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I am so busy this week! Mom has me helping with cutting those nasty thistles [ I usually set her out on the task, then head for some shade and supervise from there], canning [Blubarb and Zucchini Jam this week], the ongoing saga of cleaning, sorting, throwing, selling, etc.
I have to say, my cowdog mind usually runs too fast to be contained in lists. But once in awhile, I like to order things this way to keep routine and direction. Lists, charts, tallys, and maps can do that. 
The great Ladysmith was better than I at such organization; I lean toward bearing teeth, barking, nipping, and heeling! So I’ll look to her wisdom and try to further develop my stellar cowdog charecteristics.
I do find it gets easier the older I get! 
Here is a Heeler’s list of 5 top cowdog traits, plus a few you may find a bit less so!
Working dogs have many great characteristics of course. We cowdogs in particular have some that teeter a bit off either side of good. We are relentless in our pursuit to do the job we were born to do, and to do so with virtuous panache.
Here are 5 of the best traits, straight from the cowdog’s mouth.
A Ladysmith List of cowdog traits
1. Loyal – All dogs are known for being loyal to their master and their people. We know this is a heavenly assignment. But we cowdogs are relentless in our devotion, we stay true and stand strong beside our people.
2. Service – it is in the DNA and very soul of a working dog, to do the job given us with excellence, until the last beat of our heart. It is our intent to give and do for others and make a difference in their life. Ask any rancher what a difference it makes to have a good dog there to work those impudent cows. I’ve been told I am as useful as 3 cowboys on horseback; I try to make it 5! Focus til it’s finished! 
3. Courage – Not always fearless, but always brave in the face of fear. We don’t give up and we keep going, even when things are tough. This is the strong heart of a cowdog. Sometimes it is courage to get in close behind the hoof of a cow, but sometimes courage is laying close to our person, knowing illness is winning, scared for the future, but staying strong always, for them. No backing up, no backing down, leading with a brave heart. 
4. Joy – I have always heard that a Heeler suffers from irrepressible Joy de Vivre; that means an utter and complete joy in living, in my language. This inner happiness makes a cowdog love every day. Joy makes visible the angel wings God has given to us. 
5. Wisdom – By this stage of life, I think I’ve learned a few things, observed a lot of things, gathered a little wisdom. But of course that only counts if I intentionally act wisely, put in into play, use that experience for good. 
And a few awesome dog -favorite characteristics
- I rolled in it! All dogs love finding rank and slimy items to roll in. We like mystery spots, sometimes only we can smell what was there. But by our actions, people know it is something awful and try to stop us, but it is always too late! This time of year, there is good aged cow poop, still a few left-over winter-killed critters, and an assortment of icky things we must transfer to our coat and carry inside. Guess what? We eat that stuff,too!
2. Mud – a specialty of spring, with plenty to go around with September rains and January chinooks too. It is guaranteed to arrive inside, laid out in beautiful little designs via paw. Mom is forever picking at my paws now and I do get irritated. But she also digs out pebbles that have wedged between my toes and cause me to step gingerly and limp. 
She brings out a bucket of water and washes paws before I’m allowed inside.
Now I will have my own mud boots, just like hers and Dad’s. They take some getting used to.
These boots will look great on me!
Mud is for playing in, so says little Sprout. Mud is for tracking in. I guess mom thinks mud is for mopping up, constantly!
3. Treats – Like every great cowdog, I am always worthy of treats, and I do silly and relentlessly persistent things to get them. There are many savory choices, and I must say I am a bit of a connoisseur. There are baked cookies, meat sticks, jerky strips and the standby bone-shaped biscuit. Mom makes home-made ones for me sometimes, from dried meat, or baked biscuits full of blueberries, sweet potatoes, beef and broth.
My favorite, though, are these flavorful dried beef bits mom always keeps on hand.
The cats have discovered how good they are, though, and now I have to share with them.
I like homemade ones a lot, too!
4. Sleep – This is so important for rest and recovery. A good Heeler sleeps hard so that we can leap up and get back at it, full again of lively enthusiasm and energy. We choose weird places and positions when we sleep. We are known for the upside down, oddly twisted shuteye. Now that my old body stiffens up easier, I usually go with the simple, side sleep.
We also choose strange places to sleep sometimes. I have several very nice beds, and this new one is one of my favorites – “orthopedic” mom calls it. I love my comfy bed. https://amzn.to/3SrTLna
Those infernal cats like it, too. I have lots of beds, but there are times I have no place to sleep, thanks to them! I wish mom would have ordered the Jumbo size this time; Large is a little small for this trim 50# canine, but only because I like to stretch out.
Sometimes I just go where Icanget out of the fray and away from the cats!
So there is a Ladysmith List. While I speak from a cowdog’s point of view, I believe most all dogs would be with me on that second list!
All dog owners: read, memorize and practice number 3. Then we all do better with the first 5.
