Another group of residents around our farm and the neighboring farms is a healthy population of coyotes, which pose a threat to the sheep flock.  The sheep are protected by their loyal guardians, a pair of Anatolian Shepherd dogs named Kara and Cazip (pronounced “JAZZ-ip”).

Both Kara and Cazip were originally brought into the U.S. as puppies from Turkey, from the region still known as Anatolia, by an Anatolian Shepherd breeder located in Portland, Oregon. When their x-rays as two-year-olds showed mild hip dysplasia, they were no longer candidates for breeding and became available as working dogs. Their names, too, are Turkish. Kara means “dark,” and Cazip means “attractive.”

These dedicated guardians respond immediately to any sound of the local coyote pack.  Not only do they bark, but they mimic the howls and yips of the coyotes, sounding for all the world like a pack of coyotes just between the two of them.  Our coworkers and friends, Kara and Cazip allow us to sleep well at night, knowing that coyotes will not dare to come near our flock.