We’ve got a lot of dogs here on the ranch at Shepherd’s Lamb - big dogs, little dogs, old dogs, young dogs. What they have in common is that they’re all working dogs: they all have a job to do here on the ranch and and each one plays an essential part in the success of our operation. As many of you know, we lost our beautiful guard dog Osa this past fall and we’d like to celebrate her life by sharing with you a little bit about guard dog life.
Antonio with two guard dogs in the early days of Shepherd’s Lamb
Here at Shepherd’s Lamb we’ve had guard dogs as long as we’ve had sheep. Over the years, we’ve had a number of different guard dog breeds - primarily Great Pyrenees, Anatolian Shepherd, and Komondor - and have had success with all these breeds. Most of our present guard dogs are a Great Pyreneese and Anatolian Shepherd cross which were bred and born on our ranch.
Our guard dogs live with the sheep from puppyhood. They form a strong bond with the sheep from an early age - they think they’re members of the flock! Whenever we move the sheep, the guard dogs move too, migrating with the flocks to the high country for the summer and back to our home pastures for the winter. They usually take up a position in the rear to make sure that no one gets left behind (even people!).
Guard dogs taking up the rear while moving the sheep
Because they live with the sheep year-round, the guard dogs provide a continuous and effective barking alarm system to warn us about approaching predators and will even actively defend the flocks if necessary.
Young Osa taking a rest on a hot day.
Osa was born at Shepherd’s Lamb over a decade ago and lived as a guard dog with the sheep for many years. While on “active duty,” she had a number of puppies which she lovingly raised, too. Later in life, she had to have one of her back legs amputated, but even on three legs she was an enthusiastic protector of her sheep and their pastures. She spent her last few years living at the home place, guarding the rams and horses and the front gate with the same enthusiasm she had for her work throughout her life. We’ll be forever grateful for the years of loyal and affectionate service that she gave us.
Beautiful Osa - we miss you, girl.