On Frilday last week, while returning from a whirlwind trip to the prairie lands of Kansas and Nebraska, we took a slight detour to pick up our new Great Pyrenees puppy, Gandalf.
Gandalf is the fourth Great Pyrenees pup we have purchased from Pankonin Farm and Kennel in Grant NE. We like that they breed working dogs, and actually have a herd of goats for the pyrs to work with. They are also delightful folks who know their dogs. When we called to find out what they had available, Diana was excited about a 5 month old pup describing him as mellow and very hardworking. Although he was very scared when we first met, even had to be carried out to our car because he would not stand, we could see his gentleness right away.
The great pyrenees are an important part of our operation because they guard the alpacas. They live out doors full time, all year round, and keep predators from prowling our acreage and our pens. They are gentle with our other dogs, including silly Salty and Yeti, and of course, the cats. Sundance, who is the oldest of the dogs, is now 9 years old. My how time flies! He is still an active guardian, but between his artriitis and his anticipated life span (10 years) we decided to get his replacement in training.
And Atticus, our 2 year old pyr, is the trainer. It was just a short while ago that he was in training under Sundance. He has turned into an earnest and dedicated guardian of the herd. And its his turn for leadership.
The introductions have been made and Gandalf looks up to the challenge. The shy pup has proven that he is up to the task. Easily greeting the rest of the dog herd, touching noses with the alpacas and cats, his shyness is replaced by a ready engagement.
Why the name Gandalf? We have named all of our Great Pyrenees after strong characters from favorite books and movies: Butch Cassidy, Sundance Kid, Atticus Finch. Gandalf, of course, is a central figure in J.R.R. Tolkien’s amazing tales “The Hobbit” and “Lord of the Rings”. Gandalf is the last of the wizards and possesses great wisdom, powers, strength and ability that he is able to defeat the powers of the evil Sauran. We expect nothing less from our Gandalf.
Til next time.
Sandy
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