Life on Stillwaters Heritage Farm - Raising Heritage Collies
Life on the Farm
Life on Stillwaters Heritage Farm is shaped by the rhythm of seasons, the work of caring for animals, and the joy of raising Old-Time Scotch Collies. Our farm is a living environment where puppies grow up alongside livestock, children, and the beauty of the outdoors This natural start produces Collies who are confident and well-socialized, and ready to serve as both companions and capable working dogs.
A Place for Generations to Thrive
Our oldest sons thrived with Copper as a companion. Now they are all grown men, and we have another son, born almost a generation later, that needed a buddy....Gunnar fills that spot in our youngest son's life. On this day, I watched as Gunnar faithfully followed our youngest son from place to place, always staying behind and to the side so that our son had a clear shot. Gunnar was so patient as our son would take aim, then move a little here or there to get that perfect shot. All the while, Gunnar never made a sound.
Life on Our Indiana Homestead
Every day on our farm is full of purposeful work - feeding animals, tending gardens, and keeping life simple yet abundant. Our Old-Time Scotch Collies are part of it all, moving between the barnyard and the farmhouse, learning to be helpful, attentive companions. This daily rhythm builds the traits that made the breed beloved in the first place.
We love that our Scotch Collies herd our chickens and catch them when needed. This has been one of their most valuable skills to us. Around 8 weeks old, we introduce them to the chicken pen on a leash. Once they learn to respect the chickens, we let them off leash with an adult dog and they "help" catch a stray. Soon, they get a little braver and can catch one on their own and hold it carefully until I say, "Drop it."
A Peaceful Haven for Old-Time Scotch Collies
Nestled in the rolling, wooded hills of Indiana, our homestead offers space, fresh air, and the sights and sounds of farm life, children and wildlife. Our Nubian goats usually follow me around like a puppy dog, but sometimes they get a little stubborn, especially when I want to move them to a new pen. That's when I bring in one of the collies! Gunnar is especially good at just quietly nudging them on their rump which sends them into a fast trot in the right direction! I can't help but laugh every time it happens! How did he know to do that?
Where Faith, Family, and Farm Come Together
Our faith shapes the way we care for what has been entrusted to us - our land, our animals, and our relationships with the families who receive our puppies. We want every Old-Time Scotch Collies that leaves Stillwaters Heritage Farm to carry a little piece of this place and its peace into their new home.
