farm life, goats, karakachan, LGD, Nigerian Dwarf, rescue, Uncategorized

Keeping Up with the Karakachans – Episode I

Six years ago, I picked up a goat at a local farm. I walked into a large open pole barn full of goats when the farmer, who I now call a friend, mentioned a rare breed of livestock guardian dog he had just gotten, the Karakachan. I had no idea what a livestock guardian dog was, but I certainly knew I loved dogs. I was immediately intrigued. He loudly called for the dogs across the farm fields. A few minutes later a massive brown dog, I literally thought was a lion, came bounding into the barn. I’m very comfortable around dogs but when you hear the word “guardian” and then see a lion-like dog . . . you keep your distance. I didn’t know at the time, the “lion dog” was also Boris’ father. 

I took my goat home and that night told my husband about the massive livestock guardian dog. We had just moved to our new farm and began adding more animals. But as fast as we were adding animals, they were just as quickly vanishing. So, I did what every new farmer does, and asked farming Facebook groups for recommendations. I tried a bigger rooster, donkeys, I locked all my animals up and I let our Great Pyrenees, Huppy, at the barn more often. But, Huppy was raised in our house and considered us his family to protect, so he always followed us back to the house. 

The losses continued, despite all the extra measures I was taking to protect the animals. The thought of not being able to keep animals on our new farm left me feeling defeated and sad for all those we’d lost. I spoke with many farmers who all said I needed a livestock guardian dog. I thought, the lion dog!? No way, that thing is a monster! And then the thought of having dogs living outside seemed so cruel to me (at the time). You see we already had five indoor dogs and had spent many years in animal rescue. I felt my job was to save animals and keep them safe inside, not keep them outside. It took some time for me to process the idea, so I researched as much as possible on livestock guardian dogs. I mean, technically, we already had one, Huppy. How hard could it be, right? 

So I did it, I picked up a “baby lion” and named him Boris. 

Boris was a fluffy dream of a puppy. He was sweet, cuddly and all ours. Boris was born in a barn, surrounded by goats and other livestock guardian dogs. Even after countless hours of research, nothing prepared me for leaving this puppy in the barn alone at night. That said, I knew this is what he was bred to do. In Boris’ mind the goats were his family. Karakachans are still considered rare in the United States, being only recently imported from Bulgaria. I reminded myself his genetics were strong and he was meant to grow up into a working dog. 

Boris spent every moment with the goats and enjoyed frequent visits from Uncle Huppy.  And although he loved Huppy, I still struggled with Boris being alone at night. Clearly, something had to be done…. so, along came Petra.

I wanted a female/male pair because it would give me the best odds the new dynamic duo would get along well. Petra came to me from a veterinarian in Virginia who was the first to import the breed into the country. Petra was a bit older and shy at first. She came from a very large working farm with not as much human contact. When Petra arrived, she was scared of me and immediately went running to the goats!  

So, I had a little lion and he had a companion. Now what? Episode II coming soon!

Farm Crew, Foster Dogs, goats, karakachan, LGD, Nigerian Dwarf, rescue, Uncategorized

Mud Farmers

Our winter here in Georgia has consisted of rain, and more rain. We like to joke and say we are Mud Farmers! Last winter we had 10 inches of snow, while this winter we set the record for second wettest year! I know lots of you are still seeing snow fall and might roll your eyes at this post, but Spring is beginning to emerge here in the South!

The rye grass I planted in the Fall is lush and just what I hoped for, probably due in part to all the rain. The mud is still plentiful here and the ponies still look like they just swam through a swamp, but the sun is finally out. Oh how we have missed the sun. Every human and animal found a warm spot outside today.

With warm temperatures approaching, we are planning for a busy kidding season. Most of our does are set to kid in April, which is obvious now by their expanding bellies.

But happiest of all for this break in the rain is certainly the dogs. Cindy and Annie are back to their marathon play sessions outside. And yes, Cindy is still looking for her forever family!

Chickens, Farm Crew, Foster Dogs, goats, karakachan, LGD, rescue, Uncategorized

Spring Break at the Tucker Farm

DSC_0701I always know when Spring arrives in Georgia. This farm girl gets a sunburn and first case of Poison Ivy. Although I grew up in the North, I love the warmth of the South. The daffodils begin to bloom in late winter and the days quickly get longer. As the weather warms, we eagerly put ferns on our porch and enjoy an evening cocktail on the deck. We bought this little farm three years ago with the goal of having more animals, especially goats. More importantly, we acquired this land and lifestyle for our children.

DSC_0420I always hoped they would grow up on a family farm and experience what I dreamed of as a little girl. Don’t get me wrong, I had a dreamy childhood, but like most kids I always wished for more. That said, Spring on the farm is magical. It’s full of baby animals and playing in the dirt. When we are outside, our girls enjoy simple things like playing with the hose and running through the long grass. This is why ‘Spring Break’ for us means taking a break from fostering. As much as we love fostering, we need to focus on farm life during Spring.

DSC_1096On a daily basis, we receive at least one request to help an animal in need. We cannot deny, it’s difficult for us to take breaks as rescue will always be an important part of our lives. However, for now, we must be strong and stop to smell the blooming roses. While we are on a Spring Break from fostering, we will not be absent from rescue. We will continue to fundraise for our favorite rescues and share pictures of our pack. Our Tucker Farm family hopes you continue to follow our journey and rest assured, we will soon foster again!

Foster Dogs, rescue

Wanted – Foster Homes!

We’ve been fostering animals for over a decade. First, we were just excited about playing with cute kittens before sending them to their forever homes, but then fostering became so much more to us. We saw the overwhelming need for foster homes and never looked back. It began with kittens and expanded to other animals including dogs, birds, bunnies, horses. And while all of our foster animals are special, our hearts belong to dogs, so that is what we most commonly foster.

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Our most memorable foster experience, Betsy and her 11

Foster homes are crucial in saving animals and they are always needed. What most don’t realize, fostering is easy. It really doesn’t take much. Rescues often cover vet costs and provide supplies for the animals. All that is required is time and love dedicated to the homeless animal until it’s adopted. The rewards far outweigh any sadness on adoption days. The best part about fostering is watching the animals thrive! Just look at our current foster, Stewart. What a difference 10 days of love and care make. It’s amazing. Stewart came to us neglected and emaciated and now he’s a flourishing puppy. We’re proud of the little guy and proud to be his foster family.

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Day 1 at animal control

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Day 3 at the vet

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Day 10 at his foster home

 

What most people want to know about fostering is ‘how do you let them go?’ If you follow us on Facebook, you know some we don’t let go, but the majority we do. We put our feelings aside so other families can feel the love we feel, and we can help another dog in need. You see, when a dog is adopted, it allows for another to be saved. What people don’t realize is foster parents are proud of what they accomplish. It feels amazing to help homeless animals and to make other families complete!

FTTF-simple-logoWe foster for Friends to the Forlorn Pit Bull Rescue. They are an amazing group of selfless, dedicated compassionate people. FTTF is currently seeking foster homes. If you want to foster a pup like Stewie and live in the Dallas, Georgia area, please apply here. If you don’t live in Dallas, GA, please check out your local rescues. We guarantee they need your help and we promise you won’t regret your decision.