Border Collies, A Gift of Love

Review Three Stars (out of Five) Ronald Reagan often repeated the aphorism, "There's nothing so good for thc inside of a man as the outsidc of a horsc." ~ Richard Wilson understands the wisdom behind the late president's observation, but for Wilson, it is a border collie that is good for a man's soul. Wilson became a widower in his early middle-age, losing his wife, Patricia, to recurring breast cancer. Tbat cataclysmic event altered his lite in ways other than personal. He resigned from an executive position and began consultant work. In his travels, he met "a compassionate and loving lady, Rosemarie," who became his second wife. Hut retirement loomed, a great challenge for a man who felt passion for his work, and his inlemal struggles continued. Wilson soon found himself fading inlO depression as the months passed following his retirement, a situation aggravated by lingering, unresolved grief for his lirst wife. Rosemarie kcpt patient; in fact, she suggested that Wilson acquire the dog that gave him a different view of life. That dog was Rhett, a border collie. Wilson soon found himsclf immersed in the sport of "trialing," a test in which the dog is scntto round up free-ranging sheep. Wilson's book takes the reader through his initial work with RhclI, whose aptitude for fieldwork soon provcd to be inferior to his work as a "therapy dog." Rhell nevertheless remains the author's faithful companion, even perhaps saving his lite, " ... Rhett came to my right side and would not move. Looking down I was startled to sec a huge rall1csnake ... " But trialing remained a passion. and Wilson soon acquired a female bordcr collie named Raygan, a dog" ... with the genetic make-up of a true athlete." Wilson's work is short, and about half of the sixty-cight pages are photographs ofbordcr collics and hcrding trials in the lJnited States and Canada. Scveral of the photographs arc superb m revealing the low-crouched stalking bchavior domcstic hcrding dogs have inhcritcd from thc wol f. Olher photographs show the lovc hetwccn dog and handlcr. "With my photos, it is my wish that you will scc the drIve, tenacIty, energy and the pure love to accomplish their work." Much of the narrative is taken up with the author's trip, accompanied by Rhett and Raygan, to The Big One, a herding trial in Bowman, North Dakota. The superlative is necessary because, in thc competition, dogs work at distances of up to g40 yards from their handlers. It is a significant test, and even though Raygan's perforrnance didn't shine, readers will understand Wilson's fascination. The hook concludes with a short glossary of herding commands and terrninology, along with a diagram of a typical hcrding Irial run. Wilson offers an intercsting book for dog lovers who might be considering a new avocation. Rorder Collies, A Gift o/Love is also written at a level a youngster might appreciate, cspecially a young person who has received their first canine companion. ~ Gary Presley --ForeWord Reviews Clarion Review "Gary Presley" Product Description Struggling with depression brought on by the death of his wife's long battle with breast cancer and his retirement from a life-long career as an executive in the telecommunications industry, Richard reaches out for help to build a new life. Help was just a click away. Using the internet, he found a loving companion in Rhett; a three month old Border collie. With Rhett by his side, his life begins anew, leaving behind the daily pressures of finding his new path in life. With Rhett and camera in tow, Richard finds his new found passion for sheepdog trialing and photography. Come along with Richard as he shares his beautiful imagery that details the athleticism, grace, and strength of this keen and intelligent dog; their passion and love of life and a nature to please. About the Author 33 years as an Executive in the telecommunications industry