Mckayla Barrett has just graduated from the 6th Grade and she has joined Team Bedlam as a dog-walker and exerciser, especially on those days when Maria and I are away or busy. She is helping us this summer with Pearl, who needs special walks for her sore legs, and she also throws balls and frisbees for the other dogs.

She has natural authority with dogs, commanding them confidently and clearly. She took three of them on a walk in the woods with no trouble and even took Frieda on a walk which is not a simple thing, and Frieda obeyed her when Mckayla told her to get into the fence and stay back. She is mindful of the street and is getting to know each dog. Some people are just naturals at this, and I think Mckayla is one of those. We are lucky to have her around this summer. The way to bond with Rose, I told her, is to herd sheep with her, so we went out into the pasture.

Border collies are supposed to be fanatically loyal to their human herders, but Rose would herd sheep with a telephone pole if it let her, and she loves newcomers, because then she can run the show. So she kept bringing the sheep to Mckayla. I suspect it won’t be long before Mckayla and Rose are herding sheep all the time. She did a great job with Izzy and the frisbee too. He loves that and doesn’t get enough of it. I loved watching Rose work with Mckayla and the sheep. She is great to have around.