OkcPets Magazine May 2022

16 OKC Pets • May/June 2022 across the South and making its knowledge available to more farmers across the country. By showcasing the financial and social bene- fits of regenerative agriculture for farmers and their communities, we are promoting green jobs and sustainable development.” Ellis says, “Fourteen people work for Heifer USA/Heifer Ranch, and there is always a ro- tating group of volunteers who live and work here as well.” She enumerates the animals at the ranch now: 225 cows, 300 pigs, 4,000 chickens, 500 turkeys, 300 sheep, two livestock guard- ian geese, and two livestock guardian dogs — Sam and Uno, who look after the Heifer Ranch sheep flock. Faithful Guardians Sam and Uno are Akbash dogs, a breed originally from Turkey. When Heifer acquired them in July 2019, Uno, a female, was 18 months old, and Sam was 22 months old, says Dr. An Peischel of Goats Unlimited in Chapmansboro, Tennessee. “Uno was a personal guardian dog that I raised on my farm and selected from a litter of 10 pups. When Heifer needed another older guardian, I purchased Sam from Elaine Dustin of Lawrenceburg, Tennes- see.” Peischel facilitates guardian dogs to fulfill their role. She explains, “Facilitation is allowing the livestock guardian dogs to progress, work, and succeed on their natural instincts. I stay out of their way but put the pups in situations where they can gain experience and be successful on their own right. Training a dog is totally different — come, sit, stay, along with other commands. The dog is working on your structured guidance.” Peischel’s book on Akbash dogs, Guard- ian Dogs for Goats , was published this year by Total Publishing and Media in Tulsa. “It was written for goat producers who have predators and need to use livestock guardian dogs,” Peischel says. Becker’s 2021 book for children, Sam and Uno: Sheep Guardians of Heifer Ranch , illustrated by Mina Sadeghi, also was published by Total Publishing and Media. Proceeds from the sale of Becker’s book are donated to Heifer International’s Read To Feed initiative. Read To Feed Read To Feed, which Heifer has operated for 25 years, helps to feed people worldwide through Heifer’s programs, Chesher says, while improving young readers’ key literacy skills. This spring, Read To Feed will be available as a digital app and free on all mobile devices. Children can set reading goals and track reading time. As young- sters meet reading goals, they will unlock corporate-funded sponsorships to help families and will learn that they can help end hunger and poverty while reading. Sam and Uno are proud to be part of Heifer’s Read To Feed efforts — and happy to aid Pat Becker’s mission of encouraging children to be kind to animals. For more information, go to http://www. heifer.org or www.PatBeckerBooks.com. Heifer International provides animals, supplies, and training for people throughout the world. Photo courtesy of Heifer International. Professional All-Breed Grooming Over 30 Years Experience | Professional All Breed Dog or Cat Grooming | Skin Care Treatment 634-7833 | 314 SW 89th 14100 N. Choctaw Road • Jones, OK • (405) 6647680 • www.campgraceok.com • Professional all breed dog grooming • Biannual vaccine and microchip clinic • Climate controlled dog boarding in 1800 sq ft Big Red Bunkhouse • Large fenced play area / supervised play times (no extra fees) • Large indoor runs • Pick up/drop offs available by appointment 24/7 • 24 hours a day video security • All services by appointment only