Frieda is just as much a working dog as Red, but in a different way. She is the sentinel, always on guard, always protecting Maria and I and the farm. Someone told me once that dogs like Frieda – she is a Rottweiler/Shepherd mix – are the world’s best alarm systems. I do not feel unsafe on the farm, or in need of protection. Yet it is a nice feeling to know Frieda is watching. Nothing gets too close to the farm that Frieda does not want there.

She is working all the time. I thank her every morning for watching our backs.