Eminent Dogs, Dangerous Men

Product DescriptionAccording to a Scottish saying, "There is no good flock without a good shepherd, and there is no good shepherd without a good dog."Eminent Dogs,Dangerous Men is the story of Donald McCaig's search through rural Scotland for just the right sheepdog to bring back to his farm in West Virginia. McCaig delves into the mysterious pact between dog and man, which involves trust and deep communication. Traveling the countryside, to competitions and farms, meeting shepherds and trainers, McCaig introduces us to unforgettable animal and human characters. A must for dog lovers, and anyone interested in the relationship between animals and humans.From Publishers WeeklyThe dogs are Scottish border collies, bred to herd sheep since the 17th Century; the men are their trainers and handlers. McCaig ( Nop's Trials ) runs sheep on his Virginia ranch with his dog Pip, whose advancing age suggested that the ranch could use another dog. In the spring of 1988 McCaig went to Scotland to find a bitch and attend sheepdog trials. He gives a lively account of his travels in the Highlands, visiting breeders and shepherds, and gathering a wealth of dog lore. McCaig found Gael, a bonny wee bitch who showed great promise. He took her home, to a lukewarm greeting from Pip. McCaig returned to Scotland for the International Trials (the Super Bowl of the sheepdog world) and describes in detail the terrain, sheep, the dogs and their handlers. An engaging story for dog lovers and owners, especially those with working dogs. Photos.Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.From the PublisherWhen the author ofNop's Trials, one of America's best-loved dog books, searches Scotland for a Border Collie, the result is both a vivid history of an astonishing breed and an exploration of the ancient, extraordinary pact between man and dog.From the Back CoverThere is a Scottish saying: “There is no good flock without a good shepherd, and there is no good shepherd without a good dog.”Eminent Dogs, Dangerous Men is the story of Donald McCaig's search through rural Scotland for just the right sheepdog to bring back to his farm in West Virginia. McCaig delves into the mysterious pact between dog and man, which involves trust and deep communication. Traveling the countryside to competitions and farms, meeting shepherds and trainers, McCaig introduces us to unforgettable animal and human characters. A must for dog lovers and anyone interested in the relationship between animals and humans.About the AuthorNovelistDonald McCaig is the renowned author ofNop's Trials. He and his wife run a sheep farm in the mountains of western Virginia.From Library JournalBilled as a nonfiction sequel to the author's best-selling Nop's Trials ( LJ 4/1/84), this book details McCaig's stay in Scotland to attend sheep dog trials and meet breeders and handlers. The central theme evolves around his search for a trained border collie to bring back to his Virginia home. About three quarters through the book, McCaig finds his dog (Gael)--and then almost never mentions her again. Instead, he lapses into telling of another trip to see more Scottish trials and handlers. McCaig is a good writer, whose plain, friendly style appeals to those who enjoy dog stories, but neglecting to develop his story about Gael in her new home and her success or failure in American trials will limit the book's appeal to those seriously interested in sporting dog events. Casual readers will probably lose interest.- Carolyn I. Alexander, Technical Information Ctr., Ft. Ord, Cal.Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.Review"Reading Mr. McCaig's book, you dream of owning a border collie. You have this dream that it will teach you the meaning of life."--The New York Times