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Lessons from a Sheep Dog: A True Story of Transforming Love
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.
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.
75 pages, Hardcover
First published November 30, 1982
167 people are currently reading
735 people want to read
About the author
W. Phillip Keller
76books120followersWeldon 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 180 reviews
December 6, 2024
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. ❤️ 🐕
Although redundant at times, this is a very sweet story. ❤️ 🐕
August 30, 2021
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
January 6, 2013
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.
May 13, 2024
A classic must-read for every believer!
May 28, 2017
Excellent!
December 1, 2010
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.
September 20, 2012
Such a great story and great lessons about Christ learnt by a man's faithful dog.
October 14, 2023
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.
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.
November 12, 2019
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.
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.
August 30, 2017
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.
April 30, 2024
"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.
Such a sweet story of a man and his loyal sheepdog, that is a minute reflection of our relationship to our Master.
December 26, 2021
Who saved who? The magical bond between a dog and its owner, linked with the relationship with God.
August 20, 2023
What an excellent and inspiring story. I read every page twice and I am tempted to start all over again.
January 2, 2025
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.
February 9, 2018
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.
April 3, 2018
Simple way of a lesson to seek God more in our lives as an example of one dog.
April 26, 2022
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.
June 5, 2013
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.
June 6, 2015
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.
Read this with my reading partner Karen.
April 13, 2016
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.
June 27, 2024
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
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
August 27, 2019
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.
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.
October 22, 2008
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.
June 9, 2009
slightly repetitive near the end but some great stories.
March 13, 2010
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.
June 20, 2011
Charming little book about what one man learned about how to relate to Jesus Christ though his newly acquired helper, his sheep dog Lass.
December 4, 2022
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.
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.
January 5, 2025
A small book but such good reflections and lessons!
December 30, 2018
Keller and his wife decide to become sheep farmers on a spit of land in British Columbia. From his experience farming with his father in South Africa, he realizes that he needs a sheep dog to help him manage his herd. He had an idea of what a great herder would be and found the physical attributes in a sheep dog that wasn't living in an environment that best suited his potential. Perhaps you feel that way from time-to-time as I do? Keller tells the current owner that he'll take the dog for 6 weeks but if it doesn't work out he'll return it; they agree and the dog growls at him all the way home. Keller tries to make him feel at home with a warm new kennel, kibble and some encouragement. The dog isn't interested in any of this, which frustrates Keller to the point where he gives up and releases the dog to figure out what he wants … the dog takes off but comes back to give Keller another chance at bonding. Keller brings the sheep closer and closer to the dog and slowly they figure it out and they become a bonded pair, teaching Keller patience and the dog, trust. Keller digs deep and explains this as being much like our relationship w/God … when we're working to our full potential all is right in the world, when we're lost we sometimes need to walk away to find ourselves and come back to the loving arms of our master.
June 19, 2019
W. Phillip Keller is best known for A Shepherd Looks at the 23rd Psalm, a classic. How I happened on this book, I'm not sure, but this is my third reading--and each reading has challenged my thinking and captivated my heart. Using his experiences with Lass, a border collie who had been mistreated by the wrong master, though she was meant for greater deeds, Keller quickly becomes aware of the parallels between his relationship with Lass and with his relationship with Jesus Christ. He says, "Lass taught me best what it really means to be utterly abandoned to the Master's purposes." As he watched Lass grow in ability, devotion, attentiveness, and loyalty, among other things, he made spiritual applications to his own life.
Each time I've read, I've seen myself in the life of Lass--and I've longed to become "utterly abandoned to the Master's purposes." A powerful story!
Each time I've read, I've seen myself in the life of Lass--and I've longed to become "utterly abandoned to the Master's purposes." A powerful story!
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