A Dog for All Seasons: A Memoir »

Patti Sherlock lives on a farm in Idaho. She walks her dogs in fields that are home to hawks, owls, ravens, coyotes, and a family of golden eagles.

Patti Sherlock's working relationship with her Border Collie, Duncan, got her through the ups and downs of sixteen years on a sheep farm in Idaho. During that time, Duncan was an unwavering companion through the destruction of Patti's marriage, her children inevitably leaving home one by one, and eventually, her decision to stop raising sheep. Patti’s life on the farm is a reflection of beginnings and endings, and the cycle of seasons in all of our lives.

Publishers Weekly

Sherlock, a writer and former sheep farmer, chronicles life with her clever and emotionally-intuitive Border Collie, Duncan, who herded her sheep for 16 years, supported her as she attended to grueling farm work and comforted her as her children left home and her marriage unraveled. We see Duncan as a puppy, so eager to please that he fakes peeing to get the praise he craves, to a preternaturally bright companion and working dog. Clearly the proud parent, Sherlock shares endearing moments that show Duncan's playful and tender sides-his quivering with excitement over the lawn sprinkler and snapping at the stream of water; his fear of thunderstorms and ability to detect them from miles away; his sulks at seeing a suitcase. Tender, wise, and deeply affecting, Sherlock's vignettes will make readers smile and sigh and wish for their own Duncan.
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