Best Buddy Demps

[Dempsy's Mom]

Wow, it has been crazy busy around here. Poor little Demps is not getting attention. I decided that I would take him along to check calves the other day. He likes riding on the four wheeler. It was a nice day and we were checking the cows and their babies. We went by this old house that is out in the pasture - built in the 1930's out of blocks, falling down and I heard a faint bellow. Stopped the four wheeler - shut it off - listened and sure enough it was coming for the basement of that old house. Oh pooh. I had nothing to tie Demps up with so I just put him on the ground, in the middle of the pasture - I was thankful that no moms were around. I looked in the basement (full of water) and sure enough there, on this little dry island, was a baby calf. Demps was so great. He was anxious when he watched me crawl in one of the old basement windows - barked when I was pushing the calf out - but didn't run away and was a little concerned about the whole situation. The little calf was hungry, but other than that in good condition. Demps watched as I put him on back of the four wheeler - then I grabbed Demps and away we went - Demps in front, me and then the little calf - who, by the way, was also enjoying the ride, the fresh air and sunshine. Dempsy would glance back at the calf once in awhile, but was ok with it - no cow claimed the calf (it was probably a twin) and this morning he got a new mom, because we lost a calf that was born backwards. Such is life. "But no", Demps thinks, "lets not invite any more little calves on one of our rides mom." And mom says, "I will be more prepared our next trip." Wish I would of had a pic. Demps grows every day with every experience. I can really see him change .... at times. Best buddy ever.

[Rohnda]

What a fun adventure for Dempsey. I have had numerous dogs in my life and my cairn Luigi, is my first dog that I consider a companion rather then a pet. Where has this breed been all my life?

[Lynn in TN]

I so enjoyed reading this. I can see the three of you riding the 4 wheeler. What FUN!

[janis]

Very envious of your day! The adventure sure sounded great!

[pindrop]

I always look forward to hearing of your and Demps adventures concerning your lifestock. Your life sounds so full and rewarding living on a farm. I was born myself on a farm but have no recollections. However, I'm not sure if my zodiac sign hasn't got something to do with my affinity to the land (being a Taurus - the bull.) Little Demps is one of the beautiful creatures and seems to be coming into his own by being such a good little helper. Give him a hug from Layla.

[josie&holly]

It is nice that you have a companion as you go about your work!

[hheldorfer]

Demps is becoming a great little farm hand, isn't he? What wonderful adventures you have together - even with the occasional unexpected "calf in the basement" glitch.

[Islander]

Great story! Dempsy & the Cows, chapter 2.

Keep 'em coming.

[Dempsy's Mom]

Demps doesn't get to come with me that much - he is always underfoot - doesn't like the tractors. But I try to involve him. He doesn't like his big kennel and would much rather be tied to his stake with the swimming pool available, plenty of shade and toys all about. It's not all fun guys, it's alot of work and mother nature is your boss. She can be a real B to work for.

[ScruffynMag]

What a great story and quite an adventure for Demps.

[TazTalk]

I would imagine caring for a farm can be very challenging at times, with Mother Nature throwing curve balls every now and then. I enjoy your stories tremendously and the adventures of Demps. There is a vendor that we see every year at a local art show - he sells doggie hats (cowboy available) and bandanas. I'm picturing rugged little Demps in his stetson and red bandana, cruising on the 4 wheel.

[hheldorfer]

Demps doesn't get to come with me that much - he is always underfoot - doesn't like the tractors. But I try to involve him. He doesn't like his big kennel and would much rather be tied to his stake with the swimming pool available, plenty of shade and toys all about. It's not all fun guys, it's alot of work and mother nature is your boss. She can be a real B to work for.

I grew up in a small town in southern Illinois and my uncle who lived nearby was a farmer. As a kid I thought the farm was great fun - so many animals around and big buildings to explore. It wasn't until I was older that I realized the amount of backbreaking work involved - sunup to sundown (and beyond), constantly being at the mercy of the weather - and I developed a huge respect for anyone who runs a farm or ranch. Unlike spending 8 hours a day in an office and then going home to relax, you never get to leave. Thank heavens for folks like you, and for great companions like Dempsy who can bring a smile to your face after a long day.

[Dempsy's Mom]

Yup, you pretty much nailed it. Farming isn't like the pictures in the farm magazines. If you want a 24/7 job with high stress, farming + livestock is for you. I do love the freedom of working for yourself, but there are no safety nets. Jim lost his finger a couple of weeks ago (just the tip) but we are always concerned about the risks for us and our help. When we try to beat the weather things fly to fast.

Yes, Demps is starting not to be such a whimp and he would look cute in a cowboy hat.

[Idaho Cairns]

I also enjoy the farm stories and have always thought that Cairns would be wonderful in an agricultural situation because so little bothers them and they so intelligent. In my fantasies I always imagine living in a rural area surrounded with Cairns, running around, investigating the surroundings, chasing critters.

[Hawkeye]

I enjoy hearing your stories of the farming life and glad to hear Demps has turned out to be such a great farm buddy. Looking forward to Demps next adventure.

[cairnfan]

Demps is one cool cairn! You are lucky to have such a wonderful little pal to keep you company