The Dogs of Windcutter Down: One Shepherd's Struggle for Survival

The Dogs of Windcutter Down: One Shepherd's Struggle for Survival

by David Kennard (Author)

Synopsis

"There is no good flock without a good shepherd, and no good shepherd without good dogs." These age-old words of wisdom have always guided Devon sheep farmer David Kennard. But as he battles to save his farm from extinction, they resonate more loudly - and unexpectedly - than ever. The storm clouds are already gathering when Borough Farm suffers a succession of potentially disastrous setbacks. Suddenly the Kennard family's idyllic life is under threat. How much longer can they stay afloat financially? Will David be the last shepherd to tend to his flock in this corner of rural England? Or is there a way to achieve the seemingly impossible - make a living through farming sheep in the 21st century? As he fights for survival, David knows he will be able to rely - as always - on his faithful sheepdogs Greg, Swift, Gail, Fern and Ernie. But even he is surprised when the dogs prove to be Borough Farm's secret weapon...A compelling portrait of a way of life that is as enviable as it is challenging.

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More Information

Format: Hardcover
Pages: 288
Edition: 1
Publisher: Headline
Published: 03 Oct 2005

ISBN 10: 0755312562
ISBN 13: 9780755312566

Media Reviews
'A dour-but-delightful account... The great thing about Mr Kennard's writing is that he imparts an understanding of the issues with nary a preach nor a moan... He has a lovely way with small detail... I found this book and its predecessor perhaps the most honest and restrained first-hand accounts of modern farming that I know of... It takes an extraordinary writer to make sheepscab and mastitis interesting but this author has the rare abillity to adopt an outsider's point of view without being patronising... The warm togetherness of the family radiates off the page like heat from an Aga, and the detailed descriptions of his work with the dogs pushes this beyond straightforward memoir' -- Richard Benson, Daily Mail 20051028 'This compelling portrait of a vanishing way of life will bring tears to your eyes. A must for dog lovers everywhere' -- Good Book Guide 20050909 'A passionately written book about a way of life that is more about the heart than the balance sheet... a fine read' -- The Countryman 20050909 'One farmer's hilarious tribute to the odd-looking, sock-chewing, incontinent dog who saved him from financial ruin' -- Mail on Sunday 20050901 'A fascinating and inspiring account... well worth a read' -- Devon Today 20050909 'A thundering good read' -- Tiverton Gazette 20050909
Author Bio
David Kennard's name has become a familiar one in the nation's media, featuring in the Mail on Sunday, Daily Telegraph and The Times as well as on the BBC's Countryfile, Radio Four and on his bestselling video and DVD, The Year of the Working Sheepdog. He lives in North Devon with his wife Debble, three children Clare, Laura and Nick - and, of course, his dogs Greg, Swin, Gail, Ernie and Fem.