Meet Toby

Toby is an Australian Cattle Dog. He is the farm's animal herder and self-appointed greeter. He takes both jobs very seriously. Sheep broke through fencing? Toby's on it. Turkeys don't feel like going inside at the end of the day? Toby's there to convince them it's safer in the barn at night.

He has been indispensable on many occasions. Not bad for a one-year-old with no formal training. He goes on instinct.

What makes him so great with animals does not always translate well with humans. He lives for the chase. He barks; a lot sometimes. We're working on that.

It's always best if I know you're coming so I can be ready to call him back, or put him behind closed doors. He's certainly not mean but he can be intimidating - all 30 pounds of him.

I like dogs but I wouldn't like to have someone greet me the way he greets visitors. We are continuing to work on that. He's much better than he was but he still has a ways to go.

Please be patient with us.