Almost every mixed farm in Saskatchewan at one time had at least one of these guys working full time and his or her health was a matter of serious concern to the family. Because they have a very limited life span, it was not uncommon to see a farm with two such workers, as a younger one was available to succeeded the elder one when he or she passed on.
One can not under estimate the importance of a well trained and good natured farm dog. They presided over the defense of the chicken coup because fox and skunks are serious trouble makers. There attendance was better then any locks to prevent gas thieves from helping themselves. They were far more efficient and capable then any fire alarm system and if you had livestock, they could bring in the cows at milking time and go get the chore horse from the pasture when it was needed. There presence in the farm yard was a major deterrent to visitations by the most destructive animal around, the nasty little raccoon and even black bears do no not like to encounter a determined and officious farm dog.