A Day in the Life of Rex, Livestock Guardian Dog

March 20, 2025 - Daily Guard-Duty Debrief

5:00 AM - Dawn Patrol
The sun’s just starting to peek out over the horizon, turning the sky a soft pink. I’m already up, stretching my legs after a night of keeping watch. The sheep are stirring in the pasture, bleating softly. I do a quick perimeter walk around the fence line, sniffing the air for anything unusual—coyotes, foxes, or that sneaky raccoon that’s been eyeing the lambs. All clear for now. I settle on the hill overlooking the flock, ears perked, eyes scanning.

7:30 AM - Breakfast Check-In
The farmer’s truck rumbles up the dirt path. I wag my tail just enough to say hello—no need to get too excited, I’ve got a job to do. He tosses me a bunch of kibble mixed with some leftovers from last night. I eat quickly, then trot back to the herd. The sheep are grazing now, spreading out across the field. I watch a few stragglers until they make their way back toward the group. Can’t have them wandering too far.

9:15 AM - Mid-Morning Rounds
The sun’s higher now, warming my thick coat. I hear a rustle in the bushes near the creek—probably just a squirrel, but I investigate anyway. My deep bark echoes across the valley, a warning to anything that might be lurking. The sheep don't even flinch; they’re used to me by now. I circle back, lying down near the lambs. They’re bouncy today, hopping around like little clouds. Cute, but they don’t know how vulnerable they are. That’s why I’m here.

12:00 PM - Noon Nap (Sort Of)
The heat’s picking up, and the sheep are clustering under the big oak tree for shade. I sprawl out nearby, keeping one eye open. It’s quiet—just the hum of cicadas and the occasional baa. I don’t really sleep during the day, not fully. Too much at stake. A hawk circles overhead, but it’s not bold enough to try anything with me around. Good choice, bird. I'll continue to take little half-asleep-naps throughout the day as there's time.

2:45 PM - Afternoon Alert
Something rustles in the brush. Is this the moment I've been waiting for all my life, the purpose for which I exist? I tear off toward it, thundering bark roaring out over the hills. It's coyote! It just has to be! A terrified invader makes a desperate break for the tree line. He'll never make it in time. I am lightning incarnate! I am the wind! I am... I'm nearly on top of the interloper when I realize it's just some stupid hare. I let him go on his way. I head back to the flock, a small swagger in my step. I need to quickly ensure this wasn't some elaborate scheme to distract me so the real attack could come from the other direction. You never can trust a hare or know if they've been colluding with coyotes in exchange for their life.

5:30 PM - Evening Grazing
The air’s cooling off, and the flock’s on the move again, nibbling at the grass near the barn. I follow at a distance, keeping them in sight. The farmer’s kids come out to play, tossing a ball my way. I indulge them for a minute—gotta keep the little humans happy—but my focus stays on the herd. One of the ewes is limping slightly; I’ll let the farmer know when he stops by. For now, I guide her gently back to the group.

10:00 PM - Nightfall Settles In
The sun’s gone, and the stars are popping out. The sheep are bedded down near the barn, a fluffy pile of wool. I take my post on the rise, the best spot to see and hear everything. The night’s when the real work begins—predators love the dark. I’m still, but alert, my fawn coat blending into the moonlight, black mask breaking up the pattern that predators look for on the approach. Every so often, I let out a low woof, just to remind anything out there that I’m awake and watching, even if they can't see me.

11:15 PM - Late-Night Patrol
A twig snaps in the woods. I’m up, nose to the wind. It’s just a deer this time, crashing through the undergrowth. False alarm, but I do a full sweep anyway—around the pasture, along the creek, back to the barn. The sheep are snoring softly, oblivious. I settle back into my spot, eyes peering through the dark. Something out there spooked that doe and I can't wait to find out what. No rest for me... yet.

12:30 AM - Full Scale Invasion Attempted
A strange scent hits my nose—something sharp and musky. Coyote? I’m on my feet in an instant, hackles up. I trot toward the west fence, barking low and steady. Sure enough, I spot a pair of eyes glinting from the brush. I charge the fence, letting out a full-throated roar. The intruder bolts, tail tucked. Next thing I know a cacophony of howls, yaps, and demonic laughter erupts from where the frightened interloper retreated back to. It's them, my arch nemeses, the coyote gang. It sounds like small army of crazed, half-starving demons. It's a good thing there's this fence between us else they'd rue the day they came this close. I answer back with my own cacophony of the fiercest, deepest barks. If I weren't the one barking I'd probably scare myself! I can't get too excited, now. Steady does it, boy. Just keep launching your vocal projectiles out there. The sheep huddle close, sleeping soundly through the fierce battle of yelps and howls versus my deafening bays and barks. They'll never know how good they have it.

12:36 AM - Invasion Repelled
After the most relentless battle I've had the privilege of engaging in yet, I finally rout the terrible forces of evil which without me would surely have prevailed and slaughtered my precious flock. They have retreated in utter defeat and shame, unable to claim a single life that is sworn to my custody. Ha! I feel so alive right now! What a life! Few will know the sweet taste of victory as I have this fine night. After quickly checking on my sacred duty, and seeing them all asleep (lucky sheep), I head off to make several rounds, patrolling the fence line. You never know when the enemy might launch a surprise counter attack!

2:00 AM - Uneventful Patrol
Every now and then, I pause to listen, sniffing the air for any hint of a threat. Nothing. Not a peep, not a whiff out of place. My keen sighthound eyes scan the pasture, but not a single shadow stirs. Every blade of grass stands as it should, every twig in the brush lies undisturbed. My eyelids grow heavy, and it’s hard to stifle a yawn. Just one more lap around the pasture, then I’ll head off to bed.

3:00 AM - Quiet Hours
After another 6 rounds about the pasture I'm certain there's no creeping, lurking terrors out there. The night’s deep and still now. The sheep are safe, the farm’s peaceful. I haven’t heard a howl or a rustle in over two hours, but I don’t let my guard down. I shift my weight, resting my head on my paws for a moment. The farmer trusts me, the sheep need me. I’ll keep watch until dawn, same as always.