Employee of the Month: Meet Kenya, Our Farm Dog Hero

This month, we’re thrilled to spotlight someone who’s been an integral part of our farm team for over 7 years – our beloved farm dog, Kenya!

Lately, we’ve been focusing on the cows, but other employees also help us get the work done each day.

Getting to Know Our Girl

Kenya arrived as a bundle of puppy energy in February 2018.

We had just come back from a December family excursion to Nairobi, Kenya, in Africa. 

We decided to name her after the beautiful country we had just visited. 

She’s a Boxer and Australian Heeler mix (though we suspect there might be some Shar Pei in there too – just look at those wrinkles!)

The Philosophy of a Farm Dog

Over the years, we’ve come to appreciate Kenya’s unique worldview.

Her life philosophy has evolved into something beautifully simple: “Birds aren’t real, people are scary, always look up.” 

There’s something endearing about a farm dog who’s figured out life’s mysteries in her own wonderfully quirky way.

Those Golden Days on the Farm

Oh, the stories we could tell about Kenya’s dedication to our daily operations.

Sometimes it takes a dog treat bribe, but she’s usually happy to join us in a morning hike to bring the cows down from the pasture to be milked.

Kenya’s Heeler instincts have guided countless cattle home over the years.

But Kenya’s heroics don’t stop at cattle management.

She’s also our unofficial Director of Pig Security, a title she earned through valor in the face of extreme danger.

When a rogue porcupine decided to terrorize our pigs, Kenya stepped up to defend the bacon (literally).

She successfully chased off the spiky threat, though not without collecting a face full of souvenirs in the process. 

The real magic happened when Dr. Danielle arrived for quill removal duty – Kenya discovered that veterinary sedation was basically the spa experience she never knew she needed.

 According to eyewitness reports, she had the best sleep of her entire life while getting de-quilled.

Watching her sleep so peacefully, completely content despite her prickly predicament, reminded us that sometimes life’s best moments come from the most unexpected places.

The Storms We’ve Weathered Together

Those early days seem like yesterday – Kenya learning the ropes, us learning her quirks. 

Thunderstorms are her kryptonite, and she’s made her feelings about them quite clear by taking out not one, but TWO screen doors in her attempts to find safer shelter.

We’ve learned to keep an eye on the weather forecast – not just for the cows, but for Kenya’s peace of mind (and our door budget).

Fun fact: She shows more courage facing down a porcupine than she does during a light drizzle.

Priorities, right?

While she might not be the first to greet visitors with a wagging tail (remember: “people are scary”), Kenya’s loyalty to our farm family runs deep.

She takes her job seriously and has never missed a day of work, except for her epic 24-hour nap when she looked like a canine pincushion after her heroic pig-protection services.

Why This Moment Matters

Kenya embodies everything we love about farm life: dedication, authenticity, and willingness to face whatever comes your way (even when it has quills).

Her unique blend of breeds gives her the perfect combination of traits for farm life: the loyalty and strength of a Boxer, the herding instincts and intelligence of an Australian Heeler, and the independent spirit of a Shar Pei.

To Our Farm Dog From All of Us at Clover Creek

Kenya, thank you for seven incredible years of service.

Your dedication to our farm, our cows, and our mission to create exceptional artisanal cheese doesn’t go unnoticed.

You might think birds aren’t real and people are scary, but you’re absolutely real to us, and we’re grateful to have you as part of the Clover Creek family.

Here’s to many more years of teamwork, successful cattle herding, and hopefully fewer encounters with thunderstorms (and screen doors)!

You’ve taught us that courage comes in many forms.

Sometimes it’s facing down a porcupine, sometimes it’s trusting humans enough to let us love you, and sometimes it’s simply showing up every day to do the work that matters.

Here’s to the memories we’ve made and the ones still to come.

To morning patrols and evening sunsets, to successful cattle drives and peaceful naps in the afternoon sun.

Here’s to our Kenya – may your days be filled with quill-free adventures and thunder-free skies.

Want to meet Kenya and see our cheese-making process in action?

Come visit us at Clover Creek Cheese Cellar.

Just don’t take it personally if our Employee of the Month needs a moment to warm up to you.

She’s got important work to do!