Ever since Red, my most recent herding dog, died, I’ve tried to make it up to the sheep. For 15 years, my border collies and I pushed them around, nipped at them to move, and chased them out of places they wanted to go.
By the time Red died they were pretty wary of me. I’ve been working to try and make up for all that. I try to have as much quality time with the sheep as I can.
Today I came into the barn with my Leica, and Kim tried to eat it. We worked past that and I just stood with them in the heat for a while.
They no longer run from me, and once in a while, one comes over and sits next to me. Mostly, they just stare at me, wondering what I am doing here and when Maria will come out with something good to eat.
They no longer see Fate as a dog, they pay no attention to her, and are happy to doze and rest alongside her. For her part, Fate, who comes from a champion herding line in Wales, would not dream of bothering them or making them do anything they didn’t want to do.
Red must be quivering in his grave, which is just outside of the pole barn.
For my part, I am growing fonder of them. I’m glad they are here, and I am happy to get to know them better and in a different way.
Dear Jon….This is kind of ironic that you mentioned Red in this post today and for some reason I was thinking about him today myself. I don’t want to quote you but I think you said some time ago (my words not yours) that once a dog was gone it was gone and no looking back. Have no idea why I was thinking of him other than I lost my best friend yesterday, my buddy Scooter (Boston Terrier). Have had many dogs but never had one this loyal and loving. Yes. I am grieving and I will for some time. When they are family (ours are) it is difficult to get over. I know I will in time but if you admit it, it is not easy. We don’t really forget any of them do we? No. I hope you had/have a great birthday.
Sally, I’m sorry you’ve lost your friend. Sending many hugs if you wish.
Happy birthday Jon! Hope you have fun today and have a great year.