Abby’s “misbehaviors” translating to her just preferring larger livestock is beautiful and can teach us all a lesson about utilizing all of our own assets.

Kind-of funny, much of your reasoning for getting Abby (except for the breeding) are the same as people deciding to have a second kid...and the results match too!

Training any puppy is hard,setbacks will happen. Abby has turned into a surprisingly good cattle dog, especially with the new calf.

Glad you kept Abby. Smart to have spayed her. She will be a great champion for you Highland fold.

I wonder if Abby's age also made a difference. Seeing footage of tiny puppy Toby, barely bigger than the ducks he was being trained to protect, I wonder if it influenced how he perceived the birds even after he got bigger than them, where as Abby, starting as a bigger pup before being introduced to poultry, might differ. Something to consider if and when you decide on bringing another LGD on the farm.

Almost one hour and a half video that includes snippets from older videos? Damn, i will enjoy this walk down memory lane.

The Abby sticker that you had made describes her perfectly: Chaotic Good. And I think Abby's story deserves its own book someday.

i never doubted your commitment to Abby Dog. You have done a great job with her.

An E-collar saved my dog’s life. I struggled like you did. Was on a remote assignment in another state to be near a relative in hospice. We lived in a “dog ghetto” apt complex. Dogs everywhere. My dog had always been territorial. The windows were low to the ground; the apt abutted onto the parking lot. Dog was constantly barking. Could not be stopped. We were getting close to being evicted. Aunt was still ill; job was ongoing. Dog barking 24/7; eviction imminent. I was at wit’s end. I could not relocate. If the dog wouldn’t stop, she would have to go. Crying all the way, put on an E-collar (after lots of investigating, inquiring, etc.) But then, dog tried barking, was surprised. Tried one more time, stopped, calmed down. And it was all over. That was all it took. I will never critique E-collars again. Thoughtfully deployed, they can save a lot of grief.

Abby is a perfect example of dogs being situational learners. It is likely she did well on her farm around the birds she grew up with, but once she was in a new environment with animals she didn’t know, without a lot of guidance in the beginning, and no one effectively reinforcing the rules the way her mother would have, she turned it into playtime. It’s also the same with things like obedience training. Just because a dog knows how to heel, sit, and stay inside your house where most people start training doesn’t mean they’ll understand those skills outside. There are some exceptions to this, some dogs pick things up faster than others, but for the most part situational learning is a steep curve. That being said, you did an amazing job with her. I’m so glad you found a humane yet effective way of communicating with her, and she’s turned into such a great dog because of your hard work, patience, and guidance.

It sounds like a breeder would have to be able to recognize their personality to match them with the right animals. It seems like some animals need a gentle dog like Toby. Some might need a more stubborn and high energy dog like Abby. She seems to have become a great calf nanny.

Raising my daughters was much like raising Toby and Abby. My older daughter is very much like Toby (deep thinking and rational), my younger was very much like Abby (amazing zest for life.) My approach to them had to be very different. They each brought their unique joys to my life. Wish I could do it all over again! ❤️

I always tell parents one of your kids will be super easy and a total delight. The other turns your hair grey. Those are rules. I guess that goes for dogs too.😂

Abby has had a lot of amazing moments, but I really do feel like the culminating moment where it was "all worth it" was seeing her cuddle up against the little cow born recently. ❤❤

When you showed the e collar footage, you missed a HUGE opportunity to insert footage of you zapping yourself in the head.😂😂😂

One dog gets his own book and the other gets her own movie. There has never been a greater dog-keeper than Morgan Gold!

I never doubted you would keep Abby. I am of the opinion you should have gotten her much younger so Toby could have been her primary influence early on.

Ahhh, seeing little Abby in her travel vest was sooooo freakin' cute. Thanks for putting together such a comprehensive video, Morgan. An hour and twenty-four minutes is movie theater grade film-making!

1 hr 23 min ? I'm gonna pause and get my drink & popcorn sorted before I start watching this! 😁👍🍿🥤

What a great documentary dedicated to Abby. She is a huge asset to you and the farm. But I just adore how Abby embraced the baby calf. It's so damn sweet. She's the perfect babysitter or nanny. And every mom needs a break.

Its lovley how Aunt Abby has found her passion and purpose so sweet

Abby saw Dotty as an aggressor to the other chickens. She is very observant to the different behaviors of the chickens. Love her.

Holy crap... I'm about to go 1:23:45 Gold Shaw Farm this morning? I'm not prepared for this. Let me get my drinks ready.

