I’ve never had a dog enter my life so quickly and completely as Red has. Maybe I am open to it. Maybe we both were. Red and I work every morning, do farm chores all day, hang out in the car, go together on chores. He lies by my feet when I read and watches me all day. Like a true working dog, he defines work more broadly than sheep. I am his work, I can feel it.

I have some of that feeling again that I had with Rose, that something strong and powerful has got my back, is here with me, is walking through life with me and with Maria. Our morning work has become a sacred rite.