Kraken!
February 17, 2023
We unexpectedly adopted another Border Collie last week. It was nowhere on my list of things I wanted to get done that day - it just sort of happened. My cousin, who trains dogs in Virginia, contacted me about a friend’s dog “Kraken”. The 6-year-old pup had spent her life living on a thriving dog training facility/ horse farm. Like most Border Collies she’s introverted, focused, and task oriented to the point of obsession. She enthusiastically trained daily and competed in long distance dock diving (yes, that really is a thing). She had found her calling and passion in life. Her love of flying was palpable, and with that, she made the cover of “Virginia Living” magazine.
Unfortunately, just when she was at the top of her game, her hip was dislocated during her spaying operation. She eventually recovered from the injury, but could no longer jump without risking further damage, from which she would likely not recover. Because her home was a training facility, she had to spend her days watching other dogs do what she wanted so badly to do again. Border Collies are very good at letting you know when they are frustrated and unhappy, and Kraken was thoroughly despondent. Her owner didn’t know how else to help her other than to give her up and hope that a change of venue would make her happy again.
Kraken’s predicament struck a chord with me and the next day we drove 5 hours to meet her owner halfway. We made the handoff in the parking lot of a fast-food restaurant somewhere in southern Pennsylvania. I can’t imagine what goes on in a dog’s mind when some else is handed your leash and you are led away by complete strangers.
Kraken’s life has been completely upended and we are doing our best to help her make the transition. Border Collies are extremely intelligent and need lots of stimulation to keep them occupied. We definitely have what she needs for a very fulfilling life, and it seems like she is beginning to settle in. She’s discovered the sheep, chickens and pigs and has formed very clear opinions about each. (Sheep are fun, pigs are not, and chickens are basically useless.)
She is, as my cousin promised, an instinctive herder. Right now, though, she is only interested in herding our other Border Collie “Claay”, while Claay is dutifully herding the sheep. The micromanaging has caused some serious conflicts and there have been a couple righteous dog fights in the middle of our sheep pasture. I’m sure we will eventually get this sorted out and for now our redundant levels of management, though cumbersome, are actually very effective. The sheep are seeing two dogs where there was once only one and are finally giving Claay the respect she deserves. Hopefully Kraken will fall in love with herding sheep just as Claay finally did, but even if she never does, she’s a great companion and we are already in love. Named for the ferocious sea monster of nautical lore, Kraken is actually as sweet as they come.
Welcome home pup, we are so glad you joined us! I promise we’ll never tell the chickens, the sheep, or the pigs that the whole sea monster thing is really just a myth. Your secret is safe with us.
