We are all friends of protectors.  I had never heard of the following breed of dog which protects sheep and saves sheep farmers money.  The story is from FACTS AND FALLACIES printed by Reader’s Digest.

IT IS LATE ONE NIGHT, and in the pasture the flock is restless.  Somewhere out in the darkness a coyote lurks, scenting his prey, creeping closer for the kill.  Suddenly the silence is shattered by wild barking.  A huge dog with a shaggy coat bounds in the direction of the predator, who turns and runs.  The sheep are safe from attack.

Their comical-looking savior is no ordinary sheepdog but a komondor.  The breed is being employed by sheep farmers in the United States to tackle the economic threat posed by coyotes: the loss of 10 percent of a flock every year.

Guarding the flock

Coyotes used to be controlled by a poison called Compound 1080.  But in 1972 the government banned the substance because it harmed other wildlife.  Since then the coyote population has increased significantly, and alternative methods of control have proved ineffective, expensive, and time-consuming — until the arrival of the komondor.  The dog’s fierce territorial instincts make it ideal for protecting sheep.

An ancient working breed, native to Hungary, the komondor has a long white corded coat, stands about two feet high, and weighs approximately 100 pounds. It is powerful and fast on its feet.  Because it is devoted to its master and intensely protective is is used to guard flocks rather than herd them.

Since the late 1970’s these qualities have proved invaluable to farmers.  Part of the komondor’s training is to introduce it to sheep while the dog is still young, so that it learns to treat the flock as its own.

Although expensive to purchase, komondors save farmers money in the long  run — and help to save the environment too.

From FACTS AND FALLACIES by Reader’s Digest, p. 66. 1988.

As Christians it is great to know that we have a Protector, and Keeper.  He has been with us since the beginning and He will let no harm come to us for eternity.  He is on gurard 24/7, and He loved us so much He died on a cross for our salvation. 

We were once like sheep headed for the slaughter, and He came and delivered us.  Praise the name of Jesus, the Shepherd of the flock.