The votes have been counted and the winners are …
Farm dog’s name: Alesia (Ali)
Farm dog’s age: 2 years
Farm dog’s breed: Anatolian Shepherd – Herd Guardian
Briefly describe the task your farm dog helps most with on the farm: This amazing 165 pound gentle giant lives with the herd and flock protecting them from predators. Due to her diligence, for the first time ever, we have not lost a soul.
Briefly describe your farm dog’s favorite farm activity: Ali’s favorite farm activity is chasing stray animals away from the pastures. She loves a good run and enjoys “playing” with her own favorites: a special donkey, mini zebu and pig. (It is hysterical to watch her wrestle with our 300 pound black American Guinea Hog. While tusks and fangs fly, never is there a scrape or injury as they flip and roll around each other. — I never would have believed it until I happened upon them one day!) She is really a special girl.
Briefly describe your farm dog’s favorite way to relax after a hard day’s work: After a hard day’s work, Ali loves a ride on the farm cart around the perimeter of the property. She throws her head into the wind and watches as deer run by. All we have to say is “wanna go for a ride?” and she is in the cart!
Farm cat’s name: Boots
Farm cat’s age: 4
Farm cat’s breed: Domestic Shorthair
Briefly describe the task your farm cat helps most with on the farm: Boots helps keep an eye on everything while bringing endless joy to our family. She may not take herself too seriously, but she’s always curious, alert, and ready to patrol the place before coming back for cuddles.
Briefly describe your farm cat’s favorite farm activity: Boots’ favorite activity is playing fetch. She loves chasing after her favorite toy and making friends with everyone she meets. Her playful personality
keeps us smiling every day.
Briefly describe your farm cat’s favorite place to nap: After a day of adventures, Boots loves curling up in her cat tree for a well-earned nap. With her unbelievably soft fur (earning her the nickname, “Boots with the Fur”), she looks perfectly content and cozy.
Summit County Farm Bureau’s 2026 Farm Dog of the Year contest AND Summit County Farm Bureau’s 2026 Farm Cat of the Year contest were a huge success – we would like to thank all that took the time during the fair to vote for one of the dog candidates and one of the cat candidates displayed at our Antiques Museum.
Congratulations to the winners!
