Red is blind in one eye now – cataracts – and the sheep are onto it, they obey him grudgingly and they take their time, Red no longer has the very strong eye and bearing that causes them to respond so quickly to him. He still lives to come out and work every day, but I don’t let him do much.

But, his new wingman, keeps a close eye on the sheep when we are all out in the pasture. He gets right int he face of any sheep who gets too close to Red, or who looks defiant. He’s backed Liam down five or six times, and today, he did the same to Susie.

He gets right in the faces of the sheep, nose to nose, and just won’t back down. So far, every one of them has tried to stare him down, and failed, they don’t butt him or try to stomp him or rush past him, they just back down

If Red is aware of this, he doesn’t show it overtly, he never moves when Bud steps in to back him up, nor shows any other response than starting at the sheep the way he always does. I’ve not seen anything like this before.

When Red was sick, Bud wouldn’t leave his side, and I think he is now very protective of him. Whenever I think I understand what goes on in a dog’s mind, I learn soon enough that I don’t know as much as I think I do.

I want to talk about this Wednesday on my radio show, WBTNAM 1370. You can e-mail me questions or comments – [email protected] – or you call the station: ` 866-406-9286, or 802 442- 1010.