This year's Farm Dog entries came in all shapes, colors and sizes. Their stories were heartwarming and intriguing. Unfortunately, we couldn't recognize each and every dog. Here are the other entries and their stories.
Scobby
Scobby is a nine-year-old American Eskimo spitz from Salem. His favorite farm duty is riding in the Mule to check fields. He's also quite the patient dog. Paul and Eileen Chitwood report he will sit perfectly still as their granddaughter dresses him in doll clothes.
Axle
Tracey Skinner's grandpa, and hero, passed away when she was only 14 years old. Growing up she remembers riding in the combine with him. Today, those combine rides are tough as they remind her of days spent with her grandpa. Two years ago, she was joined in the combine cab by Axle. Tracey writes that this two-year-old boxer from Newman helps inspire her as a woman in a "man's career."
Hope was recognized as an honorable mention in Prairie Farmer's first Favorite Farm Dog Contest back in 2006. At 15 years old, she's started to slow down. However, she still follows owner Steve Owens during his daily chores. Like most farmers, she'll probably never actually retire.
Yapper
Owners Edwin and Lois Strickler report this ten-year-old Australian shepherd is every bit a farm dog. Yapper's most important duty is guarding the gate so cattle won't get loose while their son feeds the herd. He's also had a bit of luck on his side. To date, Yapper has three major mishaps. The first involved a coon trap. The other two involved getting a little too close to moving vehicles.
Buddy
When Elmer Suttles' grandchildren brought him a dog in 2001, he told them to name it. They settled on Buddy, which was fitting since Elmer's nickname is Bud. Bud and Buddy were inseparable over the years. After Elmer passed away a few years ago, they had Buddy's image etched on his tombstone. To date, Buddy still nestles by Elmer's favorite chair, waiting for him to return.
Buddy
While recovering from a stroke, Joseph Marten needed something to cheer him up. His four children found just what the doctor ordered in a 6-week-old puppy. As Joseph transitioned into retirement, he notes Buddy has made it tolerable.
Hope
Hope was recognized as an honorable mention in Prairie Farmer's first Favorite Farm Dog Contest back in 2006. At 15 years old, she's started to slow down. However, she still follows owner Steve Owens during his daily chores. Like most farmers, she'll probably never actually retire.
Maisy
She may not look it, but Maisy is quite the athlete. Owner Peyton Cramer says this six-year-old Labrador retriever loves playing baseball and catching mice. She's also up for a good bird hunt. Oh, and Maisy is a bit protective. Peyton recalls a stranger once came to the door. Maisy stayed between Peyton and the stranger until mom came up to see what was going on.
Scobby with owner Paul Chitwood
Scobby is a nine-year-old American Eskimo spitz from Salem. His favorite farm duty is riding in the Mule to check fields. He's also quite the patient dog. Paul and Eileen Chitwood report he will sit perfectly still as their granddaughter dresses him in doll clothes.
Axle with owner Tracey Skinner
Tracey Skinner's grandpa, and hero, passed away when she was only 14 years old. Growing up she remembers riding in the combine with him. Today, those combine rides are tough as they remind her of days spent with her grandpa. Two years ago, she was joined in the combine cab by Axle. Tracey writes that this two-year-old boxer from Newman helps inspire her as a woman in a "man's career."
Yapper with owner Edwin Strickler
Owners Edwin and Lois Strickler report this ten-year-old Australian shepherd is every bit a farm dog. Yapper's most important duty is guarding the gate so cattle won't get loose while their son feeds the herd. He's also had a bit of luck on his side. To date, Yapper has three major mishaps. The first involved a coon trap. The other two involved getting a little too close to moving vehicles.
Buddy
When Elmer Suttles' grandchildren brought him a dog in 2001, he told them to name it. They settled on Buddy, which was fitting since Elmer's nickname is Bud. Bud and Buddy were inseparable over the years. After Elmer passed away a few years ago, they had Buddy's image etched on his tombstone. To date, Buddy still nestles by Elmer's favorite chair, waiting for him to return.
Buddy
While recovering from a stroke, Joseph Marten needed something to cheer him up. His four children found just what the doctor ordered in a 6-week-old puppy. As Joseph transitioned into retirement, he notes Buddy has made it tolerable.
Hope
Hope was recognized as an honorable mention in Prairie Farmer's first Favorite Farm Dog Contest back in 2006. At 15 years old, she's started to slow down. However, she still follows owner Steve Owens during his daily chores. Like most farmers, she'll probably never actually retire.
Peyton, Maisy and Tyson, Peyton's younger brother.
She may not look it, but Maisy is quite the athlete. Owner Peyton Cramer says this six-year-old Labrador retriever loves playing baseball and catching mice. She's also up for a good bird hunt. Oh, and Maisy is a bit protective. Peyton recalls a stranger once came to the door. Maisy stayed between Peyton and the stranger until mom came up to see what was going on.