These amazing dogs brought back life to the forests

Animals and the way they help us never ceases to amaze me. I was particularly drawn to a story of three border collie dogs. Border collies are my favourite breed of dogs, I have had three of them in my life, they are so faithful, friendly, kind and intelligent, they certainly enriched my life and I have wonderful memories of them.

Border collies just love to be busy working. I brought Tess with me from the UK, she loved her life here, and then along came Bob, my soul mate who helped me train for several marathons, he just loved being out there and running with me. Finally, Roxy entered my life, a border collie cross who filled my life with fun and friendship.

The story I recently heard is of three incredible border collies that are helping the Chilean forests re-grow. After the worst wildfires ever recorded in Chile the dogs Das, Summer and Olivia have been given the job of bringing back life to the forests. The dogs, who love to run, have been fitted with special backpacks, filled with local, native seeds, they are then let loose to run through the burnt forests and in so doing release the seeds.

The plan is working, flora and fauna are already coming back to the devastated forests. The dogs are indeed being considered as heroes, helping restore the millions of acres of forests that were destroyed. Das and her two daughters have been trained by the Torres sisters, who are dog trainers. They say that they are the perfect breed they have intelligence, speed and endurance and they stay focused, do not chase or hurt other animals. The Torres sisters add that the dogs love their job, running up to 18 miles a day, much further than humans and they have a very light carbon footprint, no machines are used.

Once the dogs’ bags are empty the dogs receive a well-earned treat, their bags are re-filled and then off they go again. The Torres sisters are happy that their high energy, agile, acrobatic, intelligent dogs’ labour of love is paying off. The ecosystem is being restored and is gradually improving, plants and trees are once again growing, wildlife is returning.

Border collies were originally developed in Scotland to herd the sheep and are indeed still there and also in Australia and New Zealand, the name probably came from the border between England and Scotland.

Border collies - such unselfish, good friends and partners, honest and loyal, I miss them. Well done to Das, Summer and Olivia, such a wonderful, positive dog story. ‘When a dog is in your life there is always a reason to smile’