Emphasis Preaching Journal

Bill raised and trained border collies to work with sheep. These magnificent dogs were bred to instinctively "herd" animals and with the proper training are an incredible asset to a sheepherder. They will tirelessly work the sheep to keep them all together and move them from one place to another. Bill was an expert at training these dogs.

Bill's pastor had three young children and it was a real pleasure for Bill to give one of his border collie puppies to the pastor. Bill helped the pastor and his family become acquainted with the pup and helped them train it to "heel," "sit," "stay," and the other commands that dogs need to know. The dog learned quickly and was soon a part of the family. Everyone was happy and the children loved their new pet that they named "Ben."

Ben did not think he was a pet. He always thought he was "on the job." If the kids were playing outside, Ben would "herd" them as he ran in front of them to keep them where he thought they should be. He was also very protective of the kids. Once, when a parishioner knocked on the door to drop off a basket of fruit, Ben would not let her in the house until one of the parents said it was "okay." Everyone felt happier and safer because Ben was part of the family.