Rocking Dog Ranch

Scott Glen at Your Home!

2012-02-01T08:51:00.000-08:00

Well....on your computer in your home.......

Be sure to visit Sheepdog Training Courses and sign up for the free course offer!

It has been so much fun working with Scott and Jenny. Their commitment to the dogs and heart for wanting to see students learn and become better trainers and handlers is amazing. Here's to adventure....

Seize the Day!!!!!

Confessions and TMT: Two for One Post

2012-01-28T09:44:00.000-08:00

I sheared the pregnant ewes yesterday.....boy do they look nice...and VERY gravid! I put down fresh straw and also introduced a molasses lick.....all in an effort to help those bare-naked ladies with this crazy weather and overnight temps in the 20's!

Thursday came and the TMT challenge was this:

1. How do you search for and then choose a trainer?
2. The dog world is small and... uh... talkative. After choosing a trainer how do you handle those people in your life who don't believe in that trainer/trainers methods and criticize them to you?
3. Do you believe that a person's personal life should influence your choice of a trainer? (i.e do you believe a person's choice to be a party animal outside of work would affect your choice?)
4. When you have a break through moment with your dog, do you feel that moment makes your connection stronger with that dog and makes the next step in training easier?
5. Do you stick with just one trainer, or do you go to multiple sources for help?

All day long, as I over-thought about my answers to these questions...I kept hearing this voice in my head....

"and now, we interrupt this regularly scheduled program for this shameless plug"

Indeed...as co-CEO with Geri in our production company, Little Horse Mountain Productions....together we have helped trainers introduce their methods to the world. I've always hoped this would help folks not only learn, but sort through what style of training feels good to them and then seek these trainers out for the personal, one-on-one, live training we all need at some place in our journey.

Who would have thought, just 7 years ago, as I started my journey with an all-breed instructor and dabbled in arena trials with a rescue border collie, that my life would unfold as the wildest, most vivid, craziest dream of dreams come true. Working with the likes of Jack Knox, Patrick Shannahah, Scott Glen, Alasdair MacRae, Derek Scrimgeour...then moving into the cow dog world and having Shane Harley work with me and my girls.

Here is where TMT meets Confessions.......

I confess......

I have tried to keep my blog about my journey...dogs, sheep, ranch and those experiences that I believe all unfold to mold me into betterment if I am pliable and willing. As mentioned above, this journey is unfolding as I sit in amazement that it is my life! I die daily to the "if onlys"...as in, "if only I could train with _____" "if only I had more acreage" "if only I wore a size______" "if only I lived where my sheep live" "if only I had a dog like ________" (this list could go on and on) and find thanks for this journey, just as it IS unfolding. Thankful for the shepherd that calls to allow me and my dogs (that I am thankful for) to do some "real" work on the big acreage. Thankful for the friends that allow me to come and train on new sheep in new places, allow me a place to lie my head , break bread, and share hearts. Thankful that my place is small enough that I can leave for Canada with a couple weeks notice and thankful for friends who can take care of what I leave behind. Thankful for my mentors that speak truth to me for my betterment. Thankful for friends that allow me to over think and then dabble in that with me!

All this said, over the past year, I have been called a "name dropper"; I have been asked for input and had that input offend. I do love my dogs and if they are my best and only redeeming quality....so be it, at least I have a pack of redeeming qualities. LOL. I've vowed to myself, as I move forward, to exercise a little more discretion of my words and who I share them with...especially the words I value most for the relationships I treasure. I will keep my blog about my journey.....dog, sheep, ranch, adventures.....and remember that it is my journey and everyone else has their own journey that is suited to just them. I've also promised myself a long time ago that I would not use my blog to shame others or become an "authority". Instead, I hope that if somebody enjoys my blog or learns something through my experiences.....that is just darn right cool. Otherwise, I hope those who read me, do so to enjoy another take on life.

And NOW this has turned into TMI Saturday so I will end with this....

4) I cherish break-through moments with my dogs! I long for them. I've never assessed if they make my training easier because, over time, training has become more about the climb.

5) When I take personal one-on-one lessons with a clinician....a) I look for similar styles with the foundation of method I use when it comes to training my dogs b) I look for the styles of handling I admire and a deep respect in the knowledge of handling dogs for those I seek help with for my own handling. And I do indeed focus on one or the other at my lessons. I believe, for me, there is a difference between training a dog and handling a dog. I did not really understand that until last May....and now, that idea of handling is the foundation of a whole lot of over thinking: different handling for each dog, type of sheep, each dog on type of sheep, time of day....it's a fabulous way to go.

Seize the Day!!

Cool Day

2012-01-26T19:15:00.000-08:00

I had a really cool day today....Nell and I got asked to take 30 ewes and their single lambs on "walk-about", so to speak. I felt almost mature as I dropped two string electric fences, just as I had been taught, and then "learned" how to get 30 moms and their single lambs to go over that dropped electric fence. I kept reminding myself of the things I have learned about flock work over the past month. All about pressure and how you apply it.....letting the lead ewe have some time to figure out that fence was dropped.....patience baby! Nell thought waiting patiently was a bit boring and gave thought to making a fight with that one ewe with the curious lamb. We talked that idea through. Then she wanted to push when the lead ewe had started taking a few ewes with her into the new pasture. Instead we found it better to let them go and give them all time to sort out the two wires on the ground.

One of the pastures I had to trail the sheep through was that infamous field where Bella and I had left 217 yearling lambs behind. With rolling terrain and fencing that opened up behind a house (for goodness sakes) I can see how Bella did not get them all...darn it anyway! Thank God the shepherd had taken time to draw a map