my brain. I was convinced that since I've had plenty of dogs that have all turned out okay, that this "new" training idea was not for me. Then, I realized what I was doing. I was not receptive to this idea, and turned it away before even trying it - or considering it. I find as I get older that I can somehow justify this behavior. I can say, "No, thanks, I don't want to do fill-in-the-blank". It's as if I feel entitled to NOT have to try new things anymore because somehow my "old" way is still just as good. Kind of like the old adage: If it aint broke don't fix it. Time to reevaluate this, Cyndi. I can't start the old-person-hard-headed thing yet. I want to, but then I'm just setting my own self back in time. I've tried to tell myself I'll stay current, open-minded, objective and aware of new things as I age. How quickly this example shed a light on my need to improve, and stay true to being mindful of my thoughts and decisions. I was in auto-pilot mode when I shot down the positive dog training idea. That sounds like I would need to learn something new, that I don't care to learn. So, no thanks.
This situation of conflict brought about swirling in my soul, and chaos in my spirit. Should I try out this positive dog-training program? Should I revert to my old dog training ways? Why am I making this such a big deal? I know why. I have a puppy who is relying on me to help her be the best dog she can be.
Confession: I've been working on my mindfulness vs my mindlessness. It's so complicated, yet so simple. Mindfulness: A deliberate way of paying attention to what is occurring within oneself as it is happening. It is the process of attentively observing your experience as it unfolds, without judgement or evaluation". If I am to be mindful regarding this, I need to continue to develop deep attention to the present moment. Hence, I am utilizing this concept to have the awareness to see my own behavior regarding this dog training topic. I saw it! Right before my very eyes, when I am mindful, I am able to see what I'm doing. Dang it. It's easier to push it all away, and just say I'm not going to do this positive dog training thing. I'm going to do what - and how - I know in regards to training this puppy. And I did that. I said that. I put my foot down and said it out loud. "Not going to learn a new dog training technique". Period.
Yet, I didn't like the way it felt saying that. It's as if it tasted bad. Yeah, it felt good for a second after I said it, but then I knew better. If I am to be mindful of what I'm doing, I must be aware of all elements of it. Shutting down and rejecting this new opportunity of dog training was my example of mindlessness. Oh no! Just what I was trying not to do. I want to be less mindless and more mindful in my life.
I sat on my obstinance for a day. I let it brew inside me, and made every excuse why I made this decision. Then, I made my break-through. I paid attention to my thoughts, and the chatter in my head about it all. I observed my behavior as it all was occurring, and decided to be present in the moment. The old me would have plowed through with "not gonna do it". The new me wants to go somewhere new in life. Okay family, I'm boarding the train of Positive Reinforcement Dog Training. Okay then, I can't say the word 'No' to this puppy?! That's just crazy. Ooopppps, I didn't mean that. Or did I.
I proceeded to find a Doggie Day Care for Tula because David and I are both gone too long during the day to leave her crated. If we leave her out to roam the farm, she consistently herds the chickens, sheep and barn cats. Not a good thing. So we find a wonderful doggie daycare that specializes in positive reinforcement. That's a real thing, and apparently not hard to find, esp if I can find it.
Tula starts going to school each day. She plays hard all day, and there's even nap time from 12 - 2:30. By the way, you can't pick up your dog while they are napping (what universe do I live in?). The people there teach your dog a few chosen commands - with treats. They never say the word No. It rains treats at this Pet Resort.
Next? I signed up for a positive dog training class for me - and Tula, of course. But more for me. The name of this training center is called "What A Great Dog". For real. I've gone there twice now, for two group sessions with Tula. I'm in the moment while I'm there. I'm like a sponge, who is mesmerized by every word the Professional Positive Dog Trainer says. My mindfulness seems so natural there, as if I'm in a trance. Absorbing every action, word and movement around me. Like it's all happening in slow motion. I can't quit staring at the instructor, as if I can't believe what I'm hearing. Does this really work? I know one thing for sure.....I'm going to find out.
I better go buy more dog treats,
Cyndi
Wednesday, November 8, 2017
Feeding Time
As I take refuge in the barn each day, normally in the mornings for feedings, and after work, I have come to realize that this is not just a chore I do, but a place of peace. I have established a ritual of feeding, so that all the animals know "their turn will come". Most wait patiently, having faith I will get to them soon. I love this about them. I try to take a page out of their book, knowing that if I also wait in life, I will be the recipient of just what I need.
I give my sweet barn cats fresh kitty food, with one cat in particular that gets "wet" cat food due to his difficulty with chewing hard food. The vet told us he also has colitis, and his gut may never be okay. We have tried everything to help him heal his tummy and colon issues including probiotics, antibiotics (to kill off the bad bacteria in his little gut), dewormer, amid varying his diet. He's of small statue and came to the farm not well. Thanks to the local vet, we have helped him feel somewhat better. I see him everyday as he allows me to pet and love him. But as a traditional barn kitty, he does not want to be picked up. No, thanks. He's my example of plugging along, even when your body is sabotaging you. An adult cat in a kitten-size body. He lives his best life, despite his tough beginnings in life, whereby his colon now wrecks havoc on him. But we are blessed to him now, and his calm spirit and sweet demeanor, despite his colon troubles, make him a wonderful addition to the barn. He literally gets along with everyone. Everyone. Sometimes, I just want to be him in life. Easy to get along with, well liked by all, and hang out all day. To have a cat that gets along with all the others is rare. We don't typically have any fighting, mind you, but some cats prefer other cat friends more than others. And he's my example of unity. He has no ill-will towards anyone. He's my pint-sized inspiration.
After I love on the cats, I move to feed my great pyrenees. My great protectors. If I could only tell them how much I appreciate them. Thank you Levi and Whisper for all you do. You constantly stand guard and protect the others. How can I ever repay you? My best attempt is to feed you well. I give all yummy leftovers (heated up) to them, mixed in their dog food. I talk sweetly to them, pet them, and provide them rewards from our own table. They are the reason everyone in the barn, and front pasture is safe from predators. They expend a lot of energy during the day and night, so eating well is a necessity.
Next up, my sweet sheep, who have been patiently waiting for their turn. They graze the pasture mostly, but they also get a certain amount of grain while in their pen. I pour the grain into their feeding pans, and you would think it was Christmas. Every time. It reminds me of when I get the yummiest food - at just that right time. Just digging in, not being able to eat it fast enough. They adore their grain time. And as a bonus, I'll add some alfalfa. Jackpot! Their little baaaaaa sounds warm my heart, and I realize how lucky I am to have them. God has put his trust in me, to provide for them all. And it's with great pleasure that I do.
