Sheepdogs usually work with flocks on farms. Daisy the Border Collie ended up somewhere far more unusual. Instead of working sheep, she now sits for artists at life drawing classes in Nottingham. The six-year-old dog was once expected to become a working sheepdog, but she showed no interest in sheep. Today, she appears at art sessions where participants sketch her as a canine model.
A Border Collie With a Different Role
Daisy is a Border Collie, a breed widely known for sheep herding. But Daisy showed no interest in sheep.
Her owner, Fiona Morris, rescued Daisy from a farm after being told the dog had no interest in sheep. Morris then gave Daisy a different life after learning she was not suited to sheepdog work.
Later, Daisy showed that she could stay calm around people in social settings. That trait led her to a very unusual role.
From Farm Dog to Drawing Class Star
In Nottingham, freelance artist Alix Barker runs an event called Dog Life Drawing. The class started about two years ago and gives artists a chance to sketch dogs instead of human models.
Barker has said the idea feels less intimidating for artists. Participants gather at Blend in Sneinton Market, where two or three dogs appear at each event while artists work through guided exercises on structure and form.
Daisy proved well-suited to the role. She sits calmly while people sketch her black-and-white markings. Her calm manner suits the sessions.
Organisers say a canine life model must be good with people and other animals. Daisy appears to fit that description well.
She also appears alongside other dogs such as Polli, a Havanese whose owner says she loves the attention.
More Than an Art Class
The drawing sessions attract dog lovers, artists, and students. Some people attend for the art. Others come for the chance to spend time around dogs.
Organisers keep the atmosphere light. Barker has said there is no judgement over the final artwork. Participants move through short exercises before drawing freely. At the end of each session, they share their artwork and give the dogs plenty of love.
The event also offers a social space that does not revolve around alcohol. Morris has said many people want ways to meet others without going drinking. The sessions aim to feel creative, social, and relaxing for dog lovers.
Students who live far from home also attend. Barker has said many miss their own dogs while studying away from home. The sessions give them time around dogs while they are away from home.
Some participants return to see which dogs appear each week.
Polli Joins the Spotlight
Another canine model, Polli the Havanese, also appears comfortable in the spotlight. Her owner, Megan Campe, moved to Nottingham from Germany in 2018 and brings the nine-year-old dog to the sessions.
Polli was once quite scared when she was younger. Over time, she grew more comfortable with cameras and studio settings because Campe studied photography at university.
Now Polli appears comfortably at the sessions while artists sketch her fluffy golden coat. Daisy also appears calm in the modelling role. She stays settled while participants sketch her.
Barker has said the dogs do not care what the drawings look like. If a sketch turns out messy, she has said the class can simply blame the dogs for moving.
That playful spirit helps make the sessions feel welcoming.
Daisy Wins Fans Online
Daisy’s unusual role caught attention online. The BBC story about her new life also appeared in the Reddit community r/UpliftingNews.
Many commenters reacted with warmth and amusement. Some joked that their own dogs would love such a role. Others shared friendly reactions and compared Daisy to their own pets.
A few readers debated whether animals should have “jobs” at all. Others pointed out that dogs have long worked alongside humans, including in herding roles.
Most readers simply enjoyed the story of a border collie who showed no interest in herding sheep and found a very different role.
An Unexpected Success
For Daisy, the move from sheepdog training to art model seems to suit her. At the sessions, she sits among friendly people who sketch her calm nature and striking appearance.
Instead of working sheep, she now relaxes at art sessions while artists draw her. What did not work on the farm has turned into something charming in the art room.
Daisy may never have become a sheepdog. In Nottingham, she found a place where being still, calm, and wonderfully herself was more than enough.
Featured Image Credit: Daisy_thekeepdog/Instagram
