As I’ve written, Red has been struggling lately with his herding, his speed is slowing down, and he has trouble seeing out of one eye. The sheep are increasingly challenging him or blowing him off, especially as they have learned they can move faster than he can at times. Today, he was back in form, faster, more confident, more in charge.

I think his arthritis may be kicking up too, I think it wasn’t bothering him today. He was all business out there this morning, strong eye, lots of confidence, the sheep got the

He also nearly died last year from four different and severe tick infections, including Lyme. That will slow a dog down as well.

I’m getting lots of worried messages from people suggesting various remedies, but Red is getting a lot of good treatment – massage, acupuncture, joint lubricants, laser treatments (not all at once). That’s enough.

He is still getting old, he is still slowing down. We can ease the discomfort, there is no magic Time Machine to go backwards. I believe I can help give him a long life, he has a long way to go, but I can’t alter life.  I accept life, I am conscious of it, but I never think I am stronger than it is.

Red is an amazing dog, and he was his old self this morning. I take it one day at a time. One day I’ll see something in him that will tell me it’s time to stop herding. I’ll know, we’re not there yet.