This fall and winter have been our worst ever for predator problems; raccoons, possums, skunks, foxes, and even coyotes have decided that Thimbleberry Farm has the best tasting chicken, turkey, duck, and sheep in Northern Michigan.  Although, we agree with them, finding our animals torn to shreds every few nights became a little too much to bear.

 

After trying the traditional (BBQ Raccoon is pretty tasty) and even some non-traditional methods of predator control (Don’t ask!!), we realized we needed a guard dog to protect the farm 24/7.  Researching the various breeds of guard dog and taking into account our windy, frigid northern Michigan climate, we settled on the Hungarian Komondor.

Bubbles

The Komondor, an impressive solid white dog covered by a mass of heavy cords, have been used to guard livestock on the Hungarian plains since before the 12^th century. With a coat that closely mimics a sheep and looks like a dust mop, the Komondor was bred for independent thinking and decision making, in a cold weather, windy environment.

 

Armed with this knowledge and after falling in love with the breed on the Thanksgiving Day Dog Show, we began our search for an experienced Komondor to help protect our farm.

In the beginning of January 2008 we adopted “Bubbles” into our family. Coming from Canton GA ,“Bubbles” is a 4 year old working Komondor, formerly used to protect goats.

 

Bubbles has adapted well to the farm and teaching us what it means to own a Komondor. She is definitely the most unique dog we have ever owned. Padding around the barnyard, one minute under your feet, the next half-way across the farm standing guard against something that has caught her attention, Bubbles has wove herself into the daily farm routine in a matter of a few weeks.

A fully corded show Komondor

Give me a Hug!! Give me a Hug!!

Come on!! Give me a Hug!!

I gave up Atlanta for this???

Bubbles first morning

Due to the long stretch of inclement weather we have been experiencing, one arctic blast after another, Bubbles stays inside at night. She barks at the door when she needs to come in, usually covered with snow and icicles.

 

She has wrapped herself around our hearts with her “undoglike” characteristics and antics, sometimes reminding us more of a cat than our black Labradors.

 

.

Closer...come a little closer….

After a long day of guarding the Milk Bone supply

Hmmm...doesn’t taste like chicken

No one wants to play with me!!

Below is a few pictures of Bubbles as she makes herself home to Thimbleberry Farm &Fleece. We will post more of  Bubbles adventures as spring approaches.

March Update:  Bubbles continues to amaze us!!! Scott brought home two orphaned California Red lambs from the Flower Lady’s Farm , keeping them in the kitchen bathroom to keep them warm. (Isn’t that where everyone keeps bummer lambs?)

 

Bubbles showed unusual curiosity about the little lambs, always trying to get into the room. On the second day, she managed to slip through the door after a bottle feeding and promptly curled herself around the little rascals and started to lick them clean (Bottle Feeding + Lambs = Jurassic-Sized Mess).

 

Bubbles has proven herself to be a great adopted mom, washing the babies vigorously after feeding, stimulating their bodily functions, and never leaving their side. We even have to carry the lambs to the front door to get her to go outside, where she quickly does her “business” and then wants back in immediately.