Giant Breed Rescue. 100 to 200 lb dogs too big for shelters. 75 lbs dog food per day

[procon]

25. We first started with Pyrs to protect livestock too.

Kids were all raising a menagerie of 4H animals and we had horses, chickens, you name it, but our place was under attack by coyotes and every loose dog in the neighborhood. One of the worst predators was a small Poodle that killed dozens of chickens, and when he actually dragged off a newborn lamb we were finally able to track him home.

We raised Nubians and LaManchas, not just because we liked the silly goats and their milk and all the cheeses, butter and cream, but because they were a necessity. One of our children could not tolerate cow's milk, and two of my brother's little tots could not even digest breast milk and depended on a steady supply of goat's milk to thrive. Every time another predator got inside the fence, the poor goats got so stressed their milk would dry up.

It all stopped when we brought home two Pyrs, a brother and sister, who safeguarded the property and took gentle care of our herd and hearth. Over the years, our Pyrs saved us from a car theft, two burglaries, and an assault, and I know they would have given their lives to protect us.

The livestock have long departed and I'm alone now, but I have Powder as my dear companion and protector. She is happy to be a house dog, but I still rely on her to keep me safe out here in the country. I'm of an age where falls are becoming worrisome and she's always at my side, ready to serve as a patient brace and steady guide as I get up. She will probably be my last Great Pyrenees.