by Andrew Chalk
![Ron, Elway, and Blueberry](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/452016_0ba7c53f7d9c4b3e9a50e11b6fdc8b45~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_96,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/452016_0ba7c53f7d9c4b3e9a50e11b6fdc8b45~mv2.jpg)
Ron Yates Wines between Johnson City and Hye is the home to two magnificent examples of the state dog of Texas - the Blue Lacy. Elway is the elder statesman and so named because owner Ron Yates is a huge Denver Broncos fan. Blueberry is only 2 and was named by Yates’ daughters.
Blue Lacys are thought to derive from greyhounds, bloodhounds and coyotes. They are intelligent dogs and were used to deal with a wild hog problem in Texas. They would herd the hogs into pens, a skill they picked up quickly.
At Ron Yates Wines Elway and Blueberry have a much more recreational life chasing ball and amusing the numerous visitors that throng the tasting room patio every weekend.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/452016_58cc6f26636d4a2681c56e8d871d99be~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_129,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/452016_58cc6f26636d4a2681c56e8d871d99be~mv2.jpg)
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/452016_93348914bf204be2b5beed2aa9fb8603~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_100,h_129,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/452016_93348914bf204be2b5beed2aa9fb8603~mv2.jpg)