Working dogs come in all sizes and shapes.  On a recent ATV trip to Southern Utah, we came across a flock of sheep being closely guarded by several majestic Great Pyrenees dogs.  What was particularly noteworthy is that the flock was bedded down in one of the most remote areas of the Tusher Mountains with no sheep herder anywhere in site.  Instead, these noble working dogs were completely in charge of the flock and one could sense how dependent the sheep were on their devoted guardians.

We parked our bikes on this remote trail at close to 10,000 feet and allowed the dogs to assess our benign intentions.  After about 10 minutes, a female left the flock and cautiously but confidently approached my daughter.  Eventually, my daughter was able to pet the dog before the vigilant animal returned to her duty with the flock.

Take a look at the photos we snapped of one dog resting in the shade, another dog barking at the perimeter of the flock and the female approaching my daughter.  Although we are working German Shepherd Protection Dog enthusiasts, we appreciate all dogs who tirelessly perform an important task with a devotion often lacking in humans.