06/11/2026
I am sure I have said this before but the relationship between livestock owners and their working dogs is like little else.
They share your burden. They have your back. You trust them totally and when their time is up it totally breaks your heart like little else can do.
Our big man, Booker slipped away today. It was not unexpected. Booker and I have worked hard the last couple of years to keep his immune system from turning on him. A very clean, limited ingredient diet with grass-fed beef at its' core got him comfortable and satisfied, finally.
But, I couldn't reverse age him. 12 or 13 years is pretty old in his business.
As I put together a tribute to this sweet, solid soul I realized he has been surrounded by females he loved and that loved him for all his years here.
Sara, his soul mate. Mavis, his muse. Abby, his alpaca bff. Gipsey and Opal, the alpaca pranksters. Laura Rakel Reilly his beloved groomer. Lisa Moore his best two legged friend.
Olivia who got over her fear of dogs with his gentle guidance.
We will all be okay. Mavis was trained by the best and is on the job tonight. Mike and I have laid to rest the bones of many fine critters on this farm but to be sure, none finer.
Hail the Traveler! Beloved friend and faithful guardian...give my love to Sara.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/ikzk3gNa9hKwDYZGA
