Casper, the Great Pyrenees who guards livestock in Georgia is in the running for American Farm Bureau’s “2024 Farm Dog of the Year: People’s Choice Pup” contest.
The white-furred gentle giant with heterochromia, a condition that causes eyes to be two different colors, became famous a little over a year ago for almost losing his life fighting off a pack of 11 coyotes from livestock at his home in Decatur. Casper killed eight of them.
On the evening of November 3, 2022, Casper and his fellow livestock guardian Daisy put themselves between their family’s sheep and a pack of coyotes.
Casper was severely wounded, but he protected his flock and survived. He had to undergo multiple surgeries to mend wounds he sustained to his neck and back from the attack. Casper’s tail also had to be amputated following the attack.
Casper’s bravery, which has already been widely celebrated in his local community now has an opportunity to be celebrated nationwide and his owner John Wierwille is hoping people will vote for his hero.
“This contest, based on popular vote, is a perfect chance to help a Georgia farm dog be recognized for his heroism,” Wierwille wrote on Facebook Thursday.
“You may vote once per day per IP address,” Wierwille added, encouraging his followers to vote daily. “Multiple votes can be cast for a single IP address over the course of the contest so make this a reminder on your electronic calendar, put up sticky notes around the house, tie strings to your fingers and toes, and vote early and often!”
As Wierville says, fans of Casper can vote for him on American Farm Bureau’s website. Voting ends on December 20 and then the winner will be announced at the American Farm Bureau Convention in January.