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A red and white Border Collie stands beside a brown and white calf nibbling leafy greens in a vegetable garden. 17 / 30

The Border Collie Watched Closely as the Calf Found the Kale

AI imageborder colliecalfvegetable garden

The garden rows are lush, and the calf has found the kale. A red and white Border Collie stands next to her with ears perked and eyes bright, as if he is wondering whether this counts as supervised snacking. The brown and white calf lowers her head to the leafy greens, her long legs planted among the stakes and straw. A weathered fence and green trees frame the scene. The collie is Scout and the calf is Maple. The garden rows look as though they might not survive the visit, but both of them look thoroughly pleased.

Border Collies are widely seen as one of the smartest breeds, bred for herding and happiest with a task to do. They need plenty of exercise and mental games, or they may invent their own jobs, including herding the family or the garden's visitors. Their sharp focus and quick learning make them wonderful partners for training.

If your dog helps in the garden, remember that some plants and products are not safe for pets. Fertilizers, slug bait, and certain vegetables and bulbs can upset a dog's stomach or worse. Keep an eye on what your pet nibbles and check with your vet if you're unsure whether something is safe.

Scout stays alert, Maple keeps munching, and the vegetables are doing their best. It is a peaceful kind of mischief. It is the kind of afternoon that makes any garden feel a bit more magical.

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