But the greatest blessing is not the tranquil valley, the gentle willows or even the lush greenery - it is the large white fuzzy creature with the sheep. Mike is a livestock guardian dog, bred for centuries to bond with his charges and stay with them, guarding them with his life. Mike is only a year old and is staying with his sheep more and more and that is so comforting to me. In this valley there are foxes, coyotes, bears, wolves, cougars and owls that love to prey on sheep and lambs, but with that dog there, even his presence, because he is huge, the sheep are very safe.
And that is the greatest blessing on this farm today, Mike the dog! Bless you Mikey. I love you.