On Sheep, Wolves, and Sheepdogs

Posted on April 23, 2012 by KG

By LTC (RET) Dave Grossman, author of “On Killing.”
….Still, the sheepdog disturbs the sheep. He is a constant reminder that there are wolves in the land. They would prefer that he didn’t tell them where to go, or give them traffic tickets, or stand at the ready in our airports in camouflage fatigues holding an M-16. The sheep would much rather have the sheepdog cash in his fangs, spray paint himself white, and go, “Baa.”
Until the wolf shows up. Then the entire flock tries desperately to hide behind one lonely sheepdog….’

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5 Responses to On Sheep, Wolves, and Sheepdogs

  1. The Gantt Guy says:
    April 23, 2012 at 06:58

    This is such a fine essay it should be required reading in schools. I do think, however, Lt Grossman missed a couple of character types. First are those sheep who recognize, either innately or as a result of a previous encounter with a wolf, the function and purpose of the sheep dog, and who are grateful for his (the sheep dogs) presence and vigilance. The second I would almost term “dogs in sheepskin’ clothing”. They have not the fangs or fighting skills of the sheep dog but recognize the danger the wolf poses and will position themselves in the front of the flock to at least try and protect it.

    These are both torturing the simile I know, but I suspect most of the non-military commenters here would fall into either one or, more likely, both of these categories.

    • KG says:
      April 23, 2012 at 07:05

      Absolutely. There are plenty of fine sheepdogs and assistants outside the military and police forces. And plenty of potential ones, too.

      • Marvin says:
        April 23, 2012 at 15:38

        Yes, Sheepdogs are in many professions beside military, police, and fire departments.
        A Sheepdog is willing to give their life to protect others.

  2. The Gantt Guy says:
    April 23, 2012 at 07:03

    Thus pic seems particularly appropriate…