Thor

Thor is no longer a puppy.  He is large enough now that I can easily pet him without even bending.  He would have made a perfect service dog.  He has an extremely gentle nature and is a smart dog.  As with all dogs he has a bit of a stubborn streak but not bad.

He doesn't like coyotes and has chased them away several times.  The coyotes are bold this year.  I checked on Thor's barking one day and a coyote was less than 30 feet from me on the other side of a fence.  He stared as if to say "I know you are unarmed and I'm not afraid of you."  When given permission to leave the property, Thor went after him and chased him toward the highway.  Thor knows he isn't supposed to go on the highway and returned to me, as did the coyote.  Thor went after him again, this time chasing him to the north across the creek bed and up into the other neighbor's pasture.  At that point in time additional dogs started barking, Thor returned to me and I heard the sound of a .22 going off, followed immediately by the sound of a much larger caliber gun.  I thought to myself, "I hope they killed that sucker."  Shortly I heard a 4 wheeler start and saw the neighbor heading out on it at a rapid pace, then heard another neighbor shout, "I saw it in the ditch."  Apparently at least one of the shots was on target.

The following day there was a coyote on the highway who had obviously lost a battle with a vehicle.  I can't say I was sorry to see it there.  I hoped, although I knew it was most likely in vain, that the end of the coyote problem was neigh.

Alas, the problem is not over.  And the remaining coyote(s) are equally bold.  I came face to face with one behind the barn.  He didn't stand and stare for long, however, as Thor was behind me and the race was on.  I don't think Thor would stand a chance in a fight because his mouth is so gentle but I'm hoping the sheer size of him makes the coyotes think twice about coming very close.  Thor is very upset when anything (hawk, owl, coyote or opossum) messes with his creatures.

As near as can be determined, Thor is a cross between a Great Dane and some kind of herding (shepherd) breed.  He does like to try to herd his goats and chickens.