has her own chaise lounge.
Bonnie began her training in a crate and still goes there when we leave the house. She graduated to and outgrew the old recliner. She now claims the chaise lounge which usually holds what Hubby throws on it.As much as we love dogs they are also needed on a farm. Varmint control, guardians of our farm animals and of our place are just a few of the important jobs they do.
Just shy of eighty-five pounds and fourteen months old, Bonnie is very much a part of our life and our working team here. Bonnie can sprint at twenty MPH but can maintain a solid fourteen for an indefinite period of time. Yes, Hubby has clocked her.
This summer Bonnie trained with the other members of our working farm team: Lil, Ki-Anne, Squigs, JR and Lizzy (all outside dogs). Each have their own job and work well as a team. They've herded cattle and have kept our area clear of poisonous snakes and animals that could harm our live stock.
This summer Bonnie "alerted" us to a Copperhead but really has mostly stood back and observed. We thought maybe she's not gonna catch on to the job requirements here.
Yesterday Bonnie showed us she was paying attention. She caught her first armadillo all by herself. At least a quarter from the house and proudly carried it all the way home.
Armadillos can reach a speed of thirty miles an hour but Bonnie exceeded this one's speed. Hubby did not clock the chase but was very pleased with Bonnie's performance.
It's a fact of farm life. Some critters just can't co-exist on a farm. This is one critter of which we have tried to control the population. Their burrows can break livestock's legs, they tend to dig in the garden because the ground is softer, and they do kill many plants. On the good side they eat lots of insects and worms and are good to eat (recipes here) although we've never tried one.
The other members come to check the prize.
Bonnie has reason to be proud.
She shows off her catch.
After her good girl praises
she drinks and chills.
When the wild hogs come
we may have a chance!
