Ruza, my most recent guard dog adventure, seems to be a success. I got her as a puppy about 2 years ago. We had our struggles, and she still occasionally aggravates me, but we seem to be moving out of the puppy stage. She is becoming a reliable guardian for the sheep. She and Sam are currently looking after the approximately 400 ewes, and there have been no issues. 

It is always rewarding when an investment of both money and time work out, and it makes me think about the next project. I am thinking about getting one or possibly two pups next year, as Alice is starting to have some hip issues and I would like to give her an easier job. Right now, I’m just in the thinking stage, and keeping my eyes and ears open for the right breeder to get the right pup from.