The work of a working dog is never done. As Maria fed the donkeys some carrots, Liam decided he wanted one and charged down the path and lowered his head and butted Red on the forehead. Liam is twice the weight of Red at least but Red did not move an inch or budge. He stood head-to-head with Liam and I gave him the command to “get ’em up,” which is to move the sheep, period.

Red nipped at Liam’s leg, then nipped him in the nose, the spot border collies are supposed to use when there is trouble. Liam turned and retreated to the flock. Getting butted is something the dog should not have to accept, and it was good of Red to keep his cool, Rose would have drawn some blood there, I imagine. Other dogs I have had would have done worse.

Red is tough as nails, but only as rough as he has to be. He is a thorough professional. Liam needed a lesson here, and he got one. No scratch or blood on him, Red knows what he is doing. The narrow paths in the snow have made confrontations inevitable every morning, Liam is fairly gentle himself. He is obstinate but not too rough. This morning was an effort to intimidate Red. That will not work.

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I sent a link to this story to my friend Dr. Karen Thompson, the wonderful soul who gave me Red, and she replied: “I read how he handled Liam so APPROPRIATELY.  Red is the epitome of what a sheepdog should be in every respect plus having a sensitive and intuitive soul!  Thank you for loving and appreciating Red, and keeping me informed.” The thanks go to her.