Now you know as a Heeler, I practice focus, direction, encouragement and high moral character. I am relentlessly joyful, unabashedly persistent, steadfast and honest. But now, as I talk about the Cowdog Code and manners, I find myself tested in all things honorable and true, by summer company.
Everyone knows if you live in a scenic rural spot, especially in the western Rockies, you are a destination spot for vacations, by everyone you ever knew or met casually at a gas station. It seems my humble foothills ranch is as desirable a get-away as Yellowstone Park! 
And good manners dictate that, at least for close family, I must become the best Heeler hostess I can be. It turns out, this tries my patience, and tests my cowdog code standards. Let me explain.
My aunt has an old dogs rescue that she operates in Arizona. She also has many cats. In the summer it is too hot down there, so this year she and many kennel critters came here for the summer. It was funny – they came in late May and arrived in a blizzard! 
Some of the dogs didn’t know what snow was, some of them rejoiced to play in it, remembering it from their early years. The cats, of course, didn’t care.
Now I try to be understanding, mom always reminds me that “It doesn’t cost anything to be kind.”
I find I am not that good at inviting other canines into my territory. They stayed in the old house nearby, and we were carefully kept apart. I do get more exercise, sniffing and peeing down there, roaming around and ensuring there is no doubt this ranch belongs to this Blue Heeler only! I work to keep my smile from turning snarly, and keep warning barks to a minimum.
But I’m old enough and wise, so try to peaceably tolerate them, even their yapping and barking, as best I can. Mostly, after a trip around the yard, I lay on the porch and enjoy the cool of evening.
Most often I go inside and lay under the ceiling fan. I can be kind; they all have their own past demons and daily struggles, too. The cats, I don’t know and they don’t care.
Then Uncle Ron came to visit from Wisconsin. I believe I barked at him every time he came to the door, because I’m not used to extra people at the door or in the yard. But he was OK, too. He hung a nifty tire swing for little Sprout.
He also built a playhouse and feeding station for the squirrels, and I’m hoping that will keep them off my porch. Try as I might, those are not visitors I appreciate much!
It is busy and a lot goes on nowadays. I look forward to early fall, peace and quiet, and maybe some rain.
But for now, I find this cowdog needs to PRACTICE WHAT I PREACH! I teach that we need to get back to a world more civil, more polite, more decent. So I need to be all that to our company. Big lessons that can change the world, start at home.
Summer is going swiftly by, driven here by hot winds, wildfires, no rain and no hay. When clouds boil up over the mountains, we hope they bring rain. 
But each day is still such a gift. It must be cherished and enjoyed in whatever way it comes.
So I enjoy my porch, avoid the squirrels, greet visitors with my best Heeler smile.
I still guard my territory, sort out those who are not invited guests, and pray for rain. And everyday, I politely ignore the cats. 
