8 August

Gus Moves The Flock! Herding Dog.

by Jon Katz
Gus Moves The Flock

There are times when I am especially grateful that I have a camera, as I often see things I wouldn’t believe if someone told me about it. As you know, Fate, my wonderful border collie from Wales, loves to chase the sheep but won’t move them against their wishes. She is the Ferdinand of border collies.

Here comes Gus, who doesn’t way nine pounds and two weeks ago, the sheep ran him over and he has been keeping his distance. Today, he decided he was bigger than a border collie – he has been watching them closely – and when the sheep started moving towards him in front of the Pole Barn, he didn’t run, he just stood his ground and stared at them.

To my complete bewilderment, they backed up, turned and ran into the Pole Barn. Fate has never done this or wanted to try. Gus didn’t even blink. I’m not sure exactly what happened, since Boston Terriers are not herding dogs and don’t have the herding eye.

Gus is quite pleased with himself and has a lot of presence for a little dog. As near as I can make out, he just puffed himself out and stared the sheep down. Even Zelda turned away and headed for the Pole Barn. Even the imperious Romneys didn’t want to fight Gus. Maybe we can get Gus to Ireland and show the border collies some moves.

He certainly isn’t intimidated by them.

14 Comments

  1. That is absolutely awesome!! You definitely have your hands full with Gus, and in a great way! Thank you for sharing, Jon.

  2. Oh, this is such a riot! I just read your post to my husband Dan and dragged him over to my desk to see your photo. Dan likes me to keep him updated on Gus. Go figure!

  3. What a fabulous picture. Life on your farm is beautiful. I guess Gus has been observing Red and learning tips along the way? Too funny.

    We had a mixed breed dog once that would coral our other 2 dogs (that were much bigger than her, but she was the oldest) inside when I told the girls to come in. After this dog passed away our other dog (a doberman) took it upon herself to coral our other dog in. That was funny. She only did it for a few months and then stopped.

  4. There is nothing these amazing little Boston’s can’t do. I have been living with one for 7 years and he still surprises me on his intelligence. Enjoy little Gus and thank you for letting us enjoy him also. Great picture.

  5. Happy Birthday…. Writing 8 Aug. I searched this photo out after reading today’s post about Gus standing off the sheep. He is STUDYING. Look at that face. I laughed when I first found the photo; mainly at Fate… up front with Red, who is seriously working… Fate looking at? But Gus is back there… kind of like a little understudy. For your open house or whatever, pair these photos! What a journey in 4 days!!! And I DO love your writing. The writing itself, your openness, thank you.

  6. Gus doesn’t accept what people say about what Boston’s can or can’t do. 🙂 He’s decided to write his own story LOL His rich and awesome environment is just the place to try need stuff. love this!!!!

  7. This looks like another book will come out soon! Love your dogs & how you & Maria bring about your “peaceable kingdom”.

  8. Happy Birthday, dad. My birthday gift to you is showing these sheep who the real boss is today. I’m a big kid now!! Don’t look at my size, just hear my roar. Mess with me , all you sheep , and Gus will settle the score!! Bow-wow!

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