Ribbon the Border Collie (Children of Colorado)

Allison leaned over to pat her dog s head. Despite her disabilities . . . Ribbon is still the best Border Collie in Colorado, aren t you girl? No, she isn t, Katie said, shaking her head. Grinning, Katie paused dramatically. She s the best Border Collie in the whole world. Ribbon, a beautiful black and white Border Collie, loves to herd sheep, cattle, goats, and even the family cat. Her owner, Allison, feels Ribbon has special abilities that could make her the #1 champion herding dog in all of North America some day. That dream, however, abruptly ends when the dog is hit by a car and injured while trying to protect a herd of "weed-whacking" goats in the Colorado high country. When things seem bleakest, Allison's mother suggests to her devastated daughter that Ribbon has what it takes to become a Therapy Dog -- visiting patients in hospitals, rehab centers, and nursing homes to cheer them up and give them hope for the future. But Allison is unsure. Allison s mother then shares her favorite Erma Bombeck clipping with her daughter: When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left and could say, I used everything you gave me. Does this bit of wisdom convince Allison? Will Ribbon be able to change from herder to healer?