We are ruled by Sasha (collie x Springer):
She's another ex-RSPCA dog - neglected by her previous owner. She was seven or eight months old when we got her in January 2002, so was born during the foot and mouth period of 2001. I suspect she's a townie at heart though - she's frightened of sheep, cattle and horses! Unfortunately some of my friends have sheep, cattle or horses! Her major fear is cars - she won't go in a car for love nor Bonios; however, I bought her Christmas Stocking last week and she actually put her front feet on the back bumper when she smelt it!
The photo shows her on my new bed - she doesn't like it as it's about six inches higher and, more importantly, three inches narrower than the old one. She has problems jumping that high after she damaged her cruciates while playing with a football (on seperate occasions) so has wonky knees. She also has atrhritis in a shoulder, but still plays with a football! Her favourite game is "stones" - we go to the river when the tide is low and she catches the dashed things if I'm not careful where I throw them (or they "bounce" badly).
I didn't need a new bed - but Mother did. When it came, I realised the old dear wouldn't be able to get into it and would probably roll out of it (with it being narrower then hers). My bed was identical to hers, though in much better condition, so she has mine and I have the new one (it isn't as comfy either)!
While ruling the roost, she is an excellent carer for my mother - and everyone in the village knows Sasha, so if they see her about by herself, they follow her to see if Mother is OK!
We've had dogs for as long as I can remember - and I've worked with a few farm dogs etc - but Sasha is the most intellligent animal we've had (including cats), she can understand a heck of a lot of plain english - the doctor arrived to give Mother her flu jab last week and Sash saw the needle and was rather worried. I said "Don't worry, it's Mother's vet!" and she just sat down and relaxed - much to the doctor's amusement!