An injured guardian dog is an obvious sign of overnight trouble but other signs that trouble is afoot are more subtle. In this case the ewes are bedded down tight to one another when warm weather would make it less than desirable to do so. They are also bedded down in an unusual location at the top of our yard. The ewes would not have chosen this spot on their own.
Three guardian dogs are further afield. There are two other dogs right in the midst of the flock, and this girl resting just on the fringe, weary and worn.
One of the two dogs in the midst of the flock was Oakley, our sleepy senior.
It seems he is well aware of his increased fragility and knows where he is most useful. In his youth he would always be further afield from the flock but these days his role has shifted to being with the ewes. Moving when the flock moves, resting soundly when they rest. His actions are all vocal now, he’s no longer involved in physical confrontations or doing hard running. These days he spends as much or more time asleep than awake. His awareness of his abilities is likely what kept him out of the scree of trouble. His retirement is very near.
These dogs live a rich, purposeful life, fulfilling the role they are bred for – a life I set up for them by virtue of keeping a flock of sheep. I comprehend that injury is a risk and a hardship on the flip side of that purposeful life but a sense of responsibility and guilt for the hardship the dogs encounter always creeps in.
Confrontations are also a stark reminder that, despite what we wish, there is no control over what takes place in mother natures domain which is precisely where these dogs live and work.
Glad to see that Oakley is still hard at work, even if it is mostly in a vocal capacity!
We got a much-appreciated, gentle two inches of rain yesterday, which made me think of your area, and I sincerely hope that your ranch has been getting some rain too.
Thank you Elva. Yes, Oakley is still wanting to work. Each day is a wonder about whether or not to take him off duty. No rain here unfortunately as we sorely need some. Glad to hear you are receiving it, all rain is a blessing as you will know.
I am so glad I found this post and your blog after reading your ranch profile Sheep Canada. It all takes me back in time to when I was partner in the P&L Ranch in Manitoba’s Interlake. Your description of the guard dogs’ role makes me smile. Only a grazing shepherd can understand the partnership between sheep, dogs, the land and shepherd.
Congratulations on your writing and your ranching.
Peter, thank you kindly for your comment. Your book, More Sheep, More Grass, More Money, is one of the key reasons I persisted in this manner of raising livestock. My copy is well read, dog eared and highlighted all the way through. Bless you for writing it because it has been instrumental to me and now serves as inspiration for trying my own writing.