Let's see. Whose next? Oh yes, the chickens! I make sure all their feeders are full, but also put down scratch for them on the barn floor. They can access it as they like. A chicken's best friend is fresh water. My two newest girlz to the flock have gotten so big. It takes time to incorporate other pullets/hens into a existing flock. Hierarchy is apparent. But so far so good, as it just takes time. What we found out is our two newest chicks, who have grown physically into "big chickens" are of the Cornish breed. Does that sound familiar? They are a meat chicken. Meaning they will not lay many eggs, and are better suited to be eaten. I mean, they are meaty! If you pick them up, you will know what I mean. And even though at only 4 months old, they are bigger than all my other chickens, they are gentle giants. They are literally pets. They follow you around, and are super friendly. They are not good forgers, and prefer to hang out in the barn - eat the food provided. That's fine with me. They are an accident, as the feed store we bought them from did not know their breed. Almost like they were mystery chickens. But now that they have developed and grown, we can see what kind they are. Chickens people eat. Daisy and Lily will live a luxury life on our farm. We will not be eating them. Love my chickens!
Now, onto my 3 beautiful donkeys who have been watching my every move. They know they will get something. But what? Well, first off, they basically will eat anything. But I try to give them fruit, carrots, alfalfa, old bread/tortillas, sweets of any kind or any leftovers I think they might like. They are not meat eaters, and prefer sweets if possible. Mints are a favorite of theirs. They have a sweet tooth....just like me. I take time to feed them whatever I have brought to them that day, and they readily trust me, knowing it's going to be good. They rarely reject my offerings. I pet them, love them, and tell them what good donkeys they are. Their personalities keep me entertained. I never in my life knew I would have donkeys. I absolutely adore them. They are kind to everyone who comes over, and are a fan-favorite for sure. We had a new barn/run-in shed built for them a few weeks ago in the back pasture, and knowing they have their own place allows me to sleep better at night. It's like a Donkey B&B. A place to call their own, stay warm and dry. Just knowing they have their own place calms any chaos in my spirit. I know they are okay, like all the rest of the farm animals. That's the only way I can truly lay my head and rest at night. Knowing all my sweet-peas (in the barn and pastures) are comfortable too. My heart is so tender when it comes to every one of them.
We have installed a Barn Cam (in the barn) and I have the privilege of watching them throughout the day on it, from my phone. I can check on them, see how their doing - or better yet - what they are doing, throughout the day. It allows me to be there, when I'm not there. After all.....there's really no where else in my day that brings the serenity and peace that my barn does.
Let your light shine,
Cyndi
Happy Birthday, Brooke!!! I hope you had lots of sweet treats as well.
I give my sweet barn cats fresh kitty food, with one cat in particular that gets "wet" cat food due to his difficulty with chewing hard food. The vet told us he also has colitis, and his gut may never be okay. We have tried everything to help him heal his tummy and colon issues including probiotics, antibiotics (to kill off the bad bacteria in his little gut), dewormer, amid varying his diet. He's of small statue and came to the farm not well. Thanks to the local vet, we have helped him feel somewhat better. I see him everyday as he allows me to pet and love him. But as a traditional barn kitty, he does not want to be picked up. No, thanks. He's my example of plugging along, even when your body is sabotaging you. An adult cat in a kitten-size body. He lives his best life, despite his tough beginnings in life, whereby his colon now wrecks havoc on him. But we are blessed to him now, and his calm spirit and sweet demeanor, despite his colon troubles, make him a wonderful addition to the barn. He literally gets along with everyone. Everyone. Sometimes, I just want to be him in life. Easy to get along with, well liked by all, and hang out all day. To have a cat that gets along with all the others is rare. We don't typically have any fighting, mind you, but some cats prefer other cat friends more than others. And he's my example of unity. He has no ill-will towards anyone. He's my pint-sized inspiration.
After I love on the cats, I move to feed my great pyrenees. My great protectors. If I could only tell them how much I appreciate them. Thank you Levi and Whisper for all you do. You constantly stand guard and protect the others. How can I ever repay you? My best attempt is to feed you well. I give all yummy leftovers (heated up) to them, mixed in their dog food. I talk sweetly to them, pet them, and provide them rewards from our own table. They are the reason everyone in the barn, and front pasture is safe from predators. They expend a lot of energy during the day and night, so eating well is a necessity.
Next up, my sweet sheep, who have been patiently waiting for their turn. They graze the pasture mostly, but they also get a certain amount of grain while in their pen. I pour the grain into their feeding pans, and you would think it was Christmas. Every time. It reminds me of when I get the yummiest food - at just that right time. Just digging in, not being able to eat it fast enough. They adore their grain time. And as a bonus, I'll add some alfalfa. Jackpot! Their little baaaaaa sounds warm my heart, and I realize how lucky I am to have them. God has put his trust in me, to provide for them all. And it's with great pleasure that I do.
Let's see. Whose next? Oh yes, the chickens! I make sure all their feeders are full, but also put down scratch for them on the barn floor. They can access it as they like. A chicken's best friend is fresh water. My two newest girlz to the flock have gotten so big. It takes time to incorporate other pullets/hens into a existing flock. Hierarchy is apparent. But so far so good, as it just takes time. What we found out is our two newest chicks, who have grown physically into "big chickens" are of the Cornish breed. Does that sound familiar? They are a meat chicken. Meaning they will not lay many eggs, and are better suited to be eaten. I mean, they are meaty! If you pick them up, you will know what I mean. And even though at only 4 months old, they are bigger than all my other chickens, they are gentle giants. They are literally pets. They follow you around, and are super friendly. They are not good forgers, and prefer to hang out in the barn - eat the food provided. That's fine with me. They are an accident, as the feed store we bought them from did not know their breed. Almost like they were mystery chickens. But now that they have developed and grown, we can see what kind they are. Chickens people eat. Daisy and Lily will live a luxury life on our farm. We will not be eating them. Love my chickens!
