Farm Fresh Blog

Mesa is a Border Collie, a young Jedi warrior, eager to hang out with other members of her race.

The problem is -

they don't want anything to do with her.

I juggle the time she spends with the other dogs carefully. It is a delicate balance. A steady diet of Dillon and she would become a monster. Too much time with The Mean Dogs and she could end up with a serious self-esteem problem, or hurt. They can only handle about 3 minutes of her company. It's nothing personal. They hate everyone - even each other.

She has all the moves. She grovels. She gives them space. She just wants to be near their Border Collie Greatness. And for all her efforts, she gets nothing.

  "I wouldn't care if you died now."

 "I can help you die now."

 "If I don't look at you, maybe you'll die."

 "Go play in street, Worm."

 Eventually their attitude sinks in and she settles down in the mud to wonder why they hate her. I remind her there is a reason why we call them "The Mean Dogs."

Mesa gets to practice her social skills, be told "I hate you. I hope you die," and then accept their scorn with quiet dignity. She still hopes they'll accept her at their lunch table so she can be part of the cool kids in school - but until then, there's always Dillon, who genuinely enjoys her company - but must be reminded not to poke sticks in her face.