Bonnie the Anatolian Shepherd (a Turkish breed) guards her flock of heirloom Babydoll Southdowns. Guardian dogs are so effective against predators that the usual suspects, coyotes and cougars, just don’t come around. The dogs are not socialized to humans, but are devoted to their sheep, playing with them and even attending ewes during lambing. Many farmers sustain their flocks by leasing them to organic wineries and public lands to browse on weeds, where the sheep serve as an alternative to pesticides. Here the Babydolls from Livermore’s Batteate Ranch are pictured working as a “chain gang” across from Alameda County’s Santa Rita Jail in Dublin. Don’t worry, the sheep are safe, happy, and not in any trouble with the law. (Photo courtesy of Allison Batteate) 