This time of year, there are a lot more closed doors around here.
The frosty mornings come more often now, ‘most every day. It takes a long time for the sun to finally climb over the eastern hills, but then it usually
warms up nicely.
Or it rains, snows and blows. 
And it is dark a lot now too.
Some days, like today, even the sun doesn’t add much warmth, and I have to wait for the boss to suit up; I just go with my fur coat.
And doors, just a short time ago left open to welcome a warm breeze and birdsong, are now shut tight.
That got this old cowdog thinking about doors that are closed to me.
Of course, most of the time I’m the first one out, to command from the four-wheeler, to herd from behind, or to bark and circle, run through the middle – whatever it takes to get the job done [and sometimes a few moves – for which I am scolded – do not help at all!].
But once in awhile the boss leaves me behind. 
Just yesterday, she left me in the house when the shoer came. That is MY job! Helping and herding the horses!
Perhaps I occasionally get too enthusiastic, barking at the shoer for driving into my domain, darting in to nip when old Buck doesn’t cooperate just right, making that skittish critter a bit nervous when I go under to grab a fresh hoof clipping.
But left in the house and miss all the excitement? The injustice of it all!
I’m also left in when the Fed Ex guy shows up, even though it is I who alert to the intruder. But I do bark raucously the whole time, in spite of constant orders to be quiet.
I am also left behind closed doors sometimes when the the boss goes to town without me.
It may be too hot, or too cold, or too long, so she says. 
As official shotgun rider, I think this is a serious crime, but I calmly go lay on my bed, with sad and soulful eyes, in case she notices before she leaves without me.
And I wait patiently, still greeting the boss [who may bring the little boys], with joyous appreciation upon return.
I do not hold a grudge or remind them of the cruelty of leaving me.
They get only the greeting due returning champions, because I am a dog of integrity and love.
I know what is coming when I hear, “Stay and be good.”
And so I do, even though I know it would be best if I went along.
You see, I remember the time I spent lost and alone, with no home and no one coming home to me.
Now I trust the security of my home ranch, and can wait, maybe even enjoying the company of cats while I do.
Because soon the door will open and all will be right again.
And often as not, I do ride along.
Still, I’m a Heeler. If I’m not pushing the herd, I should be leading the parade beside my own folks – not left behind closed doors!
“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” – Psalm 27:14
