My animals have obviously played a key role in my writing, my life, my books, our Open Houses. Many people come to see us and also to see an animal they love. They came in large numbers to see my great dog Rose at the first Bedlam Farm. They came to see Simon, my re-homed donkey. They came to see Red when he first came.
They come to the farm for many reasons, including to see Maria, buy some art, see the farm itself, give donkeys carrots, brush a pony. I am far down the list.
And now, I see, they come to meet Fate. The Open House made that clear. People loved Fate, she is the new star at Bedlam Farm.
At first, it occurred to me that my decision to accept that Fate was never going to be a working dog like Red would be seen as a failure. First, I realized it was a victory, for her, and for me. Then I saw that so many people just loved the idea of this free, free to pursue her joy and great enthusiasm for running in circles around the sheep, and accomplishing nothing in particular.
At the Open House, scores of people flocked to the pasture fence to smile, take photos and clap at Fate’s joyous racing around the field, her hide-and-seek with Red, her enthusiastic response to my command “go to the sheep.” No dog ever had more fun doing nothing.
The sheep, by now completely ignoring Fate, not even bothering to try and butt her or chase her away, accept her and graze happily within a few feet of her, walking right over her to get to fresh grass. My decision was liberating for me, and for her. We have had nothing but fun since.
Fate was a wonderful host. She greeted people as they walked down the driveway, only jumped on two or three, showered some licks and accepted many hugs. She raced from gate to gate in the hope of getting her work, she left a wide range of smiles behind everywhere she went. I have a winner her.
Red, an immensely popular dog, sat quietly and cuddled peacefully. He is the Dean Martin of dogs, Mr. Cool and reserved.
I put no pressure on Fate, she is free to be her quite wonderful self. That has left us with a relationship of pure fun and acceptance. She is teaching me every day.
And no dog loves her life more than Fate. So I am surprised that this dog, this border collie who does not want to herd sheep, has become such a symbol of happiness and pleasure for so many people.
They appreciate that she is permitted to be herself, they grasp the idea of acceptance that underlies it, so many people thanked me for doing it. So Fate, like all great dogs, is an unwitting teacher of truth and wisdom. It is true that in order to have a good dog, you have to become a better person. Fate has made me a better person, and she is much loved for being herself. She is the new and reigning star of the farm, and I will exploit her to the limits. With her permission, of course.