Where would a shepherd be without his dogs? Working dogs are an indispensable part of life on the ranch here at Shepherd’s Lamb. We’ve got two principal types of working dogs here on the ranch – guard dogs and sheep dogs – and each has their own unique job to do. As many of you know, we lost our beloved short-haired border collie Bert this past spring and we’d like to celebrate his life by sharing with you a little bit about sheep dog life here on the ranch.
Here at Shepherd’s Lamb, we’ve had sheep dogs as long as we’ve had sheep. These hardworking little balls of energy make the work of moving and sorting sheep much easier, faster, and altogether more pleasant. They’re also up for any non-sheep outdoor activities, whether it’s walking to the post office, spending a day lounging in the sun at Tierra Wools, or taking a trip to the grocery store. In fact, it’s sometimes difficult to get them to not load up in the truck when we get ready to leave. One particularly devoted border collie, Toby, would even insist on accompanying us to Mass on Sundays and would station himself quietly in the back of the church so he could hear the homily! Although they enjoy spending time with their people, our working dogs are largely porch dogs who prefer to take their ease on or under the porch when they’re not working so they can join in the chorus of ranch dogs howling at the moon on clear, starry nights. On the coldest nights, however, they’re happy to come inside and snuggled up in their appointed places by the door.
Bert and his sister, Jenny, were born here on the ranch about 14 years ago to a working dog who lived primarily at the sheep camp. He was a shy puppy, slightly fearful of people, but a good runner and a good jumper from an early age. It took some doing to accustom him to contact with people, but he was converted once he discovered that massage services were available!
In his prime, Bert was a seriously fast dog and he loved to move sheep. He could sprint to catch any recalcitrant bunch trying to break back and could hold them in his characteristic crouch, daring any one of them to move under his watchful eyes. With his mission accomplished, he would come loping back with his pink tong lolling out of his mouth and eyes sparkling, full of the joy of his work and ready to dash out at any moment again when called upon.
Even in his last months, Bert loved nothing better than to be included in all the ranch activities, even if he needed a lift back onto the truck to get home. He was always ready to be on the go, to be off on some new adventure with the same infectious enthusiasm he had for his work throughout his life. We’ll be forever grateful for all those years of loyal and affectionate service that he gave us and the time we were able to spend with him.
