Digger the free roaming dog — Digger - a cute puppy and a smart, loyal dog.

The Last Free Roamers

Hi, my name is Digger and I am one of the last free roaming dogs. I have lots of stories to tell about my days of running wild. In the one Jan is posting today, I get into all sorts of trouble. I am attacked by a mean cat, get a nose full of porcupine quills, and eat a dose of poison.

Digger the dog wallows in the grass — Digger enjoys rolling in the grass.

At least I didn't get hit by a car, bit by a snake, or shot with a gun. Free roaming is out-lawed now and I guess that is a good thing, but at one time most country dogs ran loose! We had fun, but it was dangerous, too.

Three dogs in the yard — Digger with Ed and Socks enjoy a summer day.

A litter of puppies

Momma Dog found the farm just in time to have puppies. We were born in a bed of fresh hay inside a nice barn.

When Farmer Tony found us, he immediately brought food and water. As soon as Mamie Jan heard that puppies were living in the barn, she took over.

Jan holds a bunch of puppies — Janice with her arms full of puppies

I quickly got used to being held by humans, but Momma Dog never came around. She was a wild, free roaming dog until the day she died. She would barely let Mamie Jan and Farmer Tony get within five feet, before backing away.

Momma Dog, although never a pet, was well-cared for and had all the comforts of home. She had a great life and lived to be over fifteen!

All the animals on the farmstead have it made. Mamie Jan and Farmer Tony take good care of us, and love us like children.

DIgger and socks head home thru the pasture — The free roamers heading home after a day in the woods.

Four free roaming dogs rest in the yard — Digger with his litter mates and Ed the schnauzer

A bad day in the life of a free roaming dog

Back to that day I got into so much trouble, Old Mean Cat got me first. I just wanted to sniff her butt, but she wasn't having it. Smack, she got me right in the nose. Those sharp claws drew blood!

Next, I decided to explore up near the vegetable garden. A brand new smell was in the air. Oh, what excitement!

A funny looking animal was munching on Farmer Tony's ripe tomatoes. I decided to run it off and must have upset it. I guess the porcupine was really mad, because the next thing I knew, my face was on fire.

Mr. Porcupine shot quills into my cheeks, lips, and forehead. At least they didn't get my eyes. I sure don't want to be friends with those things. They are mean! Meaner than feral cats.

I ran to the house, screaming for help. Mamie Jan got to me first. She took me inside and calmed me down. Farmer Tony helped, and they removed those horrible barbs.

Two dogs in the yard — Digger and Blackberry watch for Tony to come home from the saw mill.

What a mess

Cat scratches and embedded quills before lunch!

That afternoon, Mamie Jan let me out to do my business, and I decided to check out the mail box. After a good lunch and nap, I was feeling much better.

There was a sandwich baggie with white powder on the side of the road, so I chewed into it. I had no idea what that stuff would do to me.

Mamie Jan and Farmer Tony said they found me in the bushes. I was having seizures, with my eyes rolled back into my head.

It about scared them to death. Farmer Tony picked me up and put me into a box. Mamie Jan rushed me to the Animal Hospital.

The vet said I consumed a large dose of meth or crack and am lucky to be alive. I guess someone threw it out their vehicle window to get rid of it. Maybe the police were after them!

Dogs with toys — Digger, Socks, and Blackberry with their toys

Happy ending to a painful day

That was a bad day for sure, but everything turned out OK.

Of course, Farmer Tony built a fence the next week. That put an end to our free roaming days, but I understand why he did it. It keeps us safe from cars, poisoning, and other dangers that lurk out in the world.

Since my meth overdose, I can remember the old days, but what I did yesterday might slip my mind. Also, sometimes I lose my balance, tripping over my own feet. That is what that drug did to me.

But who cares if I walk sideways at times? As a dog, I live for the moment, not yesterday or tomorrow, and when I lose my balance, I pretend I am dancing.

The cats around here also have stories to tell. If you want to read about them, visit their Feral Cat Colony website.

Thanks for reading my post, Digger (and Jan).

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To purchase heirloom corn seed, yellowroot, and other herbs, visit Every Green Herb (our herbal encyclopedia and online store).

Payne Mountain Farms
322 EV Farm Dr.
Blairsville, GA 30512 USA

This post contains original photos, text, and other content by Janice Boling. If stock photos are used, credits are given. Sources are also listed when applicable.