This is from June 2015

Sadly to write, I had to euthanize our guard dog, Smiley, for killing a lamb.  It was a heinous crime and there was no recourse.  What could I do for him?  Where would he go?  Who could trust him?  In fact, it was an issue of trust.  I had to constantly check the pastures for what were the dogs doing now.  Where is he?  What is missing?  Check everyone’s ears.  Horns.  It was exhausting and now he is gone.  I miss the big lunk and wish it had all gone differently!

His littermate, Grimmy, is still with us.  He mourned for a week and he is just starting to act normal.  I am waiting for the day to return when he sits in the pasture and guards the animals.  Lately, he likes to sleep during the day and I blame it on the heat.

On a brighter note, the flock will soon return to the pastures for the entire day.  There have been torrential rains and I hate to see the little ones in the fields when the rain is rough.  Lightning and thunder that shakes the valley.  The gates are open so they can run for shelter under the overhang of the barn.  When they return for the summer, my job of collecting poop will be over and now I am on parasite patrol.