I just want to reiterate, I’m so very proud of you. You researched the hell out of Toby’s mate. You spent really good money to buy the best mate for Toby. You got everyone’s genetic health done. And when you found out Abby had a few genetic issues that you knew you shouldn’t breed onward, you spayed her and refocused her primary job. I know from experience how hard it is to spend several thousand on breeding stock only to realize they shouldn’t be. If only every breeder was as ethical. Question, have you considered importing Toby’s new mate? If the N. American continent’s choices seem to be too closely related to Toby, maybe look overseas? I know German Shepherd and Lab breeders do. Also, I’m envious of their recall. Mine look at me like I’m dumb, and point at the yotes what need eatin. And by yotes, I mean, the neighbors….. Anyway, again, good on you. You’re doing it right.

I had never seen the footage from where Abby was born...the trouble you were having makes SO much more sense now. Regardless, Abby is an amazing dog in her own right and I'm so glad she's found a job suited to her personality.

Abby is so Maternal, just look how She treats the new baby cow. I love her 💕

I think she has really found her place amongst the cattle. You have done a good job with her, and especially since you discovered the best way to train her she blossomed even more.

Abby is adorable and it is great that she is finding her lane. It is also good that Toby has his place and territory too.

YASS -- A feature-length Goldshaw video! Just what my Sat. afternoon needed. 😎But Morgan, you should have *no regrets about Abbykins*! She has turned out to be a great addition to your farm. Your were ethical enough to have her fixed rather than breeding her due to her hernia issues & the cardiomyopathy gene. But despite all the $$ you spend to acquire Abby & even after she had that 1 (& only 1) fatal mishap with a chicken, you did the right thing , kept her spayed her. (And for whatever it's worth, I think she just wanted to play with it & got carried away & accidentally hurt it.) After the passage of time allowed her to mature & you putting the effort in to train her well, a year later, Abby is clam & respectful around the chickens & the other birds. You even opted briefly for a shock collar, which worked well. Best of all, she now shows a great affinity for those enormous Highland cattle of yours! *Abby's gentle behavior toward that unexpected newborn calf, the fact that the mom & the other cattle totally accepted Abby lying next to that newborn -- you can't buy those instincts!* That was all Abby's individual nature. And having Toby as a mentor has helped Abby become a blessing for your farm. So it all worked out for the best. I can't wait to see you find your next female pup so you will actually have the chance to breed Tobykins. And mad props to you & your editor for taking the footage from your old videos & turning it into such a great documentary. But methinks you'll need to buy a Maremma from Europe to get one that meets the right genetic specs & isn't too closely related to Toby. So it's gonna cost a mint, but you & Allison can make a holiday trip out of it. 😁

Abby has turned out so great. She is now doing exactly the job that the Maremmanos were born and meant to do: protecting and guarding the herd. Originally it was sheep and goats, but Abby is protective of her beloved Highland cattle, especially the newborn calf 😍. Abby, you are such a sweet girl! Morgan can be infinitely proud of you 😍🥰 Thanks for this great video Morgan. You are a gifted storyteller, I love every single one of your videos and i could watch all day 😅! My favorite storyteller/youtuber/farmer. ❤️ Much love and a BIG THANK YOU 🙏🏼🥰 from Bavaria 🙋🏼‍♀️

If your gonna judge a man’s character judge it on how he treats his dog. I think I love my pups, but you couldn’t get me to make an hour long perfectly shot and edited video on them. God bless, Toby dog is in good hands and I haven’t even watched this video yet and know it’s gonna be good. You gave toby dog a great life and he’s still enjoying it. It warms my heart

Abby's a testament to your persistence and patience and love for her. She hasn't been easy, as a lot of the lessons you've had to learn haven't been, but you've stuck in there, and it does look very much like she's going to work out well with the herd. I have my fingers crossed, but more importantly, I have faith in your determination to set Abby up for success and steer her away from failure.

Yeah Abby!!!!! This a long one. Loves me some Abs. Toby is your buddy like Alfred and such a chill dog when not in beastmode. Abby might be your spirit animal a little, you know the ADHD and enjoyment of of the cattle. But still love me some weird chickens. Maybe my spirit animal.😀

I have always suspected that you got the cattle primarily so that Abby could have a job she was suited to! 😂😂😂

While I've been here from the beginning with Toby and Abby, I greatly enjoyed this small film you did about their life over the years. Great memories; great reminders about Abby's struggles and the contrast between both dogs. Thank you Morgan for putting this together. It really showcased your talents as well---wonderful story telling, good use of historical footage and you did much better than Hollywood at holding my attention. There was never a lull, kept my interest and ended on a high note. Cheers!