Now, onto my 3 beautiful donkeys who have been watching my every move. They know they will get something. But what? Well, first off, they basically will eat anything. But I try to give them fruit, carrots, alfalfa, old bread/tortillas, sweets of any kind or any leftovers I think they might like. They are not meat eaters, and prefer sweets if possible. Mints are a favorite of theirs. They have a sweet tooth....just like me. I take time to feed them whatever I have brought to them that day, and they readily trust me, knowing it's going to be good. They rarely reject my offerings. I pet them, love them, and tell them what good donkeys they are. Their personalities keep me entertained. I never in my life knew I would have donkeys. I absolutely adore them. They are kind to everyone who comes over, and are a fan-favorite for sure. We had a new barn/run-in shed built for them a few weeks ago in the back pasture, and knowing they have their own place allows me to sleep better at night. It's like a Donkey B&B. A place to call their own, stay warm and dry. Just knowing they have their own place calms any chaos in my spirit. I know they are okay, like all the rest of the farm animals. That's the only way I can truly lay my head and rest at night. Knowing all my sweet-peas (in the barn and pastures) are comfortable too. My heart is so tender when it comes to every one of them.
We have installed a Barn Cam (in the barn) and I have the privilege of watching them throughout the day on it, from my phone. I can check on them, see how their doing - or better yet - what they are doing, throughout the day. It allows me to be there, when I'm not there. After all.....there's really no where else in my day that brings the serenity and peace that my barn does.
Let your light shine,
Cyndi
Happy Birthday, Brooke!!! I hope you had lots of sweet treats as well.
Monday, October 30, 2017
Loving Farm Life
Is what we have technically a farm? We have three ewes/sheep: Belle, Cotton and Eve (she was born New Years Eve). We have three donkeys (full size): Mama (Pumpkin), Papa and their 3 year old son, Baby (Pickles). We have eight chickens (hens): Ginger, Butterscotch, Pebbles, Pepper, Sunshine, Butter, Daisy and Lily. Six of them are laying eggs, while two are not yet of age. No roosters are allowed, per the Sheriff (that's David, my husband). We have few rules around here. But that's one of them. No roosters. We have 8 barn/garage cats: June Bug, July, Kitty, Smokey, Finn, Fi, Preston and Fern. Three of those are boys. They chase mice, and all get along surprisingly well. We have four dogs: 2 LGD (Livestock Guard Dogs) Great Pyrenees Levi (brother), and Whisper (sister). Then, we have our two indoor/outdoor wanna-be farm dogs Bridgette (Weimaraner) and Maybe (King Charles Spaniel). We do have a "visiting"puppy, Tula, who is a beautiful Australian Shepherd that is 6 months old. She is with us until December, when our sweet daughter, Lauren, will be taking her back to live with her. We are enjoying her immensely while we have her with us. And Tula loves ALL the farm animals. And herding them back to their appropriate places.
That brings me back to: Do we technically have a farm? I'm going to say yes. Some call it a Hobby Farm, or a Smallholding. Our production of farm products is primarily eggs, well, it's only eggs. We do not plan on eating the chickens or sheep. They have names, and we don't eat pets. We have a barn that houses the chickens, sheep and LGD's. We recently had a loafing shed built in the back pasture for our 3 donkeys to protect them from the sun, wind, rain or cold - or a combination of those things. They love it. It's a place of their own. They are in charge of guarding the back pasture. And boy, can donkeys guard their territory! They can tear up a coyote in a minute. Donkeys do this by creating a circle around the predator, then start stomping them and biting them. Now granted, our donkeys are kind and sweet to humans, and those animals "they know". So they are perfect pets - and guard animals. We adore them. They love being loved, petted, brushed and even hugged.
So is it a farm? Or a petting zoo? We have had a multitude of visitors (family, friends, co-workers) and have even had a public library "story time" held at our farm. So far, everyone has left with all their fingers in tact. All our animals enjoy visitors. Some more than others, and even a few of our chickens willingly allow others to hold them and carry them around. Belle, one of our sheep, is a fan favorite. She's all about being petted, and you would think she was a dog, rather than a ewe. We bottle fed her starting at Day 1, so she is extremely tolerant of people. We had to buy the other two sheep so that they could teach her how to be a sheep. She thought she was a dog for quite a while.
If you read a previous blog posting, you will know we built a structure for the sheep/LGD. I won't go into all the details that I've covered previously, but it was meant to solve the problem of the sheep eating the dog's food. Just so you know, that didn't solve that problem, and now we have this structure (a modified children's playhouse/2-story) area that the sheep and dogs both love. They love being under it, where there's plenty of room and shade. It's like their own little house with a basement. No one - except Belle - goes up the ramp to go upstairs. But I've come to expect the unexpected. I thought they would ALL go up the ramp to the upstairs portion. Nope. They like it down below. It's become their favorite hangout place in the pasture. It's known as The Belle Tower, and has a sign on it as such.
Have I always lived with so many animals? No, but I've always wanted to. Just ask my mom and dad. It does require a large time commitment, vet visits, hay/feed/food for each animal, cleaning, mowing, lots of petting and providing love to them all, but this "work" is truly a labor of love. The contentment in my life is indescribable. When I'm in the barn, I am in the moment. I'm enjoying what I'm doing at that very minute. My mind is not somewhere else. And trust me, I have a monkey-mind, which, by the way, yoga and moving meditation (running) helps keep "under control". Being in the barn, on the mower, in the pasture, brushing the donkeys, loving on the sheep, gathering eggs, all bring me to one place. And that's in the very moment I'm in. Very few things in life have provided this to me. This contentment is something I get no where else, at least not at this level. It's a place where I don't need to practice mindfulness - it just happens. I'm in the moment, absorbed, with the chatter in my head gone. And completely aware of my surroundings. I let go of my day, my week, my worries - right here on my farm.
So it is a farm. Come see! After all, one of our greatest rewards is sharing it with others.
I've missed blogging, it's been way too long since I have. I promise not to wait so long next time. I appreciate you listening to all my written words, and would write all night if I could. Because where do all these kitty cats sleep and live? Can any of the animals come inside the house? Will our sheep have baby lambs? How will I finish my run across the US? So many questions.
