Shawn tilling the pasture area, Winter 2005

Shawn is the one with the "real job."  Without his shrugging his shoulders and saying indulgently "sure, whatever you want to do," the ranch would never have become a reality. 

Katherine is the "designated dreamer," ranch operation manager-designer-construction crew, critter and farm produce management, pooper scooper and general laborer.

Shiran and his mom, Ziya, summer 2006

Shiran and his mother, Ziya, came from Northern Arizona Anatolians.  They are fantastic dogs, really sweet and loving, but always on the lookout for predators.  Both dogs are very protective of me, as well - if I have a stranger over, they calmly and casually, but firmly, insert themselves between me and the newcomer. 

I am grateful for their presence!

The other hard workers on the ranch are my two Anatolian Shepherds, whose job it is to guard Blue Oak Ranch's livestock from evil.  Or, at least all the hungry coyotes, bobcats, hawks, owls, weasels, and mountain lions.  Since the canyon has water year round in the nearby creek, there are a large amount of predators in the area.  

Shiran inspecting the new turkey pasture, but always watching the perimeter...