26 February

Back Off: The Little Dog That Won’t

by Jon Katz

What I am learning about Bud is that he will never back off, something Gus did all the time. Bud takes no guff from Liam, who goes after Red and Fate all the time. Red holds his ground but takes some butts to the head, Fate, a border collie from Wales, wants no trouble and backs away quickly.

In his new role as Red defender, I watch Bud challenge the sheep every day, especially Liam, a wether (neutered Ram) who is the most belligerent of our sheep. Bud gets as close as he can, and Liam and he get into a stare-down.

Bud never flinches or quits, and Liam lasts about 20 seconds, then turns and looks away and backs away. Bud is giving ferocious eye there, and he persuades Liam that he means it. Since Bud has been on guard duty, Liam has not gotten near Red to challenge him or try to butt him.

It never gets old to watch, and I still have no idea what’s really going on in that fearless little dog’s head. Liam could stomp him into mush if he wanted to or thought he could. He doesn’t think he can. Go Bud.

10 Comments

  1. I love Bud’s heart! His tenacity is impressive and I like to think he is protecting Red, as you have mentioned. He has such confidence and purpose now and Ietting him be free has obviously fed his spirit. I do love his spirit and his heart. What a long wait he had to finally live his true dog life!

  2. WOW…that is some serious eye right there. I bet this drives the hoity-toity Border Collie “snobs” nuts! ? Good for Bud!!

  3. I had a pug that had my horses completely buffaloed. He took no guff from them at all. What is it they say about dynamite in small packages?

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