More soon.....Cyndi
That brings me back to: Do we technically have a farm? I'm going to say yes. Some call it a Hobby Farm, or a Smallholding. Our production of farm products is primarily eggs, well, it's only eggs. We do not plan on eating the chickens or sheep. They have names, and we don't eat pets. We have a barn that houses the chickens, sheep and LGD's. We recently had a loafing shed built in the back pasture for our 3 donkeys to protect them from the sun, wind, rain or cold - or a combination of those things. They love it. It's a place of their own. They are in charge of guarding the back pasture. And boy, can donkeys guard their territory! They can tear up a coyote in a minute. Donkeys do this by creating a circle around the predator, then start stomping them and biting them. Now granted, our donkeys are kind and sweet to humans, and those animals "they know". So they are perfect pets - and guard animals. We adore them. They love being loved, petted, brushed and even hugged.
So is it a farm? Or a petting zoo? We have had a multitude of visitors (family, friends, co-workers) and have even had a public library "story time" held at our farm. So far, everyone has left with all their fingers in tact. All our animals enjoy visitors. Some more than others, and even a few of our chickens willingly allow others to hold them and carry them around. Belle, one of our sheep, is a fan favorite. She's all about being petted, and you would think she was a dog, rather than a ewe. We bottle fed her starting at Day 1, so she is extremely tolerant of people. We had to buy the other two sheep so that they could teach her how to be a sheep. She thought she was a dog for quite a while.
If you read a previous blog posting, you will know we built a structure for the sheep/LGD. I won't go into all the details that I've covered previously, but it was meant to solve the problem of the sheep eating the dog's food. Just so you know, that didn't solve that problem, and now we have this structure (a modified children's playhouse/2-story) area that the sheep and dogs both love. They love being under it, where there's plenty of room and shade. It's like their own little house with a basement. No one - except Belle - goes up the ramp to go upstairs. But I've come to expect the unexpected. I thought they would ALL go up the ramp to the upstairs portion. Nope. They like it down below. It's become their favorite hangout place in the pasture. It's known as The Belle Tower, and has a sign on it as such.
Have I always lived with so many animals? No, but I've always wanted to. Just ask my mom and dad. It does require a large time commitment, vet visits, hay/feed/food for each animal, cleaning, mowing, lots of petting and providing love to them all, but this "work" is truly a labor of love. The contentment in my life is indescribable. When I'm in the barn, I am in the moment. I'm enjoying what I'm doing at that very minute. My mind is not somewhere else. And trust me, I have a monkey-mind, which, by the way, yoga and moving meditation (running) helps keep "under control". Being in the barn, on the mower, in the pasture, brushing the donkeys, loving on the sheep, gathering eggs, all bring me to one place. And that's in the very moment I'm in. Very few things in life have provided this to me. This contentment is something I get no where else, at least not at this level. It's a place where I don't need to practice mindfulness - it just happens. I'm in the moment, absorbed, with the chatter in my head gone. And completely aware of my surroundings. I let go of my day, my week, my worries - right here on my farm.
So it is a farm. Come see! After all, one of our greatest rewards is sharing it with others.
I've missed blogging, it's been way too long since I have. I promise not to wait so long next time. I appreciate you listening to all my written words, and would write all night if I could. Because where do all these kitty cats sleep and live? Can any of the animals come inside the house? Will our sheep have baby lambs? How will I finish my run across the US? So many questions.
More soon.....Cyndi
Sunday, September 24, 2017
Embracing The Unexpected
Just when I think I know, I don't. I've lived my life thinking that things were going to "go a certain way" or that I'm planning on a particular event, thing or action happening. And then......no.
I've been taught this lesson over and over in life, but yet I still try to force My Will on things around me. That's exactly what I did with the 2-story playhouse we built. I was sure I could get it to do what I intended and wanted it to do. But time has shown me that as hard as I try, it's going to be what it is without my permission. Turns out, it would be the dogs and lambs deciding who gets in the house-structure we built. Dogs below, and Belle upstairs. The great pyrenees love laying in the shade underneath it - and Belle is the only one going upstairs to mill around and nibble treats. So it's not SheepLand or a Guard Dog Tower after all. That's just what it "appeared" to be, or better yet, what I was trying to make it be - without knowing what would really happen in the natural progression of life in the pasture. Matter-of-fact, Belle loves it. She enjoys looking around, climbing upstairs via the ramp, milling around up there, and then the finale?! A big jump off the ramp, playfully, to come back down. She's like a kid out playing and enjoying herself. As if she's going somewhere new, and is ready to explore and play. Her lamb sisters are not quite as adventurous. They watch her, most likely baaaaaa-ing to tell her to 'Be Careful'! So now it's hard to know what to do. Fence it? And then the dogs cannot have their new favorite place, in the middle of the pasture in the shade? Or leave it as it is and let everyone enjoy it? It is a new place that provides shade, and they all love that. Sometimes I come home, and they are all laying underneath it enjoying the shade and breeze. It's a nice option between the front trees by our house, and the pond area down by the road. It's in that in-between area. "Just right", as Goldilocks would say.
I'm a bit perplexed, as I had expected this situation to solve my lambs-eating-dog-food problem. I thought it actually had. But the dogs and lambs have decided otherwise, and to use it for another purpose. To be together and enjoy it together. While I was thinking of a separation of sorts, they are thinking it's one more place they will relax and be together. How can I take that away from them? And now it will have yet, another new name. Since Belle is the only one who goes up in it.......I have deemed it The Belle Tower.
This may very well be (one of) my major themes in life. Embracing the unexpected. The secret I've found for myself is to not fight the old, but embrace the new. The only thing constant in my life is change. Every day. Sometimes I think "Can I just have a day to press the Easy Button?" Can I have this day be bland and uneventful? Or is that what I really want? Sometimes I think I want that, but yet I manage to stay busy instead. My family uses the term 'Go Man Go' when referring to me. Go Man Go does just that. I guess even when I have time to sit down and unwind, the activities I use to decompress consists of long walks, being in the barn piddling around, or working on my To-Do list (which I keep in my head). My reason for walking the dogs is for 'their' mental health. But is it? Or is it for my own?
To answer your question, I still have not figured out how to keep the sheep from eating the dog food. Bright side? I have lots of new shade that the dogs and sheep love to hang out in, in the middle of the pasture!
