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But Mojo was still concerned, so Lesley sat down with him and read to him all about Australian Shepherds.  She explained that Aussies (that is a nickname for Australian Shepherds) are not really from Australia.  They are from right here in America, where they were bred to take care of sheep and cows.  The sheep were the ones from Australia. A sheep herding dog has a very important job.  He has to make sure the sheep stay in a group together just like children on a school field trip.  He also protects the sheep from other animals.  Even from wolves and mountain lions.  Aussies are not very big, but they are very brave. Your parents work on a farm taking care of sheep and cows”.

“Well, why don’t I have a tail?”  “You see, Aussies sometimes have to work around dangerous farm equipment, and a tail could get caught in something and get hurt.  So they are cut off the when puppy is very young.  It doesn’t hurt.  Much.”  Mojo was a little offended at this practice, but Lesley explained to him that a lot of little boys feel the same way.

Mojo thought this was all great, and wanted to know where his sheep were.  “when do I stat herding?” asked Mojo.  “Well, Said Lesley, we don’t have any sheep.  You will have other jobs, like playing and letting us know when somebody is at the door (we don’t have a door bell), and sitting and getting your own lead when we go for a walk.  In the spring, our friends Jon and Brie are getting ducks.  Maybe you can herd them for fun”

But Mojo wanted a real job.  “If my parents were sheepherders, and all my ancestors worked on farms, I should have a job also.  Since we don’t have sheep. I will find my own job”.