It was a beautiful Spring day, Red and I took the sheep out to the back pasture, still brown, still warming. In good weather, Red loves to take the sheep out back – I imagine he did this in Northern Ireland – and sit with them for an  hour or so. I sat with him, I love this ancient things, this old and sacred rite, this powerful connection between animals and people.

Herding is a ballet, it is not about ribbons and trials, it is a connection between a human, the sheep, and a dog. We all do it together, moving in relationship to one another, it is healing and affirming for me. I am lucky to be able to do it. Red makes it possible.