Ever since I've moved to the country, I learned quickly (and reluctantly) that embracing the unexpected is a daily fixture. I can come home from work and find new and different things have occurred that I never would have imagined. Swarms of bees on the side of my house, moving the queen inside our attic. Families of mice moving into our laundry room. Any one of our livestock animals NOT in it's proper pasture. Wasp nest the size of a football atop our house. Our master bedroom filled with wasps. Random dogs trying to take up residence in the pasture. Chicken attacks. Having a 1 day old lamb with no lamb knowledge. Scorpions in the house. Mice chewed up into sections, with their heads, middle or back end/tails left sprawled across the yard. Possums hissing at me in the barn. None of which are terribly horrible. I think it's the unexpected, time after time, that adds up to embracing the fact that "I never know what I'll experience" on The Graves Farm. So now, I expect the unexpected. What's going to happen today? And I've learned that whatever it is, I will handle it. It's part of my life now, and leaning into that just feels good.
I'm heading out for a run. And guess where my destination will be? I'll run up to next town, and arrive at Tractor Supply (Don't we all love that place?! Get'r Done!). Why? Because they have all their baby chicks for .50 cents each, and David has requested 4 more chickens (via chicks) to add to our flock. I'll meet him there, and we will welcome our new additions to the farm. I guess that means we'll need to come up with 4 new girlz names!
Fall is coming,
Cyndi
I've been taught this lesson over and over in life, but yet I still try to force My Will on things around me. That's exactly what I did with the 2-story playhouse we built. I was sure I could get it to do what I intended and wanted it to do. But time has shown me that as hard as I try, it's going to be what it is without my permission. Turns out, it would be the dogs and lambs deciding who gets in the house-structure we built. Dogs below, and Belle upstairs. The great pyrenees love laying in the shade underneath it - and Belle is the only one going upstairs to mill around and nibble treats. So it's not SheepLand or a Guard Dog Tower after all. That's just what it "appeared" to be, or better yet, what I was trying to make it be - without knowing what would really happen in the natural progression of life in the pasture. Matter-of-fact, Belle loves it. She enjoys looking around, climbing upstairs via the ramp, milling around up there, and then the finale?! A big jump off the ramp, playfully, to come back down. She's like a kid out playing and enjoying herself. As if she's going somewhere new, and is ready to explore and play. Her lamb sisters are not quite as adventurous. They watch her, most likely baaaaaa-ing to tell her to 'Be Careful'! So now it's hard to know what to do. Fence it? And then the dogs cannot have their new favorite place, in the middle of the pasture in the shade? Or leave it as it is and let everyone enjoy it? It is a new place that provides shade, and they all love that. Sometimes I come home, and they are all laying underneath it enjoying the shade and breeze. It's a nice option between the front trees by our house, and the pond area down by the road. It's in that in-between area. "Just right", as Goldilocks would say.
I'm a bit perplexed, as I had expected this situation to solve my lambs-eating-dog-food problem. I thought it actually had. But the dogs and lambs have decided otherwise, and to use it for another purpose. To be together and enjoy it together. While I was thinking of a separation of sorts, they are thinking it's one more place they will relax and be together. How can I take that away from them? And now it will have yet, another new name. Since Belle is the only one who goes up in it.......I have deemed it The Belle Tower.
This may very well be (one of) my major themes in life. Embracing the unexpected. The secret I've found for myself is to not fight the old, but embrace the new. The only thing constant in my life is change. Every day. Sometimes I think "Can I just have a day to press the Easy Button?" Can I have this day be bland and uneventful? Or is that what I really want? Sometimes I think I want that, but yet I manage to stay busy instead. My family uses the term 'Go Man Go' when referring to me. Go Man Go does just that. I guess even when I have time to sit down and unwind, the activities I use to decompress consists of long walks, being in the barn piddling around, or working on my To-Do list (which I keep in my head). My reason for walking the dogs is for 'their' mental health. But is it? Or is it for my own?
To answer your question, I still have not figured out how to keep the sheep from eating the dog food. Bright side? I have lots of new shade that the dogs and sheep love to hang out in, in the middle of the pasture!
Ever since I've moved to the country, I learned quickly (and reluctantly) that embracing the unexpected is a daily fixture. I can come home from work and find new and different things have occurred that I never would have imagined. Swarms of bees on the side of my house, moving the queen inside our attic. Families of mice moving into our laundry room. Any one of our livestock animals NOT in it's proper pasture. Wasp nest the size of a football atop our house. Our master bedroom filled with wasps. Random dogs trying to take up residence in the pasture. Chicken attacks. Having a 1 day old lamb with no lamb knowledge. Scorpions in the house. Mice chewed up into sections, with their heads, middle or back end/tails left sprawled across the yard. Possums hissing at me in the barn. None of which are terribly horrible. I think it's the unexpected, time after time, that adds up to embracing the fact that "I never know what I'll experience" on The Graves Farm. So now, I expect the unexpected. What's going to happen today? And I've learned that whatever it is, I will handle it. It's part of my life now, and leaning into that just feels good.
I'm heading out for a run. And guess where my destination will be? I'll run up to next town, and arrive at Tractor Supply (Don't we all love that place?! Get'r Done!). Why? Because they have all their baby chicks for .50 cents each, and David has requested 4 more chickens (via chicks) to add to our flock. I'll meet him there, and we will welcome our new additions to the farm. I guess that means we'll need to come up with 4 new girlz names!
Fall is coming,
Cyndi
Sunday, September 17, 2017
SheepLand Update
Just like most days in my life, I'm surprised by how much I don't know, don't see clearly or all-of-a-sudden figure something new out that I thought I would have known by now. For so long, I thought I knew so much. I thought I was certain about many things in life. But, the older I get, the more I realize I have so much more to learn from life. Sometimes it's the little things: For example, SheepLand. It seemed the perfect solution to our sheep-eating-dog-food dilemma. David and I took those 459 pieces of wood, screws/washers, posts and put them all back together in "our own" new configuration - more conducive for small livestock. Namely sheep. We were so happy for several reasons 1) We did not have to make ANY additional trips to Home Depot for anything. We used what we had, and somehow made it work. It is normal for us to make 16 extra trips to town, to gather "what we think we might need". That particular size screw, a piece of lumbar, or maybe just an excuse to back away from the project for a short while. But no. We resisted, and figured it out with the supplies we had. Go Us! 2) We made a ramp in which to maneuver to the second floor. (Training the sheep to climb the ladder wasn't a good option). 3) We finished without harm to ourselves or each other. Success! Our new design gives plenty of shade to the sheep - and dogs, too. A new shade option for everyone is always welcome.
