Lessons from a Sheep Dog: A True Story of Transforming Love

by W. Phillip Keller

CLASSIC! More than 200K in print!

In a modern-day parable about a man and his transforming love for his dog, Lass, best-selling author Phillip Keller paints a vivid picture of God's love for the unlovable.

What you see is not always what you get - and this true story of a man and his dog is no exception. Woven just under the surface of this simple parable, Keller presents profound spiritual truth. It is the story of Lass, a worthless animal thought to be untrainable, who becomes a magnificent and valuable sheepdog - not terribly unlike how God's love can transform our worst characteristics into blessings that serve to further His Kingdom. Allow yourself to see Biblical truth in this classic tale of what can happen when you yield to the Master.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Christian Living, Animals, Religion, Christianity, Devotional

75 pages, Hardcover

First published November 30, 1982

About the author

Weldon Phillip Keller (1920-1997) wrote more than thirty-five books on Christian subjects, including his most popular book A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 The son of missionary parents in Kenya, Keller grow up in Africa before becoming a world citizen as a photographer, agronomist, and author. His books have over two million copies in print.

Reviews

[Stacey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a non-fiction story about a Border Collie named Lass, who was rescued from an abusive owner to be trained as a sheepdog on a ranch. The author chronicles how Lass not only was transformed into a different animal once she got away from her situation but also how she taught the author many lessons about love, patience, and faithfulness.

Although redundant at times, this is a very sweet story. ❤️ 🐕

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

It is a Christian Life/Spiritual growth book, but it was more about preaching than the bond between dog and human. A freebie from our local thrift shop, so not as disappointed as if paying the list price $9.99

[Madelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautifully written short book by Phillip Keller compares his relationship with his rescue sheepdog to our relationship with Jesus Christ. He pulls many parallels together in a simple, easy to read style. He talks about his relationship with the Savior which was quite fractured for sometime and how he was able to restore and renew that as he worked to train his beloved dog.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Found this recently & absolutely loved it. It is in the same vein as his A Shepherds Look at Psalm 23. This was his story of finding Lass, a border collie. She was mistrusting of Keller. But over time, he won her over, she learned to trust, & eventually learned to fulfill what she was meant to do in life. Her connection to her master brought her fulfillment & joy in obedience. All the lessons are brought to teach us about our relationship with our Master.

The book is a short & an easy read. Packed with practical truth in an enjoyable style. I highly recommend this & I will read again.

[Madison Peroutka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just the sweetest story of transforming love. It felt like exactly what I needed to be reminded of the power of being loved and known by God. We love because He first loved us!

[Gretchen Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

A classic must-read for every believer!

[Madeline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!

[Michelle · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read the back cover of this book, which included the word "spiritual." Knowing nothing about this author I picked it up because I love working border collies. What a horrible mistake that was! The entire book was NOT about Lass or her journey from scared city dog to happy working dog (in fact, there was little said about this). It was a bunch of Christian progaganda BS about not having free will. I regret spending the money on this horrible book.

[Donna Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great story and great lessons about Christ learnt by a man's faithful dog.

[Abby Aspin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a sweet book. Keller weaves together a beautiful short story of his sheep dog’s path to redemption & their friendship. Once in the hands of an abusive owner who couldn’t handle her energy, she was maltreated and mistrusting. But, when put in Keller’s loving hands, she was able to be her full potential.
Keller ties each chapter back to our relationship with God abs how Lass, his sheepdog, pushed him to a renewed perspective on his faith. Learning to trust, the delight of obedience, the test of faithfulness (even when given the command to ‘stay’), love and discipline, and being set free to follow our true Master are the main lessons.

There were countless times when I put the book down to pause and reflect on the Lord’s loving care for me. This is definitely one I’ll read again.

“He cares, and He cares profoundly. It is His presence which gives us peace. It is His nearness which gives us hope. It is His protection which gives us life.
Amid all this He enjoys our company. He loves to have us alongside, too. He, too, finds consolation in the eager, alert watchfulness of His friends. In the midst of our danger there is delight. In the face of the foe there is quiet watchfulness. We need not be alarmed or anxious.
He is here!” (p.125)

Our Chief Shepherd is so, so good.

[Susan Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phillip Keller uses his experience of acquiring and training a sheep dog, Lass, to write his book, Lessons from a sheep dog : a true story of transforming love. Through the training process Keller learns many lessons about our relationship with God. He beautifully describes how Lass’ relationship with him went from complete mistrust to total devotion. The only thing I didn’t like in the book, was the introduction where he tells the story of how Lass came to be his dog. Much of this material is unnecessary as it is repeated in the following chapters. The book is only short and has seven chapters or lessons.

Lesson 1 – In the wrong hands
Lass’ previous owner kept her chained up for long periods of times, to curb her desire to chase boys and bicycles. Her misused freedom led to her bondage. Has our misused freedom led us into bondage?

Lesson 2 – Set Free
Lass expected her new owner to treat her badly since her last master did. In the end, Keller had to set her free and allow her to make the choice to follow her new master. Do we freely choose to follow Jesus, or do we obey out of duty?

