>>2527121
>cont'd
Suppose for a moment that, perhaps, a sheepdog wouldn’t be what was necessary then? One that is used to peace and prosperity, unlikely to begin with, but there are better chances with more aggressive and disciplined breeds. However, where this flock rests is Hell and the things that ‘rule’ it are hellish predators or worse.
Perhaps, then, the shepherd decides that it will train a wolf to be a sheepdog. It seems ridiculous, that a wise shepherd would even dare to think about something like that. As soon as the wolf got close enough to the sheep, it would be all over. The flock would be devoured and the shepherd would be left with only the remains.
However, the shepherd, being wise, already knows the traits that would make a wolf into a good sheepdog. The shepherd knows that such wolves would naturally become curious rather than aggressive and predatory when they saw the shepherd and its flock. Such wolves would follow the shepherd and its flock; first secretly and then openly.
Furthermore, the shepherd would it try to proceed closer and with caution. However, it would not be caution for itself. It would approach boldly so that it was seen and noticed, but calmly enough not to cause fright.
Sometimes, the wolves would seek out the shepherd in desperation for the shepherd’s aid. Sometimes, the shepherd came across a wolf when the wolf needed the shepherd most. In both of these situations, the shepherd, perhaps, aided them despite them being wolves.
However, the most important sign is that such wolves never return the shepherd with the rest of the pack; as if they knew that their kin would devour the flock if they had the chance. They would choose the company that they brought well. They would show wisdom in their associations.
On the shepherd’s terms, such wolves would be allowed closer and closer; but, only on the shepherd’s terms. Such wolves, too, would be led to clean water and fresh grass, but they needed neither of those things. Their reward was the company of the shepherd and the shepherd’s flock. It is how, then, that the shepherd’s task upon such wolves is realized and understood:
That they must continue to overcome their “natural” inclination to feed on those that it needs to protect now and it also has to have faith in the shepherd. If it does not obey what the shepherd teaches, then it will eventually slip back to its old ways, at best. However, a sheepwolf would be what the flock needed while shepherd was way. Through that hellish landscape, the wolf lives. It knows the sounds and scents of the predators that wish to eat the flock; has strength and viciousness to drive them back; and, most of all:
Such sheepwolves knows the other wolves.
They know the locations, the mannerisms, the tricks, the communication, and skills that the wolves had. Hierarchies and packs, plans and plots, depending. They would know which sheep were the predatory wolves masquerading as part of the flock, for they would know their scent and mannerisms because, no doubt, such a sheepwolf was once in that wolf’s shoes.
And, most of all, a Good sheepwolf would be able to convince other wolves to join it in protecting the flock and, seeing that the wolf had not been beaten yet, no matter what they did, some would no doubt join him. Some would join because they thought the shepherd wise as well, but were too afraid to say so while around their kin. Some would join out of curiosity, much as the original sheepwolves had. Not all would stay, not all would prove themselves worthy, and not all would be perfect.
For a sheepdog is not a Shepherd, and it can only do what a sheepdog can do; nothing more nor nothing less unless the shepherd aids it.
And a sheepwolf is not a Shepherd, and it can only do what a sheepwolf can do; nothing more nor nothing less unless the Shepherd aids it.
“ It takes generations to shape the soul of a wolf and its physical shape into “man’s best friend.” ”
It did, Lord, but I Love.