The California Farm Bureau launched its first Farm Dog Contest to recognize the dogs that work alongside the state’s farmers and ranchers. Open to Farm Bureau members, with support from Nationwide, the contest asked entrants to submit photos and a brief story about their dog. The Grand Prize winner earned $1,000, with First Place receiving $500, Second Place $250 and Third Place $100. A common thread wove throughout the stories: California farm dogs are dedicated to their duties and provide unconditional companionship to their owners. Farm dogs take the spotlight
Photo by Judy Paulson Dewey
Photo by Cathey Cort
Brugge digging for gophers with Ron Dewey.
Jim Davies and Tip at the family ranchette.
Brugge is a working partner on the 40-acre Dewlson Family Farm, where lemons, coee and tea grow in the rolling hills outside Santa Maria. Owner Judy Paulson Dewey called Brugge an expert at locating gophers and other rodents that threaten the trees and plants. The 42-pounder also helps protect the chickens and geese, by warding o predators such as coyotes and bobcats. Dewey described Brugge as a highly intelligent dog that can anticipate the family’s needs, such as guiding Dewey to her boots one day after she told her husband she couldn’t find them. Brugge has been taught to dance, but learned on her own to open doors. “She has enriched our lives, improved our farm operations and become a protector of our granddaughter, our livestock and our property,” Dewey said. “Although she is an extremely serious working dog, always insisting on being at our side, she has such a sweetness about her. She is our companion, partner and protector.” Third Place Brugge, Groenendael Belgian sheepdog Judy Paulson Dewey, Santa Barbara County
Tip came to the Davies family eight years ago after the animal lost interest in his intended role as a cattle dog. Davies and his wife, Linda, adopted Tip and he quickly adjusted to the family’s historic ranchette in Camino, which features a bed and breakfast and a stone cellar dating back to the Gold Rush. “Tip works alongside me during the week, maintaining the never-ending maintenance of the additional main lodge and buildings, a meadow and natural landscaping, working on antique equipment, along with harvesting table grapes and apple, pear, walnut and even Christmas trees,” Davies said. He described Tip as “the fastest thing on four legs,” eager to chase pine cones or oak limbs tossed to him by guests on the ranch. Tip also likes to “windshield hunt” for deer, squirrels, turkeys and rabbits as he rides in the truck between Davies and his wife. “Tip is a one-of-a-kind, lovable critter, originally fired from his job as ‘working dog,’ but an indispensable ranch dog around here,” Davies said. Second Place Tip, McNab shepherd Jim Davies, El Dorado County
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