Saying Goodbye to Our Amazing Farm Dog
Tonight, we lost Luna, our farm dog of nearly 10 years.
Luna came to us as a last-ditch effort to find a farm dog. We had tried six other medium-sized dogs before her, and none of them were quite the right fit. Finally, we threw up our hands and decided to try a large livestock guardian breed.
It turned out to be one of the best decisions we ever made.
Luna was the right dog at the right time. It wasn't flawless from day one, but once everything clicked together and she found her voice and her desire to patrol, there was no stopping her. She took to her job the way a fish takes to water. Before long, she had claimed the farm as her responsibility and spent the next decade making sure everyone knew it.
For nearly ten years, she was my constant companion in the home pastures. Wherever I was, Luna usually wasn't far behind. She continued making her rounds with me right up until a few days before her passing.
As the farm evolved, her role became even more important. I've often said that I might not still be raising egg layers today if it weren't for Luna. Once I began working off the farm, she became even more essential to the farm. Luna became my eyes and ears when I wasn't there. She watched over the birds, sounded the alarm when something wasn't right, and made her presence known to anything that didn't belong.
There were times she let me know the cattle were out before I had any idea, and other times when she was trying to tell me something was seriously wrong and needed my attention. Time and time again, she proved she was paying attention even when nobody thought she was. Her work gave me confidence that things were being looked after even when I couldn't be there myself.
She also grew up alongside our children. They were only four and six years old when Luna joined our family. Today they are thirteen and sixteen. In many ways, Luna is woven into their childhood memories. She was there for adventures, chores, family gatherings, and all the ordinary moments that become the memories we carry forever. Much like our two senior gentlemen cats (Nermal and Fumbles) that passed away back in February of 2025, Luna was a fundamental part of the family.
I suppose that is the great tragedy of large dogs. They are gentle giants who burn so brightly but are gone far too soon.
Luna was my farming copilot. I will miss looking over and finding her at my side, somehow watching everything around her even when she appeared to be asleep. She always seemed to know what was happening and where she needed to be.
Mud Season
Thank you, Luna, for being the best farm dog I have ever had. You protected this farm, watched over this family, and made my job easier in more ways than I can count. You leave behind paw prints and responsibilities that will be a major challenge for your young apprentice Tali to learn
I will forever miss my big, fluffy baby.
Rest easy, Luna.
Happy to See Me Return Home
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