It took awhile, but Abby Girl found her niche with the cattle.

It's SO wonderful to see how far Abby has actually come. It's definitely a good idea to use her herding instincts and train her to be a herding-cum -guardian dog. And YOU Morgan have been incredibly patient with her. Thank you so much for not giving up on her. Love you Lady Abbington❤

Abby is NOT your fault! It's all the same that you had her spade cos of the umbilical cord hernia, cos she does not have the desired traits for a Maremma. That's not to be mean to Abby, she deserves all the love still. You have gone way beyond for her. And as I commented in another short, it seems we have found where Abby shines. With the cattle. But that's not something you want in a Maremma. Anything that is a threat to your cows, the Maremma is probably not gonna be very effective, as it is a smaller breed of livestock guardian. But if it makes Abby feel fulfilled, that's nice. An older dog does help with training, but there's only so much you can do with Abby. From what I have seen, Toby just got annoyed with Abby and her antics. And maybe a little jealous that you have had to spend SO MUCH time on Abby, which means less time for him. I do still think you should breed Toby though. He is perfect (ideal traits), if it wasn't for the fact that he is related to every bloody maremma in North America. 😄 Even Abby, even though her breeder said she wasn't, yeah, I don't like her. She's an A-hole. lol You may have to send Toby's man milk to Italy. lol You can't breed him with a good pyr. Unexpected outcome with ragards to temperament. Even if it's good cos smaller male on female makes not impossible birth. Edit: I am a sucker for those brown eyes and dark pigmented skin on the white fur mask, just like the Pyrenees. ♥ Edit #2: Abby was born around geese, yes? She's always been fine with animals bigger than her. Yes, Cowgirl Abby, it is. lol Toby isn't a 1 in a million livestock guardian Maremma. His traits are the standard you look for. For me growing up with a Pyrenees that wasn't trained for livestock, she still had the temperament you need. It's generally the kind of dogs that will look at you with judging eyes if you try make them do tricks. My mum still tried to do agility with our pyr and that was hilarious. lol The perfect livestock guardian is not supposed to be perfect at obedience when they get older. They're supposed to be independent and rely on their own choices. Like the choices that pyr did by jumping over a fence and attacking coyotes or whatever it was. The dog made that choice, not the owner. The owner did not want that and was out looking for his dog. The dog made the call he did in the situation. He survived luckily. He may have learnt from the experience.

I think Abby would be GREAT with goats!🐐

Knowing how protective cows are with their calves, I'm a little surprised that Beatrix's mother is so comfortable with Abby's interest in her baby. I think you can trust her instincts. Great vid production, Morgan.

Your love and patience made her right

Abby sure seems more like a traditional house dog, which makes her connect with the audience so well. She is just beautiful. Considering that your channel is such an important part of your plan, I‘d say she fits right in, just not the way you originally thought.

Well the not needing human contact went out the window.😂

Abby dog riding toby isn't biology. It's dominance.

I know Abby was not the type of dog you expected or wanted, BUT she is exactly what you need. Watching her with the newborn calf is beautiful. She instinctively knows BP is the most vulnerable member of your herd and is keeping a close eye on her. One awesome dog you have there. 😊 Toby dog is awesome too.

I'm really proud of Abby. She has come a long way. I can't wait to see her protecting her cattle and with Toby with the rest of the farm.

This video is one of your best. Abby is a true asset to your farm and a wonderful, loving dog.

This is a movie, why am i paying tens of dollars to go to the cinema when Morgan is making entertaining content like this?

Toby was a dream dog! Hard act to follow! So glad she is calming down… too bad she wound up not being able to be bred.

1000% agree with your statement about our responsibility as dog owner, proper diet care and not passing them off just because we are having a hard time. MANY people need to hear this!

I think Abby will eventually find her guardian groove. I personally think you had less issues with Toby because you had him at a very early age, where any came to you already 4 months old and was never trained in even basics, so she will just take a longer time to learn all the things. Overall you've done a great job with her and I believe your patience with her will pay off.

I know this video is about Abby. But I just gotta say that it is absolutely impossible for Toby Dog to be any more adorable.

Abby has gotten so much better lately especially with the cattle

I love that you gave Abby a chance 💛💛💛

Not me over hear getting emotional about a dog’s life story… it was so great to see how far she’s come and I’m grateful you refused to give up on her ❤

Recognizing Abby's strengths and patiently training to bring those out and make her a success...if only every teacher and parent would do that how the world would change!

