work ethic Archives - A Cowdogs Advice

It is high summer here, and time to make hay while the sun shines, as they say. But around here, that is a real job, not just a folksy old saying. And we are especially glad to have hay, as there are year’s of endless drought.

We had plenty of early rain and lots of grass, but of course there always seems to be more rain at the worst possible time of harvest, too. Seems like a merciful God has a sense of humor, giving us all a chance to take ourselves lightly.

This year it has rained daily for weeks. Of course for some, it rained after hay was down. But it is sunny and hot again, and maybe it will dry, be turned and baled and be OK.

But we should always have good work to do. It is a necessary purpose for all people and for us working dogs, too. God establishes the work of our hands and paws.

Hard Work

In the heart of a cowdog, we have a relentless drive and purpose. I knew from a young age about herding livestock. I have learned a lot and don’t always do it right, but it is also born in my soul, to do the job I was made for. And I do it with relentless perfection. And sometimes I take it upon myself to decide how and when, overdo it, and chase the wrong horse. Well, I chase the one that runs, of course – the others ignore me!

I guess that is what you would call a work ethic. And everyone needs that, to accomplish something, to contribute to the good of the world, to have a purpose and find reason in what we trade our time for.

I have spent whole days trailing the herd, darting off in the brush to bring back a wayward bovine, trotting around the perimeter, keeping one eye on the boss for marching orders, seeing for myself what needs done and doing it.

Nothing worth having comes easy, and it comes down to the values we hold inside – diligence, intensity, care, dedication and discipline – practicing all that even when no one is watching.

At the end of the day, I rest in the shade, get a drink and a cool-down in the creek,

relish a bowl of good food and sleep at last.

It is good to be tired out from a day like that. Happiness depends on it.

Everyone Can Do Something

Sprout helps with chores.

I don’t understand why kids grow up without the drive and purpose of hard work. Everyone can do something, and everyone needs a job. Even Sprout helps out, from pitching hay to the cows to helping his dad drive the skidsteer. His little brother helps too.

The boys always feed the cats and I and helps their grandma feed the cows. Already they take care of the henhouse alone, and fix my dinner, too. Even the smallest child knows how to give treats.

Easy brings nothing to make the world well or better. Do not depend on someone in Washington to pay your way, because you only will become slave to them.

I’m don’t chase cows from dawn to dusk much anymore. Once in awhile, I need to run off those nuisance cows that get into the bosses flowers. I am supreme cowdog then!

But it is still my job to watch the perimeter and alert to visitors, critters and assorted rabble-rousers.

Sometimes I patrol from the porch

It is my job to guard the chickens. Sometimes, it is my job to herd those infernal wild turkeys away from the chicken’s dinner. I am foreman when hay is hauled.