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A black and white Border Collie sits tangled in cream yarn beside a tipped-over knitting basket and balls of wool. 12 / 31

The Border Collie Herded the Yarn. All of It. At Once.

AI imageborder collieyarnknitting basket

Cream-colored yarn loops around a black and white Border Collie from her ears to her paws, forming a web across the floor. A wicker basket lies on its side, and balls of wool have rolled out in all directions. The collie sits upright through it all, brown eyes focused with great intensity, as though she herded every strand into place. A knitted blanket rests on the sofa behind her.

Border Collies are widely regarded as one of the smartest dog breeds, bred to herd sheep with sharp focus and endless energy. A dog like that needs real jobs, such as agility, trick training, long runs and puzzle games, or she will invent her own. Rolling yarn can look like a flock that needs gathering, which makes it hard to resist. The risk is that yarn and thread can be swallowed, which may cause blockages, so it is important to keep supplies in a closed bin and call your vet if she has eaten any.

Giving a collie a task like fetching the newspaper or learning the names of her toys satisfies her mind. Many owners also use ball games or a flirt pole to tire her out in healthy ways.

She seems to be waiting for instructions, ready to take on the next flock. In the meantime, the sweater will need to be started again from the beginning.

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