An animal advocate founded the day in 2004
Aug. 26 marks International Dog Day, and any farmer with a four-legged companion by his or her side understands everything a farm dog can bring to a family.
“Farm dogs are more than workers, they’re family,” American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall said in January after Max, a 4-year-old Border Collie from Oklahoma, was named the Farm Dog of the Year. “While they assist with chores, they also offer the companionship that makes tough days a little easier.”
With farm dogs at top of mind, here are some examples of farm and rural dogs protecting families, inspiring others, and being the best boys and girls around.
A dog living in a rural Canadian community received a hall of fame induction this month.
Chloe, a 7-year-old mixed breed from Nipigon, Ont., population fewer than 1,500 people, is the newest member of the Purina Animal Hall of Fame after she saved her owners from a black bear that entered their home last September.
Chloe got involved after the bear started attacking Colette and Joe Shwetz.
"According to police, every time the bear would try and come up (from the basement), Chloe would go after him, going partially down the stairs and bark at him. The bear was scared of her," Colette said in a press release.
A children’s book authored by a farmer and lawyer in Georgia is inspired by a farm dog.
In June, Christine Lawson released Bronwyn: The Livestock Guardian Dog.
The book centers around Bronwyn, a female Great Pyrenees puppy born with a deformed paw.
Everything from the name of the dog, the breed, and its challenge comes from a dog Lawson has growing up.
She saw the way Bronwyn never gave up and turned it into a story for kids.
“I taught my children, who are both autistic, that you never give up, even if you have extra challenges to face. Bronwyn was a good example of that, and I thought it would make a great story for all children,” she told the Catoosa County News in July.
Another farm dog held the record for the world’s oldest dog.
Guinness World Records declared Bobi, a 30-year-old Rafeiro do Alentejo from Portgual, the world’s oldest dog in February 2023.
Bobi’s owner, Leonel Costa, shared his dog’s long life could be attributed to “good nutrition, constant contact with nature, freedom to discover his environment, consistent veterinary care, and love,” Newsweek reported.
Bobi crossed the rainbow bridge that October at 31 years old.
Colleen Paige, an animal rescue advocate, founded National Dog Day on Aug. 26, 2004.
Do you have a farm dog? Tell Farms.com about your furry friend.