Now granted, we have not fenced around our SheepLand yet. We wanted to give everyone free range to check it out. Kind of like a Pasture Open House. The chickens visited, the barn cats milled around it, and the dogs loved being right in the middle of the pasture (which is where we put this) and laying around - and under it, in the shade. The sheep seemed curious and enjoyed it, but unfortunately, the ramp was too slick for their little split-hoof high-heels. Click click.....oooopps. Belle looked like she was trying to walk up the ramp on frozen ice, and so we knew we would need to improve on the ramp issue.
In the meantime, we are living our life ignorant of the obvious. The lambs can't get upstairs........but the dogs can. Their paws allow them to reach the second floor. So wait. It's not SheepLand!? Are we really solving our problem by putting the dog food bowls upstairs where only the dogs can go? Why didn't we see this before? No fencing needed. And we are done? Was it that easy? (It was not "that easy" to build it, mind you). But the concept of using it for the dogs - instead of the sheep - never crossed my mind. Genius! This 2 story configuration provides plenty of shade underneath it (your welcome, my sweet sheep), and the second story is for the dogs. It's where they can eat in peace. Ohhhhhh, it's a Guard Dog Tower! Right smack in the middle of the pasture. It reminds me of a LifeGuard Stand at the beach. But with two Great Pyrenees in it, watching over their flock of sheep.
So far, the dogs are hesitant about their new location of food. I would even say they are not pleased about this. There will be an adjustment period, as everyone settles in and understands what's happening. They are not big on change. But with time, they will settle into their "new normal". With time.
I can't wait to paint 'Guard Dog Tower' on it. Good thing there's not an HOA out here. My biggest concern? That the chickens don't think it's a new chicken coop for them. I saw them eyeing it.
Still figuring out life,
Cyndi
Now granted, we have not fenced around our SheepLand yet. We wanted to give everyone free range to check it out. Kind of like a Pasture Open House. The chickens visited, the barn cats milled around it, and the dogs loved being right in the middle of the pasture (which is where we put this) and laying around - and under it, in the shade. The sheep seemed curious and enjoyed it, but unfortunately, the ramp was too slick for their little split-hoof high-heels. Click click.....oooopps. Belle looked like she was trying to walk up the ramp on frozen ice, and so we knew we would need to improve on the ramp issue.
In the meantime, we are living our life ignorant of the obvious. The lambs can't get upstairs........but the dogs can. Their paws allow them to reach the second floor. So wait. It's not SheepLand!? Are we really solving our problem by putting the dog food bowls upstairs where only the dogs can go? Why didn't we see this before? No fencing needed. And we are done? Was it that easy? (It was not "that easy" to build it, mind you). But the concept of using it for the dogs - instead of the sheep - never crossed my mind. Genius! This 2 story configuration provides plenty of shade underneath it (your welcome, my sweet sheep), and the second story is for the dogs. It's where they can eat in peace. Ohhhhhh, it's a Guard Dog Tower! Right smack in the middle of the pasture. It reminds me of a LifeGuard Stand at the beach. But with two Great Pyrenees in it, watching over their flock of sheep.
So far, the dogs are hesitant about their new location of food. I would even say they are not pleased about this. There will be an adjustment period, as everyone settles in and understands what's happening. They are not big on change. But with time, they will settle into their "new normal". With time.
I can't wait to paint 'Guard Dog Tower' on it. Good thing there's not an HOA out here. My biggest concern? That the chickens don't think it's a new chicken coop for them. I saw them eyeing it.
Still figuring out life,
Cyndi
Tuesday, September 12, 2017
My Regular Sheep Life
My "regular" daily issues and problems are so different than they used to be. This past weekend, I realized how much my life has changed. Picture this: I'm out in the backyard of a stranger I met on CraigsList, standing with my husband, looking at a large, 2-story wooden children's playhouse/swingset/slide configuration, trying to figure out how to take it apart and transport it to our front pasture in Gunter. It would seem likely we have grandchildren who would love this? But no. We are getting it to solve a problem we have.
I've googled my problem, read blogs and realize I am not alone in this dilemma. Our (three) sheep are eating our (two) Great Pyrenees dog food. The very dog that protects them, herds them from danger and watches over them 24/7. The sheep, who are not meat eaters, are devouring their dog food. Our dogs have actually tried to protect their food, by barking at the sheep. But the relationship between the three sheep and two guard dogs prevails, and the dogs finally say, "Yes, you may have it". The sheep are very persistent. It's a relationship unlike any other I've seen. The dogs instinctually guard and watch over them. The sheep respect the dogs, and "look" to them for guidance and cues on what to do. They have a bond that is unlike any I've seen in life. It's natural, and needed zero training to occur. Granted, the Great Pyrenees protect the chickens and barn cats as well, and they take their job seriously. It's what they live for. We appreciate them so very much! And we want them to be able to eat their dog food in peace. After all, they deserve it!
In our effort to keep the sheep from the dog food, we have tried everything we know of, including the things we read on helpful blog sites, and that we thought might "work". In the meantime, the sheep are eating ALOT of dog food. They are getting too big now, and it's something we have to stop. Despite what the rumor is about sheep.......they are smart. They are puzzle-solvers, creative thinkers and stronger (emotionally and physically) than we ever knew.
What makes this so difficult is that the LGD (Livestock Guard Dogs) and sheep are relatively the same size. What one can do, so can the other. The sheep can, and will get on their hind legs if they need to. The sheep will go through all shapes and sizes of doggie-doors. The sheep will bat their sweet eyes at their fearless leaders for a taste of their yummy food. And the dogs allow them to. That's Levi (brother) and Whisper (sister). The sweetest guard dogs ever. They love kids, being petted and brushed, and behind their fierce bark and "guard dog" presence they have........they are just big balls of love. They will tear apart a skunk in a minute. They do not allow any predator across the parameter of the fence line. They stay up all night making sure everyone else can sleep safely, after all, that's when the coyotes, foxes, raccoons, etc come out to eat. They scare the water meter readers, and anyone who comes to the property, as no one is exempt from their "Go Away" bark routine. The "Beware of Dog" sign is appropriate for them.
But it's Belle. Belle is our hand-raised, bottle fed, diaper wearing lamb whom we nurtured from the Day 1 rejection of her mother. Around-the-clock bottle feedings, 2 (or 3) panicked vet visits, and her living in our home for a couple of weeks with our indoor dogs, have created a cross between a lamb and a dog. She would walk down the gravel road to check the mail with us, like the inside dogs did. She bonded with the King Charles spaniel, as she was the same size and coloring. And Belle learned to do dog-things before she would ever do lamb-things. Ironically, through this process, we never allowed her to have dog food. For several months, she lived this life of not really knowing she was a lamb. We knew we would need to "fix" that.
So off we went, to buy her a couple of lamb sisters to teach her how to be a real lamb. We checked around, and found a farm in Mineral Wells that sell Dorper lambs/sheep. That's what Belle is, a Dorper sheep. David and I have only known one lamb in our life. Belle. And she rides in the back of the car with the (inside) dogs. She walks around with, us like the (inside) dogs do. She stays close to us, and comes when you call her. In her mind, I'm sure the thought she was "one of them" - a dog, of sorts. She was too young to be out in the pasture with the LGD's, so her life was in our front yard with our "regular" inside dogs (who come and go through the doggie-door into the laundry room). And so did Belle.
Hence, as Belle grew and got older, we knew we needed to teach her how to be a sheep, because we have successfully have her confused about what she really is. Since we were not doing a good job of teaching her to be a sheep, we would buy a couple of "real" lambs her age, who would show her how to eat grass, graze the pasture, and do sheep-things. So as mentioned, I called the Dorper sheep breeder, and we arrange to come buy two lambs. And of course, we would just put them in the back of the car, like Belle.
It was back in April, that we arrive at the Sheep Farm to pick up two more lambs. Belle is waiting back at the farm. Gary (who owns the sheep farm in Mineral Wells, Tx) has instructed me (on the phone) to bring a crate, to put them in, for the car ride back home. But I don't. I will just put them in the back of my SUV - like I do with Belle. We arrive to the sheep farm, and will take the "extra's". We pick a runt from a set of triplets (who got the least milk from her mama) and another random lamb that was considered a "extra" (i.e. not breeding material or possible good meat supplier). We are picking pets, not quality lambs. We pick the ones no one else wants. Gary says, "Where's your crate?". I don't have one, I tell him. I'll just put them in the back of my SUV. He looks at me like I have three heads on my shoulders. "What!? I told you to bring a crate! These lambs will kick-out your windows, and leap all over this car and cause you harm". I tried to explain that's what we do with our lamb.....and our dogs..... but I was too naive to realize these are wild, pasture lambs who have not been inside the house, raised on a bottle with people and dogs around, and that his lambs would not be able to travel in that same manner. Silly me. I felt like a 6 year old being scolded.
Luckily, he had an old crate he was willing to donate to us (it was so beat-up I wasn't sure it would even hold those "wild" lambs and we would all end up dead, in the car). He somehow was able to capture the lambs we "picked" and got them in the crate. That was fun to watch. It was even more fun driving home, wondering when the kicking, jumping and madness he mentioned, would ensue. Despite my tense shoulders the whole way home, we all made it alive. Knowing later......we might laugh about this adventure.
We somehow got these lambs in our pasture, and for the first time, we put Belle out with them. They knew what to do. They had been recently weaned from their own mamas. They knew to graze and how to be a lamb. But Belle? She just cried for us. We are her mama. She calls to us to come to her. This was not going to be easy. Maaaaaaaaaam, she cried. Over and over. It took time for them to incorporate Belle into their world. But they did eventually, and they did indeed teach her how to be a lamb, for the most part. She's still part dog. Part baby. Part our own child. But she lives in the pasture with her sisters, and they love her, too. Belle, Cotton and Eve are a herd now. Who happen to love to eat dog food.
If we are to be good shepherds of sheep, we must stop the madness of our sweet sheep eating dog food. This brings me back to the back yard of a man I do not know from CraigsList, buying his backyard wooded playhouse/swingset configuration. The good news? He put it together, and is going to take it apart, in order for us to take it away (his kids are too old for it now). It's going to be a great sheep house! 3 hours later, we have it apart and loaded on our trailer.
We unload the 459 pieces in our front pasture, where we will somehow re-build this configuration and make a separate SheepLand (similar to DisneyLand, but for sheep), in which they will reside much of the time, and where the dogs can still guard them, BUT the sheep cannot get to the dog food. This new area will be fenced 360 degrees mid-pasture, so the dogs can guard all sides. We will still let Cotton, Eve and Belle out to free range the whole pasture for much of the time, but it also allows the sheep to be confined to a fenced section of the pasture for themselves, while allowing the dogs to still do their job - and eat their own dog food. This new set-up will help control what, and how much, the sheep eat. Basically, it will give us more options for control of the sheep, esp when we go out of town or on vacation.
Obviously, this is a work-in-progress, as the 459 pieces of the 2-story playhouse are scattered about the pasture. We will need to make ramps up to the top portion, too. Sheep are good climbers, so they should do well with this. This new housing unit will give them plenty of shade as well as options for shelter.
And the dogs will get to eat their dog food in peace. I'll keep you posted on how this works out, as we have much work to do to accomplish this.
And now your asking yourself: Do we really need to build SheepLand in order to keep the sheep from eating the dog food? No, of course not. But that's how we do it at The Graves Farm.
Here's to a great Tuesday!
Cyndi
I've googled my problem, read blogs and realize I am not alone in this dilemma. Our (three) sheep are eating our (two) Great Pyrenees dog food. The very dog that protects them, herds them from danger and watches over them 24/7. The sheep, who are not meat eaters, are devouring their dog food. Our dogs have actually tried to protect their food, by barking at the sheep. But the relationship between the three sheep and two guard dogs prevails, and the dogs finally say, "Yes, you may have it". The sheep are very persistent. It's a relationship unlike any other I've seen. The dogs instinctually guard and watch over them. The sheep respect the dogs, and "look" to them for guidance and cues on what to do. They have a bond that is unlike any I've seen in life. It's natural, and needed zero training to occur. Granted, the Great Pyrenees protect the chickens and barn cats as well, and they take their job seriously. It's what they live for. We appreciate them so very much! And we want them to be able to eat their dog food in peace. After all, they deserve it!
In our effort to keep the sheep from the dog food, we have tried everything we know of, including the things we read on helpful blog sites, and that we thought might "work". In the meantime, the sheep are eating ALOT of dog food. They are getting too big now, and it's something we have to stop. Despite what the rumor is about sheep.......they are smart. They are puzzle-solvers, creative thinkers and stronger (emotionally and physically) than we ever knew.
What makes this so difficult is that the LGD (Livestock Guard Dogs) and sheep are relatively the same size. What one can do, so can the other. The sheep can, and will get on their hind legs if they need to. The sheep will go through all shapes and sizes of doggie-doors. The sheep will bat their sweet eyes at their fearless leaders for a taste of their yummy food. And the dogs allow them to. That's Levi (brother) and Whisper (sister). The sweetest guard dogs ever. They love kids, being petted and brushed, and behind their fierce bark and "guard dog" presence they have........they are just big balls of love. They will tear apart a skunk in a minute. They do not allow any predator across the parameter of the fence line. They stay up all night making sure everyone else can sleep safely, after all, that's when the coyotes, foxes, raccoons, etc come out to eat. They scare the water meter readers, and anyone who comes to the property, as no one is exempt from their "Go Away" bark routine. The "Beware of Dog" sign is appropriate for them.
But it's Belle. Belle is our hand-raised, bottle fed, diaper wearing lamb whom we nurtured from the Day 1 rejection of her mother. Around-the-clock bottle feedings, 2 (or 3) panicked vet visits, and her living in our home for a couple of weeks with our indoor dogs, have created a cross between a lamb and a dog. She would walk down the gravel road to check the mail with us, like the inside dogs did. She bonded with the King Charles spaniel, as she was the same size and coloring. And Belle learned to do dog-things before she would ever do lamb-things. Ironically, through this process, we never allowed her to have dog food. For several months, she lived this life of not really knowing she was a lamb. We knew we would need to "fix" that.
So off we went, to buy her a couple of lamb sisters to teach her how to be a real lamb. We checked around, and found a farm in Mineral Wells that sell Dorper lambs/sheep. That's what Belle is, a Dorper sheep. David and I have only known one lamb in our life. Belle. And she rides in the back of the car with the (inside) dogs. She walks around with, us like the (inside) dogs do. She stays close to us, and comes when you call her. In her mind, I'm sure the thought she was "one of them" - a dog, of sorts. She was too young to be out in the pasture with the LGD's, so her life was in our front yard with our "regular" inside dogs (who come and go through the doggie-door into the laundry room). And so did Belle.
Hence, as Belle grew and got older, we knew we needed to teach her how to be a sheep, because we have successfully have her confused about what she really is. Since we were not doing a good job of teaching her to be a sheep, we would buy a couple of "real" lambs her age, who would show her how to eat grass, graze the pasture, and do sheep-things. So as mentioned, I called the Dorper sheep breeder, and we arrange to come buy two lambs. And of course, we would just put them in the back of the car, like Belle.
It was back in April, that we arrive at the Sheep Farm to pick up two more lambs. Belle is waiting back at the farm. Gary (who owns the sheep farm in Mineral Wells, Tx) has instructed me (on the phone) to bring a crate, to put them in, for the car ride back home. But I don't. I will just put them in the back of my SUV - like I do with Belle. We arrive to the sheep farm, and will take the "extra's". We pick a runt from a set of triplets (who got the least milk from her mama) and another random lamb that was considered a "extra" (i.e. not breeding material or possible good meat supplier). We are picking pets, not quality lambs. We pick the ones no one else wants. Gary says, "Where's your crate?". I don't have one, I tell him. I'll just put them in the back of my SUV. He looks at me like I have three heads on my shoulders. "What!? I told you to bring a crate! These lambs will kick-out your windows, and leap all over this car and cause you harm". I tried to explain that's what we do with our lamb.....and our dogs..... but I was too naive to realize these are wild, pasture lambs who have not been inside the house, raised on a bottle with people and dogs around, and that his lambs would not be able to travel in that same manner. Silly me. I felt like a 6 year old being scolded.
Luckily, he had an old crate he was willing to donate to us (it was so beat-up I wasn't sure it would even hold those "wild" lambs and we would all end up dead, in the car). He somehow was able to capture the lambs we "picked" and got them in the crate. That was fun to watch. It was even more fun driving home, wondering when the kicking, jumping and madness he mentioned, would ensue. Despite my tense shoulders the whole way home, we all made it alive. Knowing later......we might laugh about this adventure.
We somehow got these lambs in our pasture, and for the first time, we put Belle out with them. They knew what to do. They had been recently weaned from their own mamas. They knew to graze and how to be a lamb. But Belle? She just cried for us. We are her mama. She calls to us to come to her. This was not going to be easy. Maaaaaaaaaam, she cried. Over and over. It took time for them to incorporate Belle into their world. But they did eventually, and they did indeed teach her how to be a lamb, for the most part. She's still part dog. Part baby. Part our own child. But she lives in the pasture with her sisters, and they love her, too. Belle, Cotton and Eve are a herd now. Who happen to love to eat dog food.
If we are to be good shepherds of sheep, we must stop the madness of our sweet sheep eating dog food. This brings me back to the back yard of a man I do not know from CraigsList, buying his backyard wooded playhouse/swingset configuration. The good news? He put it together, and is going to take it apart, in order for us to take it away (his kids are too old for it now). It's going to be a great sheep house! 3 hours later, we have it apart and loaded on our trailer.
We unload the 459 pieces in our front pasture, where we will somehow re-build this configuration and make a separate SheepLand (similar to DisneyLand, but for sheep), in which they will reside much of the time, and where the dogs can still guard them, BUT the sheep cannot get to the dog food. This new area will be fenced 360 degrees mid-pasture, so the dogs can guard all sides. We will still let Cotton, Eve and Belle out to free range the whole pasture for much of the time, but it also allows the sheep to be confined to a fenced section of the pasture for themselves, while allowing the dogs to still do their job - and eat their own dog food. This new set-up will help control what, and how much, the sheep eat. Basically, it will give us more options for control of the sheep, esp when we go out of town or on vacation.
Obviously, this is a work-in-progress, as the 459 pieces of the 2-story playhouse are scattered about the pasture. We will need to make ramps up to the top portion, too. Sheep are good climbers, so they should do well with this. This new housing unit will give them plenty of shade as well as options for shelter.
And the dogs will get to eat their dog food in peace. I'll keep you posted on how this works out, as we have much work to do to accomplish this.
And now your asking yourself: Do we really need to build SheepLand in order to keep the sheep from eating the dog food? No, of course not. But that's how we do it at The Graves Farm.
Here's to a great Tuesday!
Cyndi
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)