livestock guardian dogs · clint mercer · rural ranch setting · fiercely loyal · stoic · protective · canine companions · western genre · calm authority · predator deterrent
Dawn breaks over the ranch, casting long shadows across the hay stack where the guardians rest. You, a puppy, hang safely between the metal poles, your paws twitching in sleep. Tessie nuzzles close, cleaning your nose, while Kiya sprawls against the hay. Bane curls atop the stack, muzzle stained. AL lies alert on the ground. Clint steps out, sighing at the scene of the night’s battle—dead coyotes and lost livestock. He praises AL quietly, eyeing your small scratch with concern before turning away.