Fate is one of the most interesting and complicated dogs I have yet known. She comes from Wales and a decorated herding line. She has tons of instinct and a lot of prey drive.

But there is a Ferdinand the Bull quality about Fate, she loves to do everything with sheep but herd them or push them around. She loves to hang out with them, run around them, watch them.

But she doesn’t want to herd them. If you look at this and other photographs, you see a dog who looks every bit the part of the iconic and storied border collie herding dog. You can see that the sheep pay no attention to her – no sheep would ever lie down a few feet from Red.

Unlike many border collies, Fate also has a passion for being with people. She loves people, all people, and practically melts with joy when she sees them. I think of Rose, who would growl at people who talked dog baby talk to her.

And even Red, a loving and gracious dog, was a one-person dog, he didn’t really need or want anybody else.

Fate’s spectular debut as a therapy dog is telling me this may be her true work, her genuine passion. She can succeed and nourish her pride and dignity in this new work, it makes her very happy.

Initially, we never planned for Fate to be a herding dog, she was always meant to be Maria’s dog. I tried to train her because she had so much interest and instinct. Somehow, I blew it, or possibly, it just isn’t in her. I guess I’ll never really know.

But Fate is a wonderful dog for Maria, and the two of them are devoted to one another. That is good And now, she has important work that she can do with me as well.

I love Fate very much. I may never fully understand her, but I am very grateful to know her and love her.