Morgan this was beautifully done, loved seeing ms. Abby from before she arrived to how she has come into her own way with your determination and guidance. Thank you Morgan for sharing this wonderful journey.

Love Abby and Toby typical siblings second child is usually the one that gives you grey hair 🤣I think the cattle are her niche look at how she is with that calf ❤️

Morgan, you've done a fantastic job with Abby. I have a livestock guardian dog (Great Pyrenees), and my girl is a lot like Toby. Stubborn, mellow, and very independent. Being a livestock guardian came very naturally to her. I know a lot of livestock guardian dogs can struggle with poultry, but I can see all the work you've poured into Abby making her a livestock guardian with her high energy personality. I really commend you. I think most people would have just rehomed her as a pet.

This is effectively a feature length documentary Morgan, your storytelling and filmmaking skills are reaching new heights!! You ought to be very proud of this feat ❤ I absolutely loved every minute of it

holy cow! 1h 23min vid? lets go!

I loved this video. I'm so glad Abby is finding her stride on the farm. I remember feeling so heartbroken when you announced you had her fixed. But, I think she's in a good place now.

I mean, she's a chaotic farm legend.😂😂😂

I've always had Aussies - just adore them! Each of my dogs had their own specialty- one was calm and delicate enough to gently work ducks, the other brave and quick enough to work cattle well. Each did their own jobs well. My current guy has zero interest in herding but is an amazing snuggler and is shaping up to be an awesome therapy dog and just love loves the elders. Like people, we all have things we are good at. Good Luck Dear Abby

Omg Morgan. Im crying this was so incredible. The montage of Abby growing up has me so emotional!! 😭😭😭 thank you for your patience with her! You’re a good dog dad and farmer

She came into her own. You didn't know you needed a guard dog for the cattle, yet, there she was. She found her place, and that's awesome. I've been following you since before Abby came to the farm, and I'm so glad she found her purpose..

the main reason I follow you is because of the way you treat all your animals. I agree that when you take an animal in it's a commitment for the entire life of the animal. you embody everything I believe in the treatment of animals. Your decision to separate Toby and Abby shows just that. Kudos to you!!

You can feel how much love you have for Abby & Toby

I got an old girl dog and she just ran 3 miles away on Fourth of July and I saw her driving back from work at my brothers cemetery. Some things are meant to be!

Hi Morgen I think you doing a good job you open to learn and I think that important 😊

AWWWWW...ABBY IS SUCH A SWEETHEART!! THANKS, MORGAN, FOR SHARING THIS UPDATE ON THE PROGRESS OF HER BECOMING ALL THAT SHE CAN BE. 🥰

I’ll be honest, it’s been a while since I checked in with the GSF channel, and last I’d seen things re Duchess Abby still pretty uncertain-she had recently killed Blanche and it was heartbreaking to think that she might fail at the thing she was born to do. Now seeing the recent footage of her cuddling the fresh “surprise” calf (Beatrix?), it’s just the best feeling. It’s so clear now that her personality and instincts are tailor-made for guarding and nurturing mammalian livestock, specifically those which can actually reciprocate her desire to make friends and play. I’m so happy for both of you (-even if a selfish part of me is a bit disappointed that Toby and Abby won’t be producing any cute little polar bear cub-puppies for us to watch grow up 😅). Here’s to many more years of prosperity and pleasant surprises for the GSF and its residents!

What a great video! A great explanation of Abby's growth into a useful worthy Farm Dog. It definitely was worth the watch.

Abby's journey has been interesting. I honestly wasn't sure how she would turn out. I was happy to see how invested you were- and never judged you, because I knew you were doing what was best for Abby. ❤

Looking good, Morgan! Seeing old footage next to new footage, you can really see the weight loss. Keep it up man!

Abbys journey at Goldshaw has definitely been filled with drama and many ups and downs. I had faith it would all work out and it did. Thank you for staying dedicated. ❤

Don’t listen to the ‘advice’ or condemnation from people. You do a FANTASTIC job and I find your animals a joy to watch!!! 🦆🐓😻 🐶 ❤️❤️❤️

Abby always seemed to be in a state of trying to find a role on the farm. Toby pretty much had a lot of the work under control. So she's going to look to fill any gaps. It's a simple matter of giving her a job of her own that suits her personality. With all that you've going on, she seems to me (as a viewer) to be finding a nice role. She's an awesome, loyal dog and I think that you will always have a job for her.

