[kristalblue74]

Aw, this thread brings back great memories.

When I was growing up, my dad ran my grandpa's farm (I was the lucky girl who actually had her own horse). Right away, he got a border collie as a farm dog. Fritz was all over the farm with Dad--working cattle and sheep. He was so good at his job that other farmers would offer Dad big bucks for him, and Dad refused. "He's worth two or three men!" Fritz loved his work; he'd ride on the fourwheeler with Dad, or he'd race it and beat it! When he wasn't on-duty, he herded our flock of guineas (ground fowl of some sort) around the backyard. Fritz was so smart and energetic, and his work kept him from being obnoxious and destructive.

He certainly wasn't happy inside the house, and he only got to come in when it was bitter cold outside. Rarely bathed or groomed...the good life of a farmdog!

But he was a family pet too. He holds a special place in my heart (even now I'm tearing up a little because I loved him so much!)