Coming soon... puppies!

Well, I just got the news that our new Livestock Guardian Dogs (LGDs) will be ready to pick up next weekend. I am so excited! I love puppies! We are getting two (a male and a female) Anatolian Shepard dogs. These two with be living full time out with the livestock protecting them from stray dogs, coyotes, bears, unwanted humans and even hawks and eagles. It may take up to two years until they are fully grown and at their maximum guarding potential.

I have chosen the names for the two new puppies. I tried to find solid Turkish names for them that would make good "call names" for training. Our male, the fawn with black mask, will be Berk (which means solid & strong). Our female, the dark brindle, will be Emine (pronounced "M"-in-neigh and means trustworthy) We will call her Emie for short.

These are the only photos I have seen of them so far...

Emine Berk

In preparation for the pups arrival, who will be staying at Abbondanza Alpacas until our fencing at the farm is completed, I took our insulated dog house over there today along with some thick wool blankets. It is still pretty chilly here at night. At least they will have each other to help stay warm. On Friday I have a 10 x10 mesh livestock pen that is scheduled to be delivered as well. This will allow the pups to be in the pasture with the alpacas but still confined so as not to get any bad behaviors while not being watched.

So... the kids and I will be driving up to North Carolina next Sunday to go pick them up. I am so excited!!