Bringin' in the Sheaves

I read somewhere that Corgis need jobs. They are herd dogs, and will quickly become bored without something to occupy their extremely active minds. They were bred to push around animals much bigger than they are. In fact, the reason that Corgis are so low to the ground is because the kicks from cattle and horses are higher than they are, and will not touch the dogs when they are performing their herding duties - nipping at the beasts' heels.

Our ankles have provided ample stand-in for Bossie and Ole' Paint, but since none of us can run away and kick out at the same time, no damage has ensued to the dog. This is not to say that our ankles have come away unscathed, however. But since we have no other substitute for a flock, or a herd, or a gaggle, and since we are running out of Band-Aids, we knew we had to give Matilda some other outlet for her inborn tendencies. She has a big beach ball that she chases around, and puts into place in a corner of the backyard, but we think she sees this as more fun than duty, and seems to be tiring of it. She needed a real job.

Matilda came up with the idea for her job herself. She taught it to herself, too, and can't wait to perform it every morning. After her breakfast, Matilda waits by the front door for my signal.

"Paper," I say. Then this is what happens: