Teddy was already up and eager to greet me, eyes blazing, looking ready for battle in the dim morning light. I sent the dogs ahead to push him back into the field. He was covered with droplets of water from the pre-dawn cold, misty rain. Jet, my oldest dog, walked ahead to challenge him. Meg, the younger dog, is still a little confused about her purpose in that situation, so she stayed close by to wait for instructions. I left the wheel barrow behind, said, "Jet, walk up!" and the three of us approached the ram. Now when Teddy backs up directly backwards, he is not running, but is mustering strength and courage for an almighty charge to dog and shepherd. He quickly backed up for the charge, two, three, four times and we tried to push him away from us in the mist and cold. I laughed because I have seen this routine so many times, that it has become a ritual. And Jet simply loves it. She is spurred on by a good battle, and seems to remember through these encounters, her ancient wolf-like instincts of fighting, protecting, and conquering. She is a courageous dog, and has become very skillful at moving, dodging, and doing that dance that herding dogs do so well to intimidate livestock many times their size.
After some advancing and retreating, Teddy stopped moving, refused to withdraw any further and dug his feet into the ground. I crouched down, stuck my arm out toward his neck, made hissing sounds, and gave Jet the command to "Ssssgetahold! She took a nip from Teddy's neck. He jerked and drew backwards, pretending shock that she would actually grip him. He turned a little, and (with as much dignity as he could muster), walked away a few feet. But suddenly Teddy pivoted around, and in one massive movement leaped into the air twice, then shook his whole body, flinging droplets of water out in all directions, shaking his hair and massive lion's mane whirling everywhere in the spray. Then he proudly stood for a moment, glistening in the early light as if he were covered with diamonds. He was the King, and was not to be humiliated by a little dog and a girl!
This wonderful display of such great beauty almost brought tears to my eyes. I decided then and there that this was the most beautiful ram I had ever seen, and I only wish I had a portrait photographer there at that exact instant to capture this most magnificent of creatures! After his display, Teddy agreed to let the dogs push him away from the feeder. Jet held him at bay while Meg and I filled the hay rack with the bale. I then turned the wheel barrow, called to Jet, "That'll do!" and we left Teddy and his harem to their day's work. Of course the dogs got their mandatory hugs and kisses, and a nice breakfast in return for their loyalty and protection. Not a bad way to start a cold November day.
Mary Swindell
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