FALL/WINTER 2014 • FLOURISH 27
I
t's late afternoon as the sun begins its slow descent on
the horizon, bathing the vast acreage of Stemple Creek
Ranch in a rich, golden glow. Loren Poncia pauses on a
bluff overlooking the coastal hills to the west and watches
as the ranch Akbash-Maremma protection dogs — Salty,
Pepper, and Zeus — roam the perimeter of his sheep flock
checking for predators. All eyes scan the horizon for signs of
marauding coyotes, but thankfully no poachers are in sight.
The scattered sheep continue to graze in blissful peace under
the canines' watchful guard. (cont.)
