California Farm Bureau’s second annual Farm Dog Contest generated 44 entries from members throughout the state, highlighting a variety of breeds and roles. Here are the stories of the three runners-up. protection, loyalty and companionship
Second Place
Third Place
Scout enjoys riding around the farm on the quad—or any vehicle—with Gary Caviglia.
Harper has been Vanessa Ramirez’s helper and loyal companion at three different ranch jobs.
Harper, Australian shepherd mix Vanessa Ramirez, Monterey County
Scout, German shepherd Gary Caviglia, Tulare County
Scout was found abandoned alongside a roadway as a puppy—and moved from city life to a citrus farm near Visalia in May of 2020. “In one day, she adopted the Caviglia family (Gary, Leslie, Claire and Carly) and the grand life of being a farm dog,” Gary Caviglia said. “Little did we know that she would want to ride in anything that we drove, including the trail motorcycle, quad, brush shredder, skip loader, sprayer, weed oiler, forklift, topper and hedger.” On a typical day, before sunrise as Caviglia starts his day, Scout runs up the hill to clear the area of any lingering dogs or coyotes to make sure it is safe. Once in the vehicles, she continues to be on the lookout for anything that appears dangerous or that might chew the irrigation lines. “We don’t think the jackrabbits are too bothersome, but Scout sends them on their way,” Caviglia said.
Vanessa Ramirez and her 4-year-old Australian shepherd mix have worked together on three ranches and moved multiple times. “As a puppy, Harper worked on the ranches with me every day. She was so well behaved and very attentive. She thrives working alongside animals,” Ramirez said. Their first job was on a water buffalo ranch, followed by a goat and sheep farmstead creamery. A natural herder, Harper helped move the animals in and out of the milking parlors. Now Ramirez works on a goat and sheep operation where Harper can’t go every day. “I cherish the days she does get to come out and work with me,” Ramirez said. “She is so great about walking behind the tractor as I feed, and she walks around the barn like she owns it! “We currently live on a cattle ranch. We hike the ranch every night, and it is essential to have her with me in case we run into a mountain lion.”
californiabountiful.com 21
Powered by FlippingBook