Prancing Pony Maremmas

We Make Livestock Guardian Dog and Dairy Goat Ownership Joyful and Stress-free

Hi Reader,

When I wake up each day, one of the first things I do is check my phone to see if I missed any important calls or texts while I was asleep. I keep my phone on Do Not Disturb at night, so the only people who can reach me during this time are family members, my veterinarian, and a few others I would not want to miss a notification from.

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When I woke up yesterday, I saw a voicemail from Dave, one of my Maremma clients. I talk about Dave a lot because he's one of my favorite people in the world. This is funny because I have never met Dave in person, but that doesn't matter. Dave owns two dogs I bred, Bear and Chief. He calls them his "boys," and Dave adores his boys.

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The boys are turning 2 years old on January 10th, 2025, but these amazing pups have been successfully guarding Dave's 300 free-range chickens and a small herd of cows on his 55-acre Texas ranch since they were 9 months old when they arrived at their new home. 🐕🐓🐓🐓🐓🐓🐂🐂🐕

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The boys are hardworking, loyal Livestock Guardian Dogs, and Dave and his wife, Susan, treat them like royalty. They get fresh milk for breakfast from Susan and Whattaburgers and hot dogs from Dave. And Dave "sneaks" them into the house for a break when Susan isn't looking. (I'm pretty sure she knows. 😉) In the video below, they are enjoying a hotdog break after a long work night, keeping all the critters safe.

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When I saw the voicemail from Dave, I was immediately concerned that something was wrong with one of the boys. But I needn't have worried. Dave was calling to check on ME! He had heard about the awful fires that had broken out in California over night and wanted to be sure I was safe. 💜

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See what I mean? Dave is the best! Not only has he given two of my pups a wonderful home, but he also keeps in touch, regaling me with "Bear and Chief stories," photos, videos, and keeping me laughing all the time. He even checks in to be sure I am doing well whenever he hears about something scary happening in CA. So thoughtful and kind. 🥰

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I wasn't even aware of the fire situation until I got Dave's voicemail, so I can thank him for that, too. He keeps me aware of the news in my state, even though he lives halfway across the country! 😆

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This is why I do what I do—breeding Maremma Sheepdogs and dairy goats.

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Okay, yes, I also do it because I love my dogs and goats. I love raising well-bred, properly socialized livestock guardian dogs that perform important roles as LGDS and companions for others. And I love breeding beautiful goats that make people equally happy and provide yummy milk.

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But I also love this job because I get to know so many wonderful people like Dave—people I would never have met if not for my dogs and goats. 🦮💜🐐

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That being said, not everyone is like Dave. After all, he's a pretty special guy. I have met hundreds of people through breeding my Maremmas and goats. Some I adore, others I like, but it's not as close of a relationship. People are busy, and not everyone wants to keep in touch like Dave does, and that's okay.

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And, honestly, there are people here and there who I don't click with or who aren't enamored of me. We all have unique personalities, and not everyone can be your BFF. But I always give people the benefit of the doubt, try to see things from their perspective, and respect and appreciate them for who they are.

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I know that many people decide to work with animals because they "don't like people." But that is a big mistake unless they work in a field with little interaction with humans.

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That's because most animals have humans who own and work with them. If you are a breeder, trainer, veterinarian, groomer, or anyone else who works with animals and the people who own and love them, you had better enjoy people as much as (or close😆) as you enjoy animals. Otherwise, you will have difficulty communicating with the owners, especially if a difficult situation arises.

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The "don't like people" types tend to see questions or comments from clients as either criticism or a waste of time. (At least they do after the sale. Before the sale, they can be quite charming sometimes. But it usually doesn't last.) Most don't want to be "bothered" by clients who like to keep in touch, ask lots of questions, or tell funny stories. After all, that's why they work with animals - because they don't enjoy human communication.

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So, if you're looking for a Maremma or goat breeder, choose one who enjoys their clients as much as they enjoy their animals.

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How can you tell? Simple. Ask them about some of their favorite clients! If they haven't already, they will happily share stories with you, like I just did with my "Dave story." ☺️

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I've got many wonderful clients and stories to tell, so stay tuned...

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Kim

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PS If you don't already own one of my dogs or goats but would like to be featured in one of my "favorite client stories" someday, all you have to do is reserve your own Prancing Pony Farm Maremma Sheepdog or dairy goat! You can do so using the links below. 😍

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Reserve My Maremma!

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Reserve My Goats!

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Talk soon,

Kim