Lesson 3 – Learning to Trust
Lass learns she can trust her master because he shows her affection, looks after her and protects her. Do we trust our Father’s love?

Lesson 4 – The Delight of Obedience
Lass grew to delight in obeying her master. She sought her master’s approval. Lass knew he acted in her best interests. She found purpose and fulfilment in obeying him. Do we find delight in obeying God?

Lesson 5 – The Test of Faithfulness
Lass found it difficult to follow the command, “stay”, when she couldn’t see her master. Likewise, when we are less aware of God’s presence do we remain faithful?

Lesson 6 – Love & Discipline
Lass’ master rebuke her when she disobeyed. Lass expected it because true love wants what is best for the beloved. Lass was happiest when she was working to her full potential. Do we expect God to discipline us when we get distracted from our purpose?

Lesson 7 – Ready for Anything
Lass would venture into rough and rocky country to find the sheep, even if this caused her pain through scratches and bruises. Are we ready to suffer to fulfil God’s purposes for our lives?

This is a profoundly moving and challenging book when you realise the depth of trust God desires from his people.

Overall a great read.

[Carol Bakker · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had hoped that this might prove a great devotional book for my sheep-keeping grandkids. It tells the story of Lass, an abused sheepdog adopted by the author. Lass's rehabilitation requires unchaining her and waiting for her to approach her new master. It's a "nice" book, but was too facile for me.

[Tara Wolfe · Rating 5 out of 5]

"And the lifetime lesson learned from working with Lass was simply this: 'Faith is my personal, positive response to the Word of God, to the point where I act in quiet trust.'"

Such a sweet story of a man and his loyal sheepdog, that is a minute reflection of our relationship to our Master.

[Jamie Bowen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Who saved who? The magical bond between a dog and its owner, linked with the relationship with God.

[Marja Verschoor-Meijers · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an excellent and inspiring story. I read every page twice and I am tempted to start all over again.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Precious. Using the story of Keller and his sheep dog, he intimately relates it to our relationship with Christ. A re-read for years to come.

[Autumn Klepper · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this little book. It’s full of profound spiritual truths that are not only easy to understand, but entertaining, too. This is one I’ll come back to.

[Grace Boloroo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simple way of a lesson to seek God more in our lives as an example of one dog.

[Elise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very quick and easy read but covers SO MUCH! Being a dog trainer it helped me see what my relationship with God should look like via the relationship the man had with his dog. Highly recommend.

[Poiema · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the author who is best known for his book A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23, this is a beautiful picture book about a dog who needs remediation because of previous abuse. The new master exercises patience and discipline to bring the dog round to trust and usefulness in tending sheep. The lessons are readily applicable; a child around 5th or 6th grade can appreciate the underlying principles. We used this book as a bedtime devotional, spreading it out a little at a time. I like that the spiritual truth is embedded in the parables rather than in-your-face preachy, which nearly all children reject. This book is worth searching out.

[forthefamilyssake Hailey White · Rating 2 out of 5]

Totally disappointed. As a believer I really wanted to love this book, like I did the children's version that I read first. I struggled between a 1 star and 2 star rating. For me the theology is bad. The author admits struggle on deep theology issues but ultimately makes his decisions based on the interaction with the dog instead of God's word. Overall a bit too fluffy and emotional. That being said the lessons from the sheep dog were good, which is why I love the children's version.

Read this with my reading partner Karen.

[Jennifer Priester · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really didn't like this book mainly because it seems to focus more on religion that it does the dog. The author's mentioning of his beliefs and other religion elements take up at least half, if not more, of the book and it is a short book to begin with. If you are religous this book would probably get a high review because the part about the dog is okay, but it doesn't feel as if the book is really focusing on the dog, at least to me.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was recommended by the NGJ magazine. It sounds good, can't wait to get a copy and read for myself.

This is on my list to read with Hailey but I just got my copy in the mail today and can't wait :).. 4/24/15


I have misplaced The Scarlet Letter so I read this instead. 5/1/15...

Read during morning time y12 Jacob 3 stars y10 Ellie....krb 4 stars 6/27/24

[Michaela · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF AT 22 PAGES

I expected to pick this book up to read a cute short story about a man and a dog, as border collies are one of my favorite breeds.

This book was awful! It was full of religious bullshit and hardly anything about the dog

I AM A CHRISTIAN. I LOVE JESUS. But this book had nothing written on it saying it would be filled with “follow and obey the lord”.

So disappointed.

[Therese · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fact that it had a dog on the cover is what initially drew my attention but it is the most beautiful analogy of why God wins our trust, teaches us and ultimately brings us into a relationship with Himself to the point where we become co workers with Him in His mission.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

slightly repetitive near the end but some great stories.

[Christian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very easy and lots of fun to see how Mr. Keller draws on examples from the life of his dog to give a better idea of our relationship with the Lord.

[Nonie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charming little book about what one man learned about how to relate to Jesus Christ though his newly acquired helper, his sheep dog Lass.

[Andrew Johns · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Must Read!

So much wisdom and encouragement in this quick read. If you are discouraged by all that is happening in the world right now, this book is a must read.

[Brenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A small book but such good reflections and lessons!