He was a good boy. Really.

Yes, he wanted to herd anything and everything.

He would eat whole sticks of butter and chewing gum with xylitol (which would have to come back up).

He’d steal whole sandwiches when you weren’t looking.

But he was always up for an adventure. He would go walking with you for hours if you’d let him.

He was a very good boy, right up to the end.

We had to have a trainer come to our house when he was around a year old. I didn’t think we’d be able to keep him, that’s how hard it was getting. He was an Australian Shepherd/Border Collie mix- too smart for his own good, and he needed a job (or he’d make one up for himself).

But with the trainer’s help, we were able to work with him and keep him. She was a life saver, for both our family and for him. It only took a few sessions. It was worth every cent.

I miss having a dog. They can be so much fun. They’re always happy to see you. But they’re also a lot of work.

Every once in a while we get therapy dogs that come in to my work (for the patients). And while I love to see them, it’s sort of nice getting to pet them a little bit and then they go on their way. Sort of like what I imagine it’s like to be a grandparent, spending a little time with the grandkids and then sending them home with mom or dad.

One day, maybe I’ll get a dog again. But for now I’ll reminisce about Shep, and wait for the next therapy dog to show up at work.

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