26 Running With the Big Dogs

You better put your seatbelt on as you read this. There’s a lot of action because of, well, … Border Collies!

Farmer Allen starts the day by running his dogs as he checks on the farm. Six dogs help Farmer Allen with farm work: Clem, Deacon, Fancy (she’s a girl), Creed, Solo (another girl!), and I can’t remember the last one. When Farmer Allen comes out the door, it’s time to work!

Mother Toto comes along. Her job is to keep an eye on Farmer Allen.

There was a lot of activity in just loading up, but Grandma said we’d be okay going along for the ride. I love a party of maybe two more dogs that are my size. But I get overwhelmed in a crowd like this. It’s been just Grandma and me for so long…

Once we were through the gate and down the hill, organized mayhem erupted. The Big Dogs jumped off and there was A LOT of running. I say “organized” because Farmer Allen used a shrill whistle that hurt my ears, and the dogs would do different things to obey him, like turn right or turn left.

I joined in the running, though I didn’t know what was going on.

With the sun rising higher and all that running, we were hot. The Big Dogs jumped in the water to cool off. But I had my mind on something, or rather someone else, that I’ll tell you about in next post.

After a good dunk, the Big Dogs loaded in the back. My little friend and I jumped in, but being “low man” in the working pack, Mother said I must sit on the floor.

It was an exciting morning, but Grandma says I’ve got a lot to learn about farm life.

“The main thing for now, Petey,” she instructed, “Is to stay out of the way of working dogs and working people. There’s a lot to be done each day, and we don’t want to interfere.”

“But I want a job on the farm!” I whined.

“What are your job skills?” Grandma asked.

“Well, I’m good at watching out for you. I chased the bears away that one time. On our hikes I warned you about cougars. I always bark to let you know when critters and people are outside…”

“So, are you like a guard dog?”

“Yeah, I’m a guard dog!” I jumped around.

“Ok, then. I’ll start you out as Guest House Security. You’ll be a deputy.”

“A real deputy?”

“Yep, Deputy Petey Podengo!”