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When most people think of the animal companion they are not thinking of the working animal. We take care of our pets, care about them, and all we expect in return is affection. A lot of people have a pet to keep them company. But the animal companions that exist in a farm setting have a much more useful function.
Dogs on the farm protect the property from predators. Some species are better than others. The Pyrenean Mountain Dog, or Great Pyrenees, as it is known in the United States, is an incredibly large breed that is also very submissive, but will not allow a coyote or wolf on the property. They require little training, and will naturally protect the flocks under their care.Brutus, the Great Pyrenees we have on our 100 acre farm is very gentle, and is wonderful in the chicken coop, carefully stepping so as not to hurt any baby chicks that are around. The joke is that he would not hurt a fly, but would probably kill a coyote. Once a small dog tried to bite him and only got a mouthful of white fluff. All the while Brutus was just standing there not caring; he exudes an aura of “I am above the dominating games of all you other dogs, but I will protect you from and harm.”
 Farm animals’ purposes are relatively easy to ascertain. But most animals provide additional benefits that aren’t as obvious. The chickens eat food waste and lay eggs, but they also eat insects that threaten the crops, as well as providing a relatively water soluble fertilizer.
Goats and sheep keep the grass and weeds from getting too large as well as providing meat and milk. Cows also mow grass but their bulky weight means they compact the soil, and destroy landscaping.
Rodents are a pest that can cause substantial harm to the economics of a farm. When the difference between failure and success is so minimal, a rodent infestation can ruin a planting, or a well stocked larder. To solve a rodent problem, a cat is the perfect solution. This working animal can make a farm much more productive, as well as healthier. Rodents spread diseases. We adopted two kittens and a cat to help clear the rodents out of the living areas of the Hundred Acre Wood. The cat was a mature mouser and killed a mouse the first day it was here. The kittens, Gloria and Blackstrap, will grow up to be world class rodent exterminators, but for now they are just too cute.
 Providing food, in the form of meat, is a morality argument that I will not go in to depth in this article. Farm animals are cared for, protected and loved their entire life. They do not have to worry about predators, illness, food or water. All their needs are taken care of. When it comes time to end their life it should be done quickly and as painlessly as possible. The animals’ whole life is as free of suffering as possible.
Ultimately all animals on a farm provide companionship and entertainment for the habitat operators that run the farm. A happy farmer is healthier. Farming is stressful. Having a dog or a kitten or goat do something ridiculous makes each day that much more rewarding. Last update: May 11, 2010
07:39 pm
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