I love having a Lab and a border collie around the farm. Both of these two dogs are happy but useless, they love to run around the sheep but neither gets the idea of herding them.

Red was an amazing dog, but quite different. He was always useful, every minute of his life. I appreciate Zinnia’s love and cheerfulness, she has lifted up a lot of people.

And Fate is…well, Fate. A loving, enthusiastic outlier, a border collie who loves sheep too much to herd them.

Border collies are complex and wonderful dogs. I have always identified with them. And also with Labs, the great family dogs.

Labs are simple and wonderful dogs. Seeing Fate and Zinnia together always brings a smile to my face. Border collies can be difficult, they are too smart sometimes, and too intense all the time.

But they are the most amazing animals I have known. I love their smarts, their enthusiasm, their loyalty.

Labs are difficult sometimes, they are big, smelly, lumbering garbage collecting scavengers. They are full of love and goodwill.

They love to eat things and then throw them up. They can be big and clumsy. Theirs are among the biggest hearts in the animal world.

Zinnia has joined Fate in her running around the sheep. I’ve never seen two dogs have more fun doing nothing.