A Shepherd's Watch; Through the Seasons with One Man and His Dogs

by David Kennard

• ISBN13: 9780312332662
• ISBN10: 0312332661
• Format: Trade Book
• Copyright: 2005-11-29
• Publisher: Thomas Dunne Books

Summary

In a work reminiscent of James Herriot, and Jon Katzs The Dogs of Bedlam Farm, David Kennard faces the challenges of a new shepherding year with his sheepdogs Greg, Swift, Gail, Fern, and Ernie. From rescuing ewes stranded on the Atlantic cliffs to handling psychopathic rams, officious farm inspectors, and the harsh climates constant threats to the 850-strong flock, David and his dogs face everything together. Davids honest, affectionate, and often comic picture of four seasons in the life of a sheep farm on the rugged coast of England is also a gentle meditation on man and his environment, a tribute to the interplay between vibrant canine and human personalities, and a poignant elegy to a rural way of life.

Author Biography

David Kennard’s name has become a familiar one in the United Kingdom because of his bestselling video The Year of the Working Sheep. He lives in North Devon, England with his wife, Debbie; three children, Clare, Laura, and Nick; and, of course, his dogs, Greg, Swift, Gail, Ernie, and Fern.

Table of Contents

Part One - Autumn
Beginning Again	2	(6)
The Battle of the Ram	8	(7)
Greg	15	(6)
Windy Cove	21	(7)
Trials and Tribulations	28	(10)
Part Two - Winter
A Sheep's Worst Enemy	38	(5)
December Days	43	(7)
Taking Stock	50	(7)
Gate Expectations	57	(5)
Storm Clouds	62	(6)
The Night Watch	68	(6)
Part Three - Spring
A Family Affair	74	(5)
A Fateful Choice	79	(4)
Helping Hands	83	(7)
Cold Comfort Farming	90	(6)
Questions and Answers	96	(5)
The Gathering	101	(4)
Keep 'em Coming	105	(6)
Sennybridge Sales	111	(7)
Part Four - Summer
The Longest Day	118	(4)
The One That Got Away	122	(7)
The Rites of Summer	129	(7)
The National	136	(8)
Disturbing the Peace	144	(7)
New Dogs, Old Tricks	151	(4)
Profits and Losses	155	(7)
Part Five - Autumn
No Money for Good Sheep	162	(10)
The International	172	(6)
The Turning of the Year	178	(5)
Acknowledgements	183