Meet Sheba

Sheba is our BIG, BEAUTIFUL, new farm dog

I need a Canine Companion

I have been casually looking for a new dog for a couple of months now. It was really hard to decide what kind of dog I wanted.

A Livestock Guardian Dog would be really handy… But I am not sure I am ready to have a 100% outdoor dog. And there is a whole lot of training involved.

I decided that I really needed a companion more than anything. It would be nice if the dog could be trusted around the goats and chickens, but we could contain the dog if needed.

SCARS – Second Chance Animal Rescue Society

I contacted SCARS and they were very helpful. I had looked at their web site and found a couple of dogs that interested me. I completed their very long and detailed adoption application and waited for a call.

When they called we had a wonderful conversation. She wanted to know all about me and what I wanted from a dog, as well as what I had to offer.

Then we talked about some dogs. There were a few super cute dogs that I was drawn to, but for various reasons they would not be a good match to our situation.

Then we talked about Sheba. She is a big girl – only 75 lbs, but very tall. They are not sure what breed she is, but suspected Catahoula Leopard dog and/or Great Dane cross. Her coat is blue marle.

They were slightly hesitant, as they were not sure how she would be around goats…

Our first meeting

I drove almost 3 hours to the foster home where Sheba had been living. As soon as I saw her, I was in love.

After a brief introduction, Sheba and I were off for a walk on the groomed trails nearby. She is great on a leash, except when she had to follow a butterfly… She has lots of energy, and lots of love. But there was also some definite signs of anxiety… There was no way I was going to go home without this big beautiful girl!

The First Test – will she get along with Pete?

When we got home, Pete was alone in the house. I knew that I did not want to do the introduction without Melissa there, so Sheba and I went for a walk around the farm waiting for the family to get home.

There were a few growly moments as Sheba and Pete got to know each other. We introduced them outside, and went for a walk. They worked out their differences very quickly.

There were a couple of tense moments in the first 24 hours, but they are friends now.

Second Test – Goats and Chickens

Sheba loves the farm animals… She wants to chase them!

She managed to squeeze under a gate and scared the poor goats, but she did not hurt them.

We have now adjusted the gates so she can no longer get into the animal pastures. But to be safe, Sheba is put into a chain link kennel while I am in with the goats now. She still lunges at them once in a while when we walk past…

Third Test – Manners

Well, Sheba needs some work on her manners. She likes to jump on top of you while you are on the couch… especially if there is food involved. It is hard to get mad at a dog who just wants to love and be loved…

She does Sit, and Come when I call her. But there is no Stay, Leave it, or down. Obedience classes start next week.

Furever Home

Despite Sheba’s significant herding instinct and her lack of manners, she has found her Furever home at Titan Ranch.

After I have fed the animals and cleaned their pens each morning, Sheba and I have adventures. I drive the tractor and she follows along. We explore the acreage and collect branches to feed to the goats.

She has lots of energy to expend and boy, can she run fast.

We have only had Sheba for a couple of days, and I can’t imagine being without her!