The short answer
Michael "Mike" T. Canaday (1946–2024) was an Army veteran, entrepreneur, championship sheepdog handler, and beloved mentor who died after a short but valiant battle with cancer at age 77. His family asked that he be remembered with gifts to the American Cancer Society and the American Diabetes Association—organizations that fund research, support, and early detection for the diseases that touch so many families.
Michael "Mike" T. Canaday (May 12, 1946 – May 9, 2024) was an Army veteran and lifelong entrepreneur from Altamont, New York, who later built one of California's largest livestock-grazing operations.
A premier border collie handler, he won multiple Northeast Border Collie Association championships and served as president of the United States Border Collie Handlers Association.
His company, Rent-A-Goat, used goats and sheep for natural wildfire prevention and was featured on ABC's Shark Tank.
Mike died after what his son called a "short but valiant battle" with cancer—a reminder that some cancers can progress quickly, which is why screening and prompt attention to symptoms matter.
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The full explanation.
A life well lived
Michael "Mike" T. Canaday was born on May 12, 1946, in Albany, New York, to Mary (Ermides Canaday) Menerey and Myron J. Canaday. He died on May 9, 2024, at the age of 77, after what his son Jay described as a "short but valiant battle" with cancer.
Between those dates, Mike lived a full, hardworking, and generous life—one that stretched from a hobby farm in Altamont, New York, to a sprawling livestock ranch in California, and touched people "from coast to coast."
From Altamont to the open range
After serving in the United States Army, Mike became a lifelong entrepreneur. Over the years he owned and operated used-car sales, a mechanic shop, an excavating business, and snow-plowing and parking-lot-sweeping services. As his family put it, "he always had a fresh angle on a way to earn a good living."
In 1999 he began a new chapter, moving to Coalinga, California, and marrying Jan (Jason) Canaday in 2001. Together they built a full-scale livestock ranch that grew into one of the largest grazing operations in the state—running more than 10,000 head of goats and sheep. Their approach used natural land-management techniques to reduce the spread of wildfire.
That innovative idea, paired with a technology start-up, became the company Rent-A-Goat, which appeared on an episode of ABC's Shark Tank. The deal didn't close, but the Sharks were won over by Mike's tough-guy, cowboy disposition. The company he helped pioneer still grazes hillsides across California today.
A champion and a mentor
Mike's lifelong passion was breeding and training border collies to herd livestock, which he began in the early 1980s. He became one of the premier dog handlers in the northeastern United States, winning the Northeast Border Collie Association (NEBCA) annual Championship with three different dogs—Jill, Ken, and Ben—during the 1990s. He also "three-peated" from 1995 to 1997 as the NEBCA North East Points Champion with a fourth dog, Robin, and he provided sheep for, hosted, or judged many competitions.
He gave his time to the sport he loved, serving on the board and committees of NEBCA and as president of the United States Border Collie Handlers Association (USBCHA), where he was instrumental in creating a competition class for cattle dogs.
Above all, Mike was remembered as a mentor. He helped many people get their start in livestock businesses of their own, and friends still share stories of the few carefully chosen words of advice he offered when asked what to do next.
"A short but valiant battle"
Mike's family described his illness as a "short but valiant battle" with cancer—a phrase many families use when a cancer is found late or moves quickly. His story is deeply personal, but it echoes an experience shared by millions of families.
Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, yet many cancers are far more treatable when they are caught early. Paying attention to new or persistent changes in your body—and keeping up with the screenings recommended for your age and risk—can make a real difference. If something doesn't feel right, it is always worth a conversation with your doctor.
For anyone walking a similar road right now, support is available. Our guides on hospice care, advance care planning, and coping with the emotions of cancer may help you and your loved ones find footing during a hard season.
If you or someone you love has a new symptom that won't go away, don't wait to have it checked. Talk with your doctor about which cancer screenings are right for your age and risk.
Honoring Mike's memory
Mike is survived by his loving wife, Jan; his former wife, Pat; their son, Jay, and his wife, Jocelyn; his grandchildren, Ty, Mackena, and Bennett; and his stepchildren, Tiffany (Joe) Mouren and Clif (Holly) Jason, along with their extended families. He was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Thomas M. Canaday. A memorial service is to be planned for a future date.
At the family's request, memorial contributions in Mike's honor may be made to either of the following:
- American Cancer Society — funds cancer research, patient support programs, and early-detection efforts nationwide.
- American Diabetes Association — supports diabetes research, advocacy, and care.
Giving in Mike's name is a fitting tribute to a man who spent his life helping others get their footing—and a way to turn loss into hope for the next family facing these diseases.
In loving memory of Michael "Mike" T. Canaday, 1946–2024.
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Common questions
▸Who was Michael "Mike" Canaday?
Michael T. Canaday (1946–2024) was a U.S. Army veteran, entrepreneur, and nationally respected border collie handler. He founded several businesses in Altamont, New York, before moving west and building one of California's largest sheep- and goat-grazing operations, including the wildfire-prevention company Rent-A-Goat, which appeared on ABC's Shark Tank. He was known as a generous mentor in dog training, livestock, and business. He died on May 9, 2024, at age 77, after a short battle with cancer.
▸How can I honor Mike's memory?
His family asked that memorial contributions be made to either the American Cancer Society or the American Diabetes Association in his honor. You can also honor him by sharing a memory with his family, or—in the spirit of a man who mentored so many—by helping someone else get their start.
▸What does a "short but valiant battle" with cancer mean?
Families often use this phrase when a cancer is diagnosed at an advanced stage or progresses quickly, leaving a relatively brief time between diagnosis and death. It is a reminder of why paying attention to new or persistent symptoms, and keeping up with recommended screenings, can matter—some cancers are far more treatable when found early.
▸Why do the donation requests mention both cancer and diabetes charities?
Many families choose charities that reflect the causes closest to their loved one's life and health. The American Cancer Society funds cancer research, patient support, and early-detection programs, while the American Diabetes Association supports diabetes research and care. Giving to either is a meaningful way to turn grief into help for others.