LAFAYETTE, Ala. (RFD-TV) — An Alabama farmer is getting a helping hand from a four-legged companion through PHARM Dog USA, an organization that trains dogs to assist farmers facing illness, injury or disabilities.
Farmer Thomas Harmon recently welcomed Zac, a specially trained dog who will help him manage daily work on his farm. Harmon and PHARM Dog USA’s Jackie Allenbrand joined us on Friday’s Market Day Report to discuss the new partnership.
In their conversation with RFD-TV, Harmon shared how physical challenges have made it harder to keep up with farm work, particularly moving cattle. He hopes Zac will help him handle those responsibilities more independently as they continue learning to work together.
The pair met just a day before the interview and have already begun working with cattle. Harmon says Zac is gradually responding to his commands as they build their relationship.
PHARM Dog USA, which stands for Pets Helping Agriculture in Rural Missouri, works with rescue and shelter dogs to provide assistance tailored to farmers’ needs.
Allenbrand says the organization evaluates dogs’ temperaments before training them for farm work. Zac, who will turn three in July, has spent two years learning livestock commands and tasks such as retrieving dropped items.
The PHARM Dog USA team arrived in Alabama on Monday and plans to stay through Saturday to help Harmon and Zac adjust to working together. Allenbrand says the organization will continue checking in after the placement to ensure the partnership is successful.
For Harmon, the goal is to eventually work cattle with Zac by his side, allowing him to continue doing the work he loves despite his physical limitations.
LEARN MORE: https://pharmdog.org/
