Dogs are a critical component of life at The Creek Top. In addition to being unique and entertaining family members all our dogs are active working dogs. We have three Colorado Mountain Dogs - Marston, Morgan, and Sadie, as well as one German Shepherd Dog, Claire. 

 

The Colorado Mountain Dogs are a type of Livestock Guardian Dog (LGD). LGD are ancient breeds meant to protect livestock (goats, sheep, cattle) from predators. They usually live full time with their flock and act as their constant body guards. They will deter predators by claiming territory by barking and marking, preventing predators from being comfortable approaching livestock. They will also chase predators away; rarely will they physically harm predators so having these dogs helps create safety for humans, livestock, and wildlife alike. 

 

Marston is our chief of police. He is friendly with all people but would rather be watching from afar. We measure distance on the farmstead in “Marstons” (about 20 feet). He takes his job protecting the land and everything on it extremely seriously, but during the day most often can be found napping under a brush. When he is particularly happy or content he grunts like a pig. He is a natural hunter of ground rodents and likes to carry around his deceased prize for hours, much to his mother’s dismay. Marston and Morgan are litter siblings and watching their love for each other is a very special thing. 

 

Morgan is our big lovebug and would live his entire life in your lap receiving pets if he could. Friendly does not even begin to describe him, as he will see a stranger yards away and beg to go say hello. Despite his enthusiasm and size, he is extremely gentle and loves children. He’s never met a person or food he dislikes. Morgan also likes to loudly remind the coyotes and mountain lions that he tirelessly patrols our land, especially at dawn and dusk.

Sadie is the baby and is still figuring out where she fits into the greater picture. She is diligently learning from and following her older brothers and making sure no threats encroach. She is incredibly sensitive and likes things to be exactly the same every day, ensuring the whole household knows when visitors show up. As she matures she’ll no doubt discover exactly which role she is meant to take up.   

 

Claire serves a different purpose than the Colorado Mountain Dogs. She will often be the first to notice a problem and sound the alarm, then hang back so she doesn't get in the way as the Colorado Mountain Dogs handle it. Her powers of scent observation are extremely keen; We’ve witnessed her scent a bear on a slight wind when the other dogs were unaware. Claire’s also extremely good on a cold scent, putting her nose to the ground and following a trail. She successfully communicated to her grandhuman when an indoor cat had escaped and where to find him, and also during a mass rabbit breakout one evening. Her work ethic is superb and will learn/perform any task she’s shown twice. You can find her wherever her people are. 

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