A Dog With A Purpose

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Abby loved to work the cattle.
Abby loved to work the cattle.

(The following story is dedicated to my brother Rich’s dog Abby who crossed ‘Rainbow Bridge’ last night.)

Animated, adaptable and agile, ‘Abby’ the Australian Shepherd lived for her job, which involved herding livestock and worked as an all-purpose farm and ranch dog. She needed a lot of activity and a sense of purpose to be truly content.  ‘Abby’s’ coat was black and tan for the most part with a snubbed tail.

Did You Know?

THE AUSSIE’S POPULARITY BOOMED WITH WESTERN CULTURE AND HORSE-RIDING AFTER WWII AND WAS OFTEN FEATURED IN RODEOS, HORSE SHOWS, MOVIES, AND TV.

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There was that one cow that seemed to have to challenge Abby. Abby always won in the end.

Although there are many theories about the origin of the Australian Shepherd, the breed as we know it today developed exclusively in the United States.

As with most working breeds, the Australian Shepherd was initially called by many names, including Spanish Shepherd, Pastor Dog, Bob-Tail, Blue Heeler, New Mexican Shepherd, and California Shepherd.
Working cattle was what she loved to do best.
Working cattle was what she loved to do best.

Retirement Came Hard

There comes a time in every working dog’s life that they have done all the work they can do and it is time for retirement. Because my brother ‘Rich’ knew how much ‘Abby’ loved being with the cattle, he got creative. ‘Abby’s’ replacement became an ‘All Terrain Four Wheeler’. Whenever Rich worked the cattle, Abby got to ride along. Being with the cattle was the happiest place she liked to be.

Rainbow Bridge Came Calling

The latter years of ‘Abby’s’ life were spent indoors. She had lost her hearing and could no longer see. Last night it was time for her to cross ‘Rainbow Bridge’ where she became restored to health and will wait for my brother ‘Rich’ to meet her again. ‘Rich’ wrapped her body in her favorite blanket and buried her by the shed facing the cattle lot. ‘Abby’ would like that. Rest In Peace sweet ‘Abby’. You will never be forgotten.

*For purposes of this story, all dogs were Abby’s stand ins to show what a great life she had.

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