Wisdom of a Farm Dog

When our area finally got some snow this winter, we tried to make the most of it.  After spending all morning outside, we herded the kids in the house for lunch.  R. wanted to stay out to finish what he was working on.  I told him he could stay another 5 minutes to finish up, and I went in the house.  As I headed inside I saw our dog, who had been been out playing in the snow with us, look at R and then look over at me.  The look he gave me said:
"Hello?! You're forgetting one."

I went inside and looked out the window to keep an eye on R.  In the 15 seconds it took me to get to the window, the dog had gone over and was standing right by him, guarding him.  He'd watch R for a minute, then turn and look all around as if he was making sure nothing would come to attack.  Then he saw me through the window and stared me down, probably wondering if I had lost my marbles, leaving one of my kids outside.  He stayed attached to R's side right up until he walked in the house a few minutes later.

I am not a dog trainer.  I managed to teach him how to sit, stay, come, lay down, and how to ride in the back of my pickup.  That is the best I could do.  He has the instinct to be a good cowdog, but my dog training knowledge (or lack thereof) has failed him in the cow herding department.  He is terrible with cattle.  Taking care of my kids is not something I am capable of teaching him how to do.  We didn't even realize he would (or could) do that until my Aunt pointed it out last summer.

Some things can't be trained into an animal.  Wisdom in all living things comes with age and experience.  Regardless of race, gender, species, or breed, a wise and loyal friend is invaluable.