27 March

Working Dog: Guarding His Chickens, 24/7

by Jon Katz
Guarding His Chickens

This beautiful Great Pyrenees dog – one of many around her who live outdoors year round guarding sheep and chickens and calves – sits in front of a sea of chickens on a poultry farm not too far from our farm. In America, there is a growing schism between people who have pets and people who have animals.

I have never met anyone up here who thinks it is cruel for working animals to work, working dogs, horses, donkeys, cows are everywhere around here and are generally much admired and loved.

Some are pets also, some just working animals, some a mix of both. This dog sits in this enclosed chicken barn, surrounded by a sea of chickens,clucking up a storm. He takes breaks outside and in the early evening, but otherwise, this is where you will see him and find him around the clock.

He lives with his chickens, his life is devoted to guarding them

The farm produces fresh eggs for local markets. He sits quite proudly there, oblivious to the thousands of laying hens that march around him. I am told that no coyote or hawk will dare to come near his hens, he can be up and moving and roaring in a hurry. I was happy to take this photo, I love working animals and their glorious history with human beings.

Email SignupFree Email Signup