Both your dogs are so sweet! Can't resist those early puppy faces!

Yeah, when 2 of your animals are in a conflict, like when Abby was chasing chickens, goal #1 is always keeping anybody from dying. Once that is established, you can deal with the feelings of the offending party (Abby lol). We got extremely lucky, our house dog is terrified of our chickens, so much so that I find I have to keep the chickens (the duck in particular) from bullying the dog 😂

Your story about Abby is truly EPIC! Your sensitive approach to pet parenting is evident throughout, and it is clear that you were able to tune into Abby's needs in a way that many pet parents would not have been able to. (Sadly, I've seen too many negligent pet parents...ugh!) You provided her with diligent physical care, warm affection, and clear guidance -- she clearly flourished in your home. Toby is an amazing big brother, and together with your entire farm family, you created a loving and supportive environment where Abby could grow and thrive!

This video just reinforces what’s makes you a great animal owner and why I love you. You meet the animals where they are and highlight their skills teach them in a way designed for them rather than trying to fit them into a predesigned box of assumed expectations. You evaluated, assessed, adjusted and thrived. That is what sets you a part from everyone else!

Thank you for sharing. You are a good dad.

Puppies, like kids, often seem to be unique and different from each other. But Abby is worth it 🐕 In the words of an old blues song - "Ain't misbehaving, I'm saving my love for you" 🎶

A nice walk down memory lane. You definitely have the material for the companion volume to Toby Dog of Gold Shaw Farm

Great video. My girlfriend loved this. Not only did we see Abby's progress, we saw your weight loss progress. I really need to crack down and drop about 70lbs myself.

We adopted a one-year-old hunting dog from a couple on social media in 2020 after our elderly dogs passed. Scoobie has been a challenge, more so because we live in the city center. However, after two and a half years he is finally calming down. He was more than I knew how to handle, but we've both learned a lot.

That face of your new puppy . I think I'm in love . Good luck.

Loved being able to watch as Abby dog grew as well as the whole farm. Remembering the changes and growth was a real treat.😊. Thanks for compiling lovely Abby’s journey

I think that's the coolest video you have ever done. Thanks. It's great to see someone advocating for collars that work and don't hurt the animal.

I and others have said she's a herding dog. You could train her to be one, as well as a livestock guardian. She'd love that.

I watched this on my TV so I had to get on my computer to tell you how much I loved it. I had forgotten about the possible health issues for Abby dog but not that she is a first cousin to Toby dog.

Even though I've been on this whole ride with you and Abby through the years, this was a good overall presentation and review. I have the utmost respect for you, Morgan, for your pet-owning responsibility and compassion.

Morgan, this was such an incredible video. I've said it before and I'll say it over and over, you are wonderful with those dogs and have done a magnificent job with Abby girl.

My understanding with livestock guardian dogs birds are the hardest because of their prey instincts. I think you have done a wonderful job with both dogs. I love both dogs. Both have strengths and weaknesses. I have an Australian shepherd and a Great Pyrenees Anatolian mix. Both are great dogs with their instincts. I have horses though not poultry. I am so proud that you stuck it out with Abby. I am in agreement with you “the animal is my responsibility”. As far as the e-collar goes most dog trainers use them now. By the way, I love the part with Abby and the new calf.

Absolutely great video!

I lost track of your farm and was wondering how Abby is doing. So glad you made this video. Love to all farm members❤

Toby is at his height of time to breed. It’s insane that you can’t find non related females. I know humans that I wish to make more of those people. Toby is such a great dog, that it would be a crime to not let him try.

This video was such a lot of fun to watch Morgan. Seeing your dog's from early ages was adorable, and following your journey with Abby as she has developed was great. She is a wonderful dog and will prove your decision to not give up on her, was the correct one, when she turns into the best darn livestock guardian dog in the county! She has taken to the cattle so well, and her natural instinct to nurture your new calf is awesome to see. I really enjoyed watching her help you when you were herding the cattle. Yes, I foresee.a bright and happy future for Lady Abby, and for all the animals on Gold Shaw farm. They are all safe in your ethical, capable hands and all the efforts you make are of good effect, which shows in how comfortable and content your livestock are and how at peace and filled with joy your livestock guardian dogs are. God bless you, Alison and all the animals on your farm. Have a great rest of your weekend.

I absolutely LOVED this video and I am so glad you made it. We are about to add one to our homestead and this video answered so many questions I had. Loved to see the journey you had with Abby from the start and how much she has grown and matured. 😊