Big White Doggie on the Porch

HGD: Human Guardian Dog

Every morning before we step outside, we are confronted by the sight of a big white doggie on the porch. For some reason, the Livestock Guardian Dog (LGD) who stays down by the house at night has decided that we are worthy of his notice. It started this fall or winter. Now he parks himself just outside the front door after he has finished patrolling for the night, preventing anyone from entering or leaving without first consulting him. Of course this raises our self-esteem, that this canine who spends hours each night warning off coyotes and other predators, should see fit to expend energy guarding us--even if he chooses to do this job with his eyes closed.

His presence is far more reassuring than was that of our long-ago scrawny puddycat Sissibelle. True, she guarded us faithfully during our first year here on the farm, and left clumps of black, matted fur about the front doormat as reminders of her dedication; however, she never struck us as an effective of a protector compared to any of the LGDs--whose sheer bulk can be a deterrent to even the most determined of human interlopers. And his voice--a chest-deep, resonant bark gives all of those whom he guards a peace of mind that no cat's meow could ever communicate.

Thanks to our canine protector, I sleep quite soundly at night.