Last Updated on October 13, 2025 by Kim Crawmer, KPA CTP, LFDM
I Waited 50 Years for My Dream Farm—And Almost Lost It to Predators
From the time I was a little girl, I dreamed of having a farm. But life had other plans. Navy moves, career demands, and the realities of adult life kept pushing that dream further away.
When I finally got my chance at 50, I quickly discovered that my childhood fantasy hadn’t prepared me for the harsh reality of predators—and how they could destroy everything I’d worked so hard to achieve.
A Dream Delayed, But Never Forgotten
Hi, I’m Kim. Growing up in Memphis, Tennessee, I was a city kid who dreamed of owning a farm. I spent my summers at my grandparents’ Kentucky homestead, dreaming of the day I would have goats, chickens, and other farm animals of my own. Little did I know that my dream would be put on hold for decades.
My husband’s Navy career meant constant moves and uncertainty, as we moved all over the country with our 6 kids, two horses, and assorted pets. We did manage to have a small farm in Virginia for a few years, but when orders came for California, we had to sell everything and start over.
For decades, I watched that little girl’s dream get smaller and smaller in the rearview mirror. But at 50, we finally had the chance to put down roots in California and make it real.
The Reality Check I Wasn't Expecting
During our years of boarding our horses, I started noticing something: coyote problems. Chickens disappeared overnight. Stories of attacks on small livestock were common. Even back in Virginia, I’d lost chickens to smaller predators, but California opened my eyes to a whole new level of threat.
And then there was something I’d never even considered: theft. Goats, horses, family pets—people were losing their beloved animals to thieves, not just predators.
The heartbreaking realization: I could have my dream farm, but without protection, I might lose everything I cared about overnight.
Olaf, The Dog That Saved My Dream
That’s when I discovered livestock guardian dogs—specifically Maremmas. I got my first Maremma, Olaf, soon after we bought our farm, and he changed everything.
Suddenly, I could sleep peacefully knowing my animals were protected. I could sleep at night without constant worry waking me up to check on the animals. I could actually enjoy my homestead life instead of spending it anxious about potential predator attacks and theft.
That first dog was soon joined by a second Maremma, and I realized I wasn’t just protecting animals—I was protecting my lifelong dream.
Why I Decided to Share This Gift
I couldn’t have this farm—this life I’d dreamed of since childhood—without my Maremmas. The peace of mind they gave me was priceless.
And I kept meeting other people just like me:
- Families who’d dreamed of homestead life for years
- People finally in a position to have a few goats or chickens
- Homesteaders losing sleep over predator threats
- Families watching their dreams turn into nightmares because of constant worry
I realized that what my dogs had given me—the ability to actually live my dream instead of just worry about it—was something other families desperately needed too.
That’s when I knew: I wanted to breed dogs that could give other families the same gift my dogs had given me.
Maremma Sheepdog Club of America Code of Ethics Breeder
Eventually, my journey led me to become a Maremma Sheepdog Club of America Code of Ethics Breeder. Code of Ethics breeders set themselves apart from all other breeders by pledging to adhere to the highest standards and ethics in breeding.
“The Maremma Sheepdog Club of America aspires to protect the development of Maremma Sheepdogs by encouraging breeders to adopt the Code Of Ethics to promote and foster the highest standards among breeders who are concerned with the propagation of physically, mentally and temperamentally sound Maremma Sheepdogs of proper breed type, and to encourage cooperation in the improvement, advancement, and protection of our breed. Code of Ethics Breeders accept responsibility for the protection, well-being, and improvement of the breed…”
The Professional Training That Makes the Difference (I Was Scared of My Own Dog – And I Refuse to Let That Happen to You)
I’ve had dogs my entire life. I’ve groomed hundreds of dogs professionally. I’ve bred Cocker Spaniels for 20 years.
But when I got my first Maremma Sheepdog to protect my goats?
I ended up terrified of my own dog.
Not because the dog was dangerous. Because I made the mistake of trying to learn about livestock guardian dogs from Facebook.
I got so much conflicting advice that I started believing these dogs were somehow ‘different’ – that they were mystical creatures that didn’t follow normal dog rules. I became intimidated and fearful instead of confident.
That’s when I had my realization:
The biggest threat to LGD success isn’t bad dogs. It’s bad information.
So I made a decision: I would never let my clients feel that confusion and fear.
I enrolled in the Karen Pryor Academy Dog Trainer Professional program – a rigorous 6-month certification that most breeders would never consider. Not because I wanted to train other people’s dogs, but because I needed to be the expert my customers deserved.
Then I kept going. L.E.G.S. Applied Ethology. Family Dog Mediator certification. Dozens of courses on behavior, training, and socialization.
Not to brag. To prevent you from making the mistakes I made.
Now, when you buy a puppy from me, you don’t just get a health-tested dog from working lines. You get:
A partner who will never let you feel lost, confused, or afraid of your own dog.
Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner
In April 2024, I completed the prestigious Karen Pryor Academy Dog Trainer Professional Program. This rigorous six-month program represents the gold standard in professional dog training, focusing on science-based methods, positive reinforcement techniques, and effective behavior modification strategies. I pursued this certification to train my Maremmas to the best of my abilioty and support my clients after they take their pups home.
Licensed Family Dog Mediator
As a graduate of the L.E.G.S. Applied Ethology program and a Licensed Family Dog Mediator, I can empower you to understand your dog’s unique L.E.G.S. This understanding will help your dog thrive in their role and deepen the bond between you and your dog. Whether your dog is a Livestock Guardian Dog, a Family Companion, or a bit of both, I can help!
I Get Your Journey Because I Lived It
The childhood dream: Maybe you’ve wanted this life since you were little, like me.
The delayed gratification: Life got in the way—career, kids, responsibilities, timing that never seemed right.
The fresh start: You’re finally ready, whether you’re 35 or 65, to make it happen.
The reality check: You quickly discover that homestead life isn’t as simple as childhood dreams made it seem.
The fear: Losing animals you’ve grown to love, seeing your dream become a source of stress instead of joy.
The confusion: Having only unreliable and conflicting resources like social media and YouTube to learn how to train and manage my LGDs.
The lack of support: Having no one I could turn to for reliable advice when problems arose with my dogs.
The solution: Reliable protection that lets you actually enjoy what you’ve worked so hard to create.
I’ve been exactly where you are. I know what it’s like to finally have your chance and then worry it might all disappear overnight.
My Promise to Fellow Dreamers
When you get a Maremma from me, you’re not just getting a livestock guardian dog—you’re getting the peace of mind that makes your homestead dream possible.
I breed dogs that work reliably because I know what it’s like to need that reliability. I provide professional training and support because I remember how overwhelming it felt to figure everything out alone. And I’m here for the long haul because I know your dream doesn’t end when you bring your dog home—it’s just beginning.
Because everyone deserves to live their dream, not just worry about protecting it.
Beyond the Dogs
When I’m not working with my dogs, you’ll find me living the dream I waited 50 years for—milking goats, collecting eggs, and enjoying the peaceful moments that make all the work worthwhile.
But I also understand that your homestead dream needs to fit into your real life. Maybe you’re juggling work and weekend farming. Maybe you’re managing kids and animals. Maybe you’re doing this around retirement plans or career changes.
Whatever your version of the dream looks like, I’m here to help make sure your guardian dog enhances it instead of complicating it.
Ready to Protect Your Dream?
Don’t let predator fears keep you from enjoying the homestead life you’ve worked so hard to create. Let me help you find the perfect livestock guardian dog for your family’s unique dream.
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