Wednesday, August 28, 2019

So Long Best LGD Ever.





 Fannie, our best livestock guardian dog ever, died a couple weeks ago and we've all had a hard time adjusting to her absence. She had been with us several years on the old farm and moved with us here in 2014. But old age and bad hips caught up with her. Prior to that she was the star in livestock protection. Roaming the property's boundaries, she kept coyotes at bay during the night and warded off piglet and chick seeking hawks that circled overhead, in the day time. As ferocious as she was towards predators she was extremely meek, mild and gentle with all our gks. The younger they were the closer she stayed by their side.

The photo below is Fannie with our oldest grandson Wesley, now 11. He's known her since infancy. The two of them had a thing for hanging out under trees watching squirrels. 




She was the Alpha dog here in our pack of two. Ashland, our 1/4 German Shepard, 3/4 Husky was always more timid than she and he didn't eat, lie down, or venture forth unless Fannie gave permission. Five years younger than her, he was the annoying puppy she had to train. He, however, never minded his role as number two dog.  In fact, I could lay an entire raw roast beef at his feet and he would not even sniff it until Fannie had her fill and gave him permission to imbibe. 

They were good buddies but there was a pecking order to be followed. Now that she is gone, when I feed Ashland he still looks up and about waiting for her to come around the corner and give him directions. The first few days after she died he didn't eat at all. He just laid in front of his bowl, looking side to side for his buddy. "She's gone" I'd tell him. "She's not coming back." Still though he waited. Eventually he felt better, as we all will. 

This is the last picture I took of my girl, the one who would meet me at the car and allow to me to grab the scruff of her neck to steady myself while walking through snow and ice on the way up to the house. It was a hot day when I took this and she was resting in the shade by the swing all the gk's love to use. I knew then her time left on this farm was limited; I think she knew it too. 



21 comments:

  1. Shedding a tear here for you...what a loved dog and a wonderful life. Hugs to you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ah thanks for that. She was my person, I mean dog, and I miss her terribly.

      Delete
  2. How very sad; she was a lovely dog. I expect the grandchildren will be very upset too. Having recently lost one of my own, I know exactly how you feel. Chin up! Cro xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ashland and I are barreling through, but it's at night when the coyotes howl and she would bark back "STAY AWAY" that I miss her most.

      Delete
  3. Such sad news. We know they won't be with us forever, but it's always hard to lose them.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. She was such a big part of our family. Sometimes...I really hate homesteading.

      Delete
  4. I'm so sorry for your loss. She sounds like she was perfect! Your other dog will need time to adjust, too. -Jenn

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. She certainly was much nicer ad more patient than I was. We need another Great Pyrenees but I'm not rushing into it.

      Delete
  5. oh i am so sad to read this. it's just the hardest thing to loose our best friends. you gave her many good year and she gave you the same.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, the relationship was a good one but she gave without ever expecting anything back.

      Delete
  6. That's the part of owning animals I hate - is when we lose them. Although, they enrich my life I could never imagine life without one.

    So sorry on your loss. My 19 yr old cat left us, earlier in the year and I still miss her.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 19 years (!) that is wonderful, and obviously a testament to your good care.

      Delete
  7. So very very sad. You will miss her forever as we miss our beloved golden that we lost 12 years ago. They are never forgotten. Ashland will need a new companion one day soon.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Such a good girl and loyal family member. I don't comment often but always follow you closely. Losing a beloved pet is so very hard. She had a great life with you and you were a wonderful Mom. Deepest sympathy. X

    ReplyDelete
  9. Makes me think of this quote, it's so true: Dogs’ lives are too short, Their only fault really.
    Agnes Sligh

    ReplyDelete
  10. Sorry about losing Fannie. I'm sure she taught Ashland everything he needs to know to take over her duties, he just doesn't quite know it yet.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Sorry to hear about Fannie, the most bittersweet part of animal husbandry is saying goodbye. The real tragedy is those first few weeks without them, when the loss is still raw. I think dogs are some of the hardest loved ones to lose, too. It took my family six years to heal from the loss of our akita, and I still expect to see her happy face at the door every evening.

    Thoughts and good wishes with you and yours right now.

    ReplyDelete
  12. My heart is breaking for you all and for Fannie...she was so beautiful. xx

    ReplyDelete
  13. I'm so sorry to hear Fannie has crossed over the rainbow bridge. Back in the day when I'd come get milk and some of our other goodies, she would always greet with me with a smile.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Condolences to you and your family, Donna, over the passing or your beloved Fannie.

    ReplyDelete

Comments are good, as long as you're a real person and not some goof telling me how you were cured of hepatitis by snorting a pulverized neon blue crayon. Your comments don't even have to agree with my viewpoint, I love a good discussion, but civility does matter.