Loyal companion to Adrian, Mo., farrier Blake Hartzell is Cash, a 7-year-old Chihuahua mix. Just like his owner, Cash loves McDonald’s and being around horses everyday.

The Dog of the Year contest is meant to both have a little fun and honor the important bond between farriers and their dogs. Photos of Cash and 11 other top dogs are featured monthly in a 2025 calendar, downloadable for free here.

1. What’s the story behind your dog’s name?

Cash was named after the legend, Johnny Cash.

2. When and where did you get the dog?

Got cash 7 years ago as a pup when I first got into shoeing.

Download Your Farrier Dog of the Year Calendar!

We are excited to present the Farrier Dog of the Year Calendar, showcasing the 12 finalists from our Dog of the Year Contest that earned the most votes and captured the hearts of the farrier community. Each month features a different winning dog, and is a wonderful keepsake for each day of the coming year.

Download Your Free Copy!

Hemp for Horses and Hounds! Doesn't just about everyone who has a horse have a dog? We worked on perfecting Hemp for Horses pellets for years, but have always made products for dogs. We make everything right here on the farm. No middleman ever! We are not selling anything that we have not given to our own animals that we love. We handle everything from "Farm to Stable" and "Soil to Oil"!

Fun fact: We made our dog Macey (who was hit on the road years ago) CBD treats before we even made our first batch of horse pellets! From arthritis to calming, everything CBD does for horses, it can do for your dog.

3. When you’re working, does the dog come into the barn or stay in the truck? Does it vary among barns and specific horses?

It varies. Cash loves to learn every inch of the barns, so he wanders. Mostly, I have to know which horses he's safe around.

4. Do you have liability or insurance concerns when taking your dog on the road?

No, I don't have any concerns. He's loved by everyone, and he's not got a mean bone in him.

5. Does your dog help you clean up by eating those extra-nutritious hoof scraps at the stops where you work?

He does, but he's notorious for waking me up at 2 am to puke ‘em up!

Food Motivated

Both Cash and his human companion Adrian, Mo., farrier Blake Hartzell are fans of McDonald’s. For breakfast, Harzel prefers a sausage biscuit, while Cash’s favorite is a small fry. On his TikTok (@cash_monies18), you can catch Cash with his favorite snack. Image Courtesy of Blake Hartzell

6. What’s the craziest thing your dog has ever done while on the road with you?

Hmm…he's had a seizure.

7. If you could have dinner with anybody in the hoof-care world, who would it be and why?

Grant Moon. I’ve always looked up to him.

8. How long have you been shoeing, and how did you get started?

Seven years. I went to Heartland Horseshoeing School. I was fresh out of the Marine Corps and needed a career.

9. What type of shoeing or trimming do you specialize in doing?

Mostly, the all around show world and pleasure horses.

10. How many different horses have you worked on in the past 12 months?

Oh Lordy I don't wanna give a number lol.

11. Do you normally have another person in the barn when trimming and shoeing? (Your dog doesn’t count.)

Absolutely.

12. What brand, model and year was your first farrier truck, and how many miles and years did you drive it?

2006 Chevy Silverado. Drove it 350,000 miles and still in it! I built a new motor and transmission.

13. What has been the major key to your success as a farrier over the years?

The guys who paved the way before me. I've gotten a lot of help from guys who have done well for themselves.

14. What one piece of advice would you have for someone just graduating from farrier school?

Go ride with someone who's got a great reputation. Learn that, then ride with someone who's great at something different. Keep on meeting and learning more. Continue your education.