Red evolves in our lives. Six months ago, he was guiding Rocky around the pasture. Now, he just keeps order. It is still winter here, so we haven’t gotten into our regular sheepherding routine. In the morning, during chores, we no longer give Red any commands much. We just let him out into the feeding area behind the barn, and he keeps order. He keeps the sheep away from the hay in the barn, and away from the donkey’s feeder. The donkeys stay clear of him as well. When we are done feeding and watering and mucking, we just call him in.

It is so easy to project things onto animals – they save us, define us, keep us going, are our therapists and friends, but I think for me, they are at their best and most appropriate when they are simply working and serving us. Keeping order, accompanying us through life.