Cute Fuzzy adorable Pyrenees puppies

For as long as I can remember Ive always wanted to raise and breed Great Pyrenees dogs. This breed isn't for everyone, but they are an amazing breed! Our main reason for choosing this breed is for protection of our livestock, along with the Pyrenees sweet gentle nature with their flock,small animals and people.

On Valentines day 2007 Brad bought me my dream and the most adorable puppy! My Sammy Bear.
This is Sam at just 9 weeks, He was BIG boy!!

Building my dream slowly a few years later Bella joined the family. 
A year and a half later, and an OK from our vet, (Since you usually wait a full 2 years) We planned a romantic date for the two. Puppies on their way!! We can't wait! If all went well She will be due November 1st 2011

Our reason for wanting to breed the Pyrenees is this breed is kind of hard to find in our area, I feel there is a need for this breed in our area. For livestock farmers, or just people who want a amazing, sweet, gentle giant of a dog that is also able to keep predators away. The Pyrenees have also been used to watch over children instead of livestock!
Even though the Pyrenees is super gentle and sweet, these dogs can be very aggressive when they need to be. They usually sleep a lot during the day and are up at night barking and keeping critters away.

 Sam came from Buddy Bottoms Boer goat farm in Iowa. He came from show and working lines. There is a big difference in straight working and straight show lines in this breed.
Sam for example is a lot bigger and has a Immensely super thick fluffy long coat, which is common in show lines. Burrs and sticks have to be worked or cut out.

Bella is on the smaller side, and has a shorter close to the body coat type,

 Its still thick compared to most other breeds, But it's much thinner than Sammy's coat and burrs and sticks don't get stuck in her hair as easily. This is  typical of straight working lines. Mainly because the working lines of Pyrenees needed a thick yet short coat so no debris would get stuck to their hair while working sheep and goats in the Pyrenees  mountains.

If interested in a Pyrenees pup please contact us on Facebook. Puppies will not be registered. Sam Is AKC but Bella is not.I don't feel the need breed registered dogs, I would rather breed for working ability.

Washed in golden beautiful-ness

It's the first day of fall and everything is washed in golden beautiful-ness!
Fall is my favorite season and gives me a warm cozy feeling. I think that's just my bodies way of setting into a hibernation mode lol.
I love the lighting this time of year, Its more muted and warm toned. I could sit outside for hours just soaking it all in as the birds gather and the geese fly overhead. The corn and soybean fields are just beautiful, as the warm fall sun gleams a honey toned cast over it all. Even things as simple as the grass are a sight to be seen. The golden seed head swaying back and forth like stalks of wheat.As everything and Everyone gets ready for the arrival of winter.Fall also means breeding season here on the farm, and getting everything situated in the barn and winterized. And Projects finished before the cold weather hits. And an exciting time as well, as we will be expecting a litter of Great Pyrenees pups on November 1st and goat babies in February and March! As Life dies back in fall we welocome new life in the middle of it all. Exciting times here on the farm.
Its also means my clothesline drying days are dwindling down as things just aren't drying as fast as they were.A very sad reality in my world!
But as we say goodbye to summer and the growing seasons, The cold weather crops are in for Octobers harvest. We will have radishes,lettuce,arugula,spinach,and Swiss Chard. Maybe that will give us a taste of spring again before we put the garden to rest for the year.

 

 

One of the goats out in the beautiful fall grass

Brad out checking the fall seedling up in the garden

All life is precious

So yesterday we had a load of hay come in from our hay guy.  I saw a big cat that wasn't ours jump out as the wagon was coming down our drive. I thought "Oh great another wild cat on the farm" As this usually happens every year when hay comes lol.
As it was being unloaded, my brother stumbled upon a new litter of 4 kittens that must have been born in the bales a week ago I'm guessing as their eyes aren't open yet.
Now We could have called up our hay guy and have him come and get them, But I couldn't do that.
Ive heard to many horror stories of what these "Old time farmer mentality" guys do to a litter of farm kittens. Too many cats on the farm, So they will dispose of them. Not taking into consideration of how all life is precious and everything has a purpose. I left the kitties on the hay wagon overnight thinking momma cat might come back and get them, But she didn't. So first thing this morning I brought them into the house, Fed them eyedroppers of goat milk and made them a cozy place to sleep. Their bellies are full and hopefully I will be able to find them good homes when the time comes.

My 15 year old Chihuaua, "Baby" is taking to them well, And is almost acting like they are puppies. I'm hoping she lays with them and keeps them warm. Baby has great maternal instincts. She took to a baby pot belly pig we had once.

Got Milk?

   

We are now in Milk!  

 

                                    
We have welcomed yet another goat to the family. This is our new Nubian doe "Hope" I call her Milly since that's what she looks like to me lol. I think I will make that a permanent name for her now. She is such a sweetie and is still getting used to her new family of goats and dogs. She is taking awhile to warm up to Sam and Bella, But she is doing great. She has a nice big udder, and her teats are nice and big, which makes milking her a breeze and a lot of fun! She is a big girl at 170#, good thing she is super gentle and easy going with the other girls.

We are getting 2 quarts of milk from her a day. Her milk is super sweet and creamy, and were all enjoying having fresh milk in the house!

Having to milk a goat twice a day has actually been good for me. Surprisingly for a farm girl I'm not a morning person, And I like my sleep.Sleeping in is a wonderful thing LOL. Ive been getting up earlier and on time now, Milly has to be milked every 12 hours. It's very enjoyable and relaxing milking her. The feel of her soft warm udders and the sound of the milk as it hits the pail, Listening to her breath and chew her grain as I milk. Its very relaxing and therapeutic I highly suggest it!

                         This mornings milk

  Milly doesn't quite know what to think of Bella.Bella however loves Milly and tries giving her kisses