The Full Story of the
Oakley Acres' Dogs
At Oakley Acres Farms, we take the safety of our animals seriously. That’s why we rely on our two loyal and protective Great Pyrenees, Angel and Smokey, to watch over our flock of sheep. These remarkable guardian dogs are an essential part of our farm, providing a sense of security and peace of mind for both us and our animals.
Our hardworking herding dogs, Rusty and Shiloh, play an essential role in keeping the sheep and chickens moving smoothly across the farm. These two energetic and highly skilled Border Collies are not just our helpers—they’re invaluable members of our farm team. With their intelligence, patience, and respect for the animals, Rusty and Shiloh make herding a seamless and efficient process.
Angel
The Gentle Protector
Angel is our female Great Pyrenees, known for her calm and patient demeanor. She’s the natural leader of the pack, always alert and vigilant, keeping a watchful eye over the flock. With a deep instinct to protect, Angel ensures that the sheep remain safe from predators, including coyotes, foxes, and even stray dogs. But don’t let her serious role fool you—Angel is also incredibly affectionate and loves meeting new people. Visitors to the farm will often find her greeting them with warmth and curiosity, making her a friendly ambassador for the farm.
Smokey
The Steadfast Guardian
Smokey, our male Great Pyrenees, is more vocal of the two, but his protective instincts are second to none. He works tirelessly alongside Angel to keep the flock safe, especially during the night when predators are most active. Smokey is known for his strong, independent nature and is deeply bonded with the sheep, often staying close to the herd at all times. Despite his watchful and serious demeanor, Smokey has a heart of gold and enjoys the company of farm visitors, offering a gentle and trusting presence.
Rusty
The Master Chicken Wrangler
Rusty, our experienced Border Collie, is the true heart of the farm when it comes to helping with the animals. Known for his incredible focus and determination, Rusty is especially adept at moving the sheep from one pasture to another with ease. But what really sets Rusty apart is his uncanny ability to locate a missing chicken. If a hen wanders off or goes missing, Rusty is quick to spring into action, tracking the wayward bird with precision. His sharp instincts and deep bond with the flock make him an expert in finding chickens, ensuring no feathered friend is ever lost for long.
Shiloh
The Support System
Shiloh, our other Border Collie, is not known for his calm and patient nature. While he’s just as energetic and hardworking as Rusty, Shiloh excels in his ability to herd balls and Frisbees. Shiloh is in training to work with sheep, but he is not a natural like Rusty.
In the meantime, Shiloh has found his own role on the farm. He regularly checks on the guardian dogs, ensuring they’re on task and keeping watch over the property, ensuring the barn cats stay away from the house. He has a keen sense of responsibility and takes his job seriously, despite his sometimes playful nature.
Shiloh may not have the same natural calmness as Rusty, but his energy, intelligence, and work ethic make him a valuable part of our team. He’s a quick learner, and we have no doubt that, in time, he’ll master the art of herding sheep just as Rusty has. Until then, we’re grateful for his enthusiasm and his ability to always keep things interesting on the farm.
