Having had English Shepherd’s for many years, I have had so many experiences with abilities and instincts and had them on many occasions alert us of danger. So when Skye came to us, I often wondered if he would develop this trait of protecting his pack. I got my answer just as Skye was about to turn 2. One evening as I was working on my computer, the sound of Skye barking quickly got my attention because he only barks when there is something that needs investigating. I turned the outside light on and could see him just across the yard in the drive, he was extremely agitated. I stepped into the yard and began to slowly move toward him and as I did he became even more aggressive with his bark and was beginning to move out of the light to point where I could not see him or what had him so upset. Carefully I took a few steps toward the darkness , then I heard the snarl of the cat, then the smell of the spray. Frozen in place my thought was how did I get Skye back, well I did not have a chance to think because out of the darkness Skye charged toward me and as I looked into his face I knew exactly what he was saying to me, “GET BACK”. At that point I realized that I needed to wake Ed and have him give us some backup. All I wanted was to get Skye out of harms way and apparently that was Skye’s thought, to get me out of harms way.
We could not locate the cat and assume that when Skye lunged in my direction the cat jumped into a nearby tree and climbed out of our sight. Skye and myself and Ed searched for about 30 minutes but to no avail. We returned to the house and Skye came back to the porch and settled down. That lasted for about 20 minutes and the chase was on, Skye took the cat up and across the pasture. It is our thought that the cat waited until all had settled down and he felt safe to retreat but Skye was still in guard duty mode.
I got my answer and I have no doubt in my mind that when and if danger crosses my path I will be protected without hesitation. Pat Justus
