It seems I have a Wolfdog. If Frieda’s work is guarding us, and Lenore’s is loving us – this is why I love working dogs – then Red’s plan is to watch over us, be close to us,  and do his work. Like Rose, he supports my life and helps make it possible.  When he approaches the sheep, he almost becomes a different animal. Like Lon Chaney in “The Wolfman,” Red morphs into another thing. His and stand, even his size, seems to change. His eyes focus, his ears go up, his feet go wide, and he is rigid,alert, prepared.

Border collies are most genetically linked dogs to wolves of any breed and you can see it in Red. Breeding has altered his genetic make-up. His prey drive is only focused on stock. He loves people and enjoys their attention. But when he goes out to work, he almost literally becomes a different animal, transforms before my eyes into a wolf of sorts. He has great power and intensity. Work and love.

He inspires me to be focused, to do my work, to move forward, to get done what I want to get done and need to get done. I am learning from him every day. I believe in focus. He is focused.