The Guardians

Keeping everyone safe

The number one most important animal on our farm is our dogs. Without them we wouldn’t be able to keep any livestock without heavy loses. We live in high predator territory. We have everything from bears and foxes to bobcats and skunks but the most difficult one for us around the farm is the mountain lion. These clever and sneaky animals are very overpopulated in el dorado county and have been killing for sport in broad daylight. Thankfully that’s where our trusty Dobermans come in. The Doberman is a strong, fast, and fearless breed who was bred to protect and eager to please. They are not considered a livestock guardian breed but they have worked wonders for us. Piece and quiet is very important for me on the ranch and unlike the livestock gaurdian breeds who were bred to bark, our Dobermans only bark when there is an active threat. I have noticed a lot of the livestock gaurdian dogs in our area also roam while our Dobermans stay home with the livestock. Every morning our big male, Hank, will lead the the herd of goats out on the pasture. It’s not very often that he barks during the day but when he does the goats know to make a run for the barn while he patrols the fence. 
 

Another one of our guardians that might be surprising to some is none other than the barn cat. When owning livestock there is a lot of feed around and nice cozy places for mice and rats to make their homes. Where there is mice there are snakes. I do actually love snakes but unfortunately rattlesnakes and livestock don’t mix well. Rats and mice also carry diseases and fleas so it is important to keep them away as best we can. That’s where the barn cat comes in. These amazing little hunters are great at their job and they love doing it. Our cats also catch ground squirrels and gophers so we don’t have to worry about loosing plants in our garden to the pesky vermin. 

Puppies and Kittens