Meet the dogs
Hillbilly Mafia (AKA Bobby Jean)
Bobby is a daughter of Saoirse and Rhys born and raised here on the farm.
She keeps the farm free from pests and rodents, clear of predatory birds, care for babies, and occasionally helps move stock. She's our bossy girl, keeping not only the pack in line, but the livestock as well. She does a million other little things that we take for granted.
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She has taken her mom's role and is our sky watcher. Anything larger than a Robin is not allowed to land here. At night she guards the place from coyotes, racoons, owls, and a number of other 'bad guys'. Her favorite past time is to leave the farm with us for the woods and squirrel hunt.
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She guards the gate until we give her the ok. Then she is a bit stand offish. Content to guard around you and watch after the kids. She will ask to come in the house for a cuddle time before she askes to go back out to work.
She is the most nurturing of all the dogs and watches over all the babies from letting chicks burrow into her coat, to making sure her baby pigs don't have to fight guineas for their food.
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Bobby is cleared through parentage and testing. She is negative for all diseases tested for the breed. Hip scores are pending.
Rhys
Rhys (pronounced Reece) is an old Welsh word meaning 'enthusiastic', which fits this boy's manner of energetic and focused work ethic. This big boy was born to work. Rhys is also used in a modern Welsh word 'rhysfa' meaning 'to attack' or 'warhammer'. This battle word we thought fit his guarding ability. He independently patrols the area looking for things out of place. If they are out of place, he puts them back without being asked. Goats are not allowed to stick their heads through the fences, chickens are not allowed on the porch, pigs are now allowed to root under fences. He's a natural gatherer when herding, but will drive if asked. He is my go to when extra force is needed with the ornery bucks and cattle, but will be gentle with stock like ducks and chickens. He loves all babies and his favorite part of chores is baby checks.
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He is our guard dog. He will alert bark when stranger (both human and animal) come close. He will follow them closely until he gets the word from me. If he has decided you are not a threat, he will invite you to play by bringing his favorite toy. His down time consists of perimeter checks, training pups to the ways of the pack, and laying at the top of the driveway on guard duty.
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Saiorse
Saoirse (pronounced Seer sha) is my sky watcher. She's taught Bobby to be the same. Anything larger than a Robin is not allowed to land here. At night she guards the place from coyotes, racoons, owls, and a number of other 'bad guys'. Squirrels are her number one enemy. She keeps our orchard cleared so we can now enjoy our produce before the birds and squirrels can get them first! This girl is FAST and has no problems catching squirrels on the ground, but she will tree them for me too.
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She loves kids and raised mine. She does bark at the gate but quickly stands down when people come in and she's told they are accepted.
She carries an intense attention and willing to please. She is my trap dog. She will hold chickens down for me until I can get there to pick them up for banding or various reasons. She will watch my perimeter in the pasture, keeping aggressive feeders away from me. She naturally drives, so I use her to push livestock.
Steps to Adopt a Puppy
LiquidMoon English Shepherds
1) Do your research
English Shepherds are not for everyone.
Though they have a great off switch, ES are a herding breed that requires a lot of exercise and brain stimulation - or they can become destructive and loud. Though highly trainable, a firm and fair hand needs to be used in training; you must have the confidence to establish and enforce rules or he will make up his own. They shed - a lot. They need a lot of socialization to avoid shyness or over aggressiveness toward strangers.
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Please take a moment to roam the site. Verify that the puppy parents and our program is right for you.
2) Fill out the Puppy Questionnaire
A puppy is a long term commitment, so it is very important to us that we match every family with their ideal dog. Because ES are so diverse, having these answers on hand help us keep track of the pups that are most suitable to you. It also helps us determine what sounds, sights, textures, and smells they should be associated with before they leave to their new home.
3) Puppy Spot Reservation
I will contact you to discuss a few things
Puppy Contract and Down Payment
Reservation interview: We work hard to place puppies in the right homes. These interviews clear up any questions we may have from your questionnaire. We encourage you to interview us as well! We want you comfortable with us as your chosen breeder, so please ask any questions you may have.
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Down Payment to reserve your puppy spot. Payments can be made via Paypal or cash upon visitation of the parents.
4) Puppy Selection
It's almost time!
Puppy Aptitude Tests, Scent tests, herding tests, and more are scheduled when puppies are 7-8 weeks old. Matches are selected directly after. New families are contacted for discussion.
5) Bring your puppy home
The beginning of your new journey together
I will work closely with you to schedule a date to come pick your new puppy up. There will be some things due at pick up.
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Completed Puppy Contract: I will provide you the contract for signature.
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Final Payment: Remainder of balance.