First runner-up
By day, Waylon and Willie provide companionship and amusement at Zack Stuller’s agricultural business. By night, they deter crime.
While the dogs enforce law and order on the property at night, they enthusiastically participate in any mischievous behavior they can dream up during their lazy days off-duty. Their antics have earned them the nickname, “the Outlaw Brothers.” Waylon and Willie have teamed up to eat a bag of dry concrete mix, delivery packages, Halloween candy and a Fitbit watch that was supposed to be a Christmas gift. One time they got into rat poison, which almost killed Waylon. The pooch was saved through a blood transfusion from one of Stever Blattler’s dogs. A normal day involves a half-mile trip through the irrigation canal to beg for snacks at the nearby market until Stuller or another ranch employee rounds up the dozing Waylon and Willie. Abnormal days include that time last summer when the dogs crashed a wedding. “When I arrived, I saw both of my dogs in the party barn amongst all the guests, and Waylon had a bouquet of flowers in his mouth,” Stuller says. “To my surprise, the bride and groom thought it was hilarious and said for me not to worry.” A winning combination Stuller is still surprised Waylon and Willie won top honors in the 2023 Farm Dog of the Year Contest. But he says it’s undeniable that the brothers have become unexpected teammates in the day-to-day activity of High Sierra Ag. “(At first) some of my employees were a little reluctant and afraid, but the two brothers won them over pretty quick,” he says. “(Waylon and Willie) are now a large part of our operation. They are basically like employees.” Stever Blattler says the brothers help redefine expectations for what it means to be a farm dog. “Waylon and Willie are a perfect symbol of a nontraditional application of a couple of rescue mutts that really do perform a very valuable service on that ranch,” she says. “They are exceptionally good dogs for the job they have been asked to do.”
Even at 15 years old, Gus still exemplifies what it means to be a winning farm dog. Gus is a McNab dog, a unique breed from Mendocino County bred to withstand the rugged and distinct terrain of Northern California, including elements such as foxtails and excessive heat. Gus works as a serious cattle dog, gathering stray cattle and flushing out hidden cows. Joel Allen of Sutter Creek reports Gus’ favorite job is “standing guard in the back of the pickup, making sure that the cows don’t snitch hay.” This hardworking dog doesn’t just inspire out on the land. Allen reports Gus is a “loving family dog” and still takes puppy- like delight in the everyday, like a treasured toy: a rubber dog food dish. “His sheer joy in playing with that old bowl is a pleasure to watch. Gus is slowing down now, but he’s been a real example to our family of the importance of enjoying the simple things in life.” Gus, McNab dog Joel Allen, Amador County Farm Bureau
Caitlin Fillmore cbmagazine@californiabountiful.com
MORE ONLINE Want to see Waylon and Willie in action? Check out the video at californiabountiful.com.
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