For the border collie and for all of the working animals, there is a gift, a purpose to life. So many animals live a life of idleness and stupor, they can do little but eat and make waste. The working animal – the dog, the carriage horse, the elephant, the donkey – has a purpose and understands it’s purpose. It is to work, that is the center and focus of their life, the thing that sharpens their minds, shapes their spirit.

They are far more generous than humans, they live to serve, they will sacrifice almost everything for their work. It is always a joy to see working animals work, and a sadness to see feckless and foolish humans fail to the natural beauty and glory of their work. Our gift to every working animal is to fulfill their destiny, and work with us to live as well in the world as we can. That is our gift to them.