The Guardian

From my visit to Aspen Ridge Farm. This fellow is one of three guard dogs on the farm. They watch over the chickens, keeping them safe from hawks overhead and predators like foxes on the ground.

[Denise Wood]

This is a Maremma - and they are beautiful! We have them on our little island to protect our little penguins :) fav

[alia_801]

Great shot! I was thinking of Oddball, the dog who looks after Aussie penguins too - as @gilbertwood just mentioned :)

[Denise Wood]

@alia_801 So please you have sen Oddball - it was filmed here and I was a speck of an extra!!

[Joyce]

Lovely shot Ann Love to see dogs which have a job to do. They love to work

[katy]

Wonderful composition to show that he is actually guarding the chickens.

[Nina Ganci]

superb capture, clever dog

[bkb in the city]

Great capture

[wendy frost]

Lovely capture a great idea and a lovely dog.

[alta]

Nice capture!

[Ann H. LeFevre]

@gilbertwood @alia_801 What a fun fact to learn- I can't wait to see Meredith again and tell her about Oddball- she'll get a kick out of that. This "boy" and his brother are still learning even though they already do an excellent job. Once in a while they get a bit distracted but it's to be expected at their age. Their mother guards in a different pasture and she is much better- even on the job at night- which the boys are still on and off about. The boys will eventually do it much better too.

Thanks for the fav Denise!

@thistle @grammyn @ninaganci @bkbinthecity @wendyfrost @altadc
Thank you Joyce, Katy, Nina, Brian, Wendy and Alta!

[Ann H. LeFevre]

@thresheg Thank you for the fav Graham!

[Allison Williams]

What a noble looking fellow!

[Ann H. LeFevre]

@allie912 Thanks Allison!

[Kathy]

They also ward of coyotes. And are so sweet natured.

[alia_801]

@gilbertwood Ooh I'll have to look out for you, Denise!

[Nicole]

awww very lovely!

[Ann H. LeFevre]

@randystreat Thanks Kathy! We do have them in our general area but not many- at least not yet!
@nicoleterheide Thank you Nicole!