Because of where I live – in upstate New York – my dogs, to some extent, have always been defined by winter, we have brutal cold and storms here. This winter provokes many people to dream of warmer climates, but not me. Winter sharpens the senses, makes the other seasons all the more beautiful and meaningful.

Red’s focus and faithfulness is never sharper than during a storm, when he takes up his watchful position and defies the sheep to challenge him. They never do. Red pays the cold and wind no mind, it makes no difference to him if it is 80 degrees or – 10.