Farm Security: The Dynamic Duo of Flaming Acres
- Debra Flaming
- Aug 29
- 2 min read
Every great farm has its own security detail. Ours just happen to weigh under 50 pounds, have floppy ears, and look like they’re grinning even when they’re napping. Meet Cooper and Gus, our self-appointed Farm Security Officers (FSOs)—two mini Australian shepherds who take their jobs very seriously… unless there’s thunder, fireworks, or a fairy princess in a yellow tutu involved.
Meet the Officers
Cooper – Age 11, slightly bigger, brown eyes, my shadow and bodyguard. Thinks bulls are suspicious creatures that need to be kept far away from me (even when I actually need them to follow me into the corral). His motto: “If Mom moves, I move. If Mom breathes, I breathe louder.”
Gus – Age 2, cannot control his “licker”, two different colored eyes, Dion’s lap-dog in training, full of charm and mischief. Fetches balls, energizes Cooper into playing like a pup again, and believes Dion invented the sun. His motto: “Love Dion. Protect Dion. Every man for himself when there are fireworks or thunderstorms!”
Farm Security Duties
Together, they run daily patrols—chasing rabbits, rock chucks, coyotes, cats (the cats still hold grudges), and occasionally helping us “aerate” the farm by digging gopher holes. Their routes inevitably wind through the dahlia fields, where they’ve decided that no rabbit should dare nibble a Flaming Acres bloom on their watch. They treat the dahlias like, fluffy, colorful sheep that must be guarded at all costs.
They guard our fences with more diligence than a Secret Service detail, though I’m not sure either would pass a herding exam. Still, they believe they’re keeping us safe—especially from the real menace: children in Halloween costumes.
Years ago during our ag-tourism days, fairy princesses showed up in sparkly dresses. The dogs were… unconvinced. Cooper in particular had questions: “Is it a child? Is it a chicken in sequins? Is it a rock chuck disguised in tulle? Either way, LOCK. THEM. UP.”
Love in Action
Beneath all the antics, Cooper and Gus remind us daily of what loyalty looks like. Cooper follows me as if he’s tethered to my heart. Gus looks into Dion’s face like he’s gazing at a masterpiece. They may bark at shadows and sprint after rabbits they’ll never catch, but they also model something rare: a love that’s all in, all the time.
It’s the same love we pour into our dahlias—showing up day after day to protect, tend, and nurture them until their beauty bursts forth. Proverbs 17:17 says, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” Our dogs don’t just guard our farm—they remind us to guard our relationships with the same loyalty, devotion, and joy.
Closing Bark
So if you see Cooper and Gus on patrol, give them a nod. They’re keeping Flaming Acres safe, one rabbit chase at a time. And if you happen to be wearing a fairy princess costume, well… just know you’re on the watchlist. Meanwhile, the dahlias can rest easy knowing their four-legged guardians are on duty.
Yours in blooms and barks,
Debra Flaming
