This is coyote season. Coyotes are more active, traveling farther, searching for mates, establishing dens, and looking for food in the cold winter months. Movement increases. Pressure increases. And vigilance matters more.
The edges of the property feel closer. And at the same time—new life is coming.
As we prepare for an upcoming whelping with our livestock guardian dog, I’m reminded just how much of this farm exists because of protection thoughtfully put in place. These dogs don’t just live here. They stand watch. They listen when we sleep. They move toward threat instead of away from it.
I often think of Nehemiah—how the people rebuilt the wall with a tool in one hand and a weapon in the other. “Those who built the wall and those who carried burdens loaded themselves so that with one hand they worked at construction, and with the other held a weapon.-” Nehemiah 4:17.
Building and guarding at the same time. That is the posture of a working farm, and honestly, of faithful living.
We tend life here—goat kids, poultry, pasture, family. But tending without protection would be foolish. Scripture never calls us to be careless. It calls us to be wise.
Our LGDs are part of that wisdom. They are not pets in the traditional sense. They are partners in stewardship. Because of them, our goats graze in peace. We rest without worry for our animal’s safety.
With puppies coming soon, the circle of protection will grow. New guardians learning their place, their purpose, their responsibility. It’s a reminder that life is always unfolding alongside vigilance—that joy and duty are not opposites, but companions.
I would not have the animals I have without these dogs. They are a gift.
As we build and new life arrives on the farm, we trust the Lord with the increase.
“Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.” (Psalm 127:1)
Puppies should be arriving in the next week or so. If you’d like to learn more about our Karakachans, look here. If you’d like to be added to our puppy waitlist, reach out via email! I’d love to hear from you.