Furever Faithful: An Ode to Farm Dogs

By Texas Farm Bureau @TexasFarmBureau

We’re firm believers in every family owning a four-legged furry pet. They teach us so many life lessons: responsibility, unconditional forgiveness, loyalty and the joy to be found in each day.

Although we know there are some #TeamCat fans, there’s just something special about a farm dog.

They come in different colors and different breeds. And their skills vary, of course. But farm dogs have a lot to offer…

Work ethic

Have you ever seen a farm dog work? When a heeler moves cattle or a Great Pyrenees defends its flock, it’s clear that’s what the dog was born to do.

Protection

Farm dogs take their job seriously. Whether it’s protecting livestock from predators or securing the home turf from outsiders, they’re always on guard duty.

Dogs – what would we do without them?

Companionship

Being a farmer or a rancher means lots of long hours out in the field. It can get lonely, but thankfully, many of us are able to roam far and wide with our trusty sidekick, the farm dog, riding shotgun.

Countless farm dogs respond with great glee to the command to “load up.” No task is too small or too big to not benefit from a little furry sidekick support.

Even scientific research insights provided by Purina show interacting with pets can provide health benefits. After spending just 20 minutes with a dog, people experienced a significant increase in levels of oxytocin, a hormone that plays a role in moderating stress. This was also associated with a decrease in heart rate and an increase in self-reported sense of well-being.

Dogs – what would we do without them?

“Paw” some friends

The lolling tongue and happy panting of a dog who just herded the last cow through the gate.

The head nudges for pats.

The contented little snores in the evening.

All are part and parcel of the joy of owning a farm dog.

Thank you, from all of us who have been lucky enough to call a farm dog “mine.”

Farm Dog of the Year Contest

The Farm Dog of the Year contest celebrates farm dogs and the many ways they support farmers and ranchers in producing nutritious food for families and their pets across America. The grand prize winner – Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year – will win a year’s worth of Purina Pro-Plan dog food and $5,000 in prize money. The winner will be recognized at a Farm Dog of the Year award ceremony at the American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in January 2023. Applications close July 15. Learn more and apply here.

This column was originally distributed by Texas Farm Bureau and is republished with permission.