Nine-year-old Gipsy is an enigma. She has her favourites and, to the younger members of the family, she plays the role of a surrogate big sister. However, her behaviour has recently become somewhat puzzling, causing her human family to view her in a new light.
In recent weeks, Gipsy has begun herding the 72-year-old head of the family to the dinner table. The dog has not been instructed to find her owner, nor does she respond to any verbal command from him.
Yet, every time dinner is served, the Australian Shepherd wanders off to locate the patriarch of the family and brings him to the table for the meal.
Shepherd by name and nature
Australian Shepherds are renowned for their exceptional herding abilities. They are often instinctively inclined to herd groups of people, much like they would sheep.
Due to their high intelligence and attentiveness, dogs of this breed are frequently used in therapeutic settings. They are also trained for search and rescue operations, as well as to assist people with disabilities. Their tolerance of other dogs is a notable advantage, as is their pleasant temperament.
Our best friend
Dogs like Gipsy remind us that the canine-human bond is unlike any other. A dog is not only a sentient being capable of solving problems, but also one that intuitively understands when we need help and support.
