We had a happy dog today at Bedlam Farm, when the snow finally melted enough to herd the sheep in the side pasture. Red has been stellar all winter, helping us navigate in a snowbound pasture, he has kept the sheep in line, kept peace when we were graining, battled Liam on the narrow paths. But he could not do his spectacular outruns, or really do much herding. Today, we were able to get out into the side pasture, and he got to do his thing. He was a happy dog, he got the sheep whipped quickly into the shape and tore around the fences doing his outruns, then turning in – “there” – to get behind the sheep and move them.

He got a good workout, he rarely tires but he is passed out at my feet tonight. The program calls for some sheepherding every day of his life, I feel as if I owe him that much. It keeps him sharp, focuses my training and learning, I don’t love it quite as much as he does, but I do love it very much. It is one of the sweet rhythms of life her, working with a dog like Red is pure joy.