Pets of Stormhaven
Stormhaven is not only home to our horses, but a variety of other critters as well. We will be introducing you to a few of them.
The Watch
Our Icelandic Sheepdogs are invaluable to us. They are always on guard and with their loud, persistent bark scare off any wildlife. They are however friendly by nature and will only alarm, not attack. They also let us know when visitors stop by and are the first to greet. But they find other jobs to keep them busy as well. They will separate unruly colts and exterminate vermin. They are our social partners and are always available when you are having a bad day and need someone to listen or cuddle. When we have kids camp they will literally "herd" the kids and will follow and lead back kids that wonder too far off.
They also help rounding up and driving our herds to pasture and back. And these are all traits we never trained them to do. They were born with it. The ideal farm dog.
We currently have 4 of these wonderful dogs, but we also breed them if interested.
Our dogs (in picture from left to right): Bjalla (meaning Little Bell, a reference to her being a watchdog/doorbell); Sigyn (Loki's Wife, as in being loyal and victorious), Bassi (because he is an adorable, little fluff bear) and Sólon, our very first Icelandic Shepherd, imported from Iceland
They also help rounding up and driving our herds to pasture and back. And these are all traits we never trained them to do. They were born with it. The ideal farm dog.
We currently have 4 of these wonderful dogs, but we also breed them if interested.
Our dogs (in picture from left to right): Bjalla (meaning Little Bell, a reference to her being a watchdog/doorbell); Sigyn (Loki's Wife, as in being loyal and victorious), Bassi (because he is an adorable, little fluff bear) and Sólon, our very first Icelandic Shepherd, imported from Iceland
The Raven
Darko is our pet Raven. A few years back we had a Vet living on our property. He would rehabilitate all sorts of animals, so it wasn't unusual to have goats, deer and sheep roaming the place. One day he brought home an injured Raven. His wing had broken and grown unevenly back together, he could only fly short distances before tumbling to the ground. Our Vet tried to operate, but the wing never healed correctly. However Darko seemed to enjoy life on a farm and so we adopted him. He grew strong and learned to live with his limitations. He is a very intelligent curious bird who like to imitate all sorts of sounds. He can whinny like a horse, bark like a dog and can say multiple phrases, including a few bad words. He is part of our team and is a jolly old fellow.
Cats
Cats have always been a part of Stormhaven, although Anna has never been a huge fan (she thinks they are silent psychopaths). The first cat came with the inherited farm in Appaloosa Plains back in the day. Rumpelstiltskin just showed up one day and never left. When we moved we planned on leaving him with the farm but he managed to sneak in one of the horse trailers and moved with us. So feeling obligated to take care of him he was officially adopted, received his own file, food and annual shots. This ancient cat is still with us today although no one is quite sure how old he is, we assume he is around 18 years.
Others cats came and went through the history. Some were born here, some wandered over and decided to stay. Any cat that stays with us over 6 months gets a name, is castrated and receives its shots.
Other cats we currently have is Sokki, a sick kitten found in the bushes by a former employee and nurtured back to health; Rumple, still living large, and the 5 orphaned kittens our Vet rescued and left on the farm when he moved his family out of state. The boys Snowball, Samson and Moses are huge snugglers. Samson played a big role in Anna's recovery, after loosing her family in a car accident. He followed Anna home one night and slept on her bed, comforting her every night. Ever since then the orange tabby is a welcomed sight in her house. The girls Fiona and Monroe are more independent, while Fiona prefers the comforts of a home, Monroe is a wild child and prefers the outdoors. She is also the most successful hunter.
Others cats came and went through the history. Some were born here, some wandered over and decided to stay. Any cat that stays with us over 6 months gets a name, is castrated and receives its shots.
Other cats we currently have is Sokki, a sick kitten found in the bushes by a former employee and nurtured back to health; Rumple, still living large, and the 5 orphaned kittens our Vet rescued and left on the farm when he moved his family out of state. The boys Snowball, Samson and Moses are huge snugglers. Samson played a big role in Anna's recovery, after loosing her family in a car accident. He followed Anna home one night and slept on her bed, comforting her every night. Ever since then the orange tabby is a welcomed sight in her house. The girls Fiona and Monroe are more independent, while Fiona prefers the comforts of a home, Monroe is a wild child and prefers the outdoors. She is also the most successful hunter.
Scout, Rebel & Horatio
Horatio, Scout and Rebel are the companion dogs of Anna and Neal.
Scout is a mixed mutt, but a great herding dog. She is obedient and quick and can safely herd a group of horses to pasture all by herself. She is however happiest when she can be around Anna and is always ready for action.
Rebel, a 2 year old short haired Dutch Shepherd, was suppose to have a career as a patrol dog. He was selected out after not showing enough aggression. Anna was at a loss for words when she inspected him. She had never witnessed a dog more acute, in control of his abilities and aware of his surroundings. He is just the type of dog Neal loves.
Horatio is the result of healthy breeding. A dog with a straight back, strong hind legs, sound of mind and body. Horatio is quiet and obedient, has watchful eyes and good instincts.
Scout is a mixed mutt, but a great herding dog. She is obedient and quick and can safely herd a group of horses to pasture all by herself. She is however happiest when she can be around Anna and is always ready for action.
Rebel, a 2 year old short haired Dutch Shepherd, was suppose to have a career as a patrol dog. He was selected out after not showing enough aggression. Anna was at a loss for words when she inspected him. She had never witnessed a dog more acute, in control of his abilities and aware of his surroundings. He is just the type of dog Neal loves.
Horatio is the result of healthy breeding. A dog with a straight back, strong hind legs, sound of mind and body. Horatio is quiet and obedient, has watchful eyes and good instincts.
Pyp and Dusty
These two lovable Border Collies are the family dogs of the Bailie Family. They belonged to Cameron's Father-in-law, but once he passed away the dogs were flown to the US to live with Cameron and his family. Trained as sheepdogs they are extremely good with stock and reliable working dogs. Pyp has some issues with male dogs, however is kept on a lead when Neal's dogs Horatio and Rebel are around. Dusty has a short coat and got her name from the off-white speckles on her tail, making it look like she dragged it through the dust.
These two lovable Border Collies are the family dogs of the Bailie Family. They belonged to Cameron's Father-in-law, but once he passed away the dogs were flown to the US to live with Cameron and his family. Trained as sheepdogs they are extremely good with stock and reliable working dogs. Pyp has some issues with male dogs, however is kept on a lead when Neal's dogs Horatio and Rebel are around. Dusty has a short coat and got her name from the off-white speckles on her tail, making it look like she dragged it through the dust.