Just wanted to give you an update on Marshal...mostly because he's so great and seems so happy with us. I'm surprised that he had a history of running off, because he doesn't stray. In fact, he would be happy to spend all day in our bed (fortunately king-size) or lying on the deck in the sun. He doesn't mind working, but sees himself as a frustrated lap dog.

When I first got him, I did escort him around on a leash...put him in the kennel once for some reason. He escaped immediately...I searched high and low, started to worry when I heard dogs barking in the distance, went back to the house to get a flashlight and there was Marshal, waiting by the front door, anxious to get into bed. Obviously I don't let him loose usually, but I can let him outside briefly and not worry about him running away. The goat fence is Marshal-proofed, we put up an electric wire. He sleeps in the shelter with the goats and llamas when it rains..Anyway, I don't know how we lived without him.

Note: Along with his former partner, Heavenly Angel, Marshall was featured in the National Geographic Program Dogs with Jobs when they were learning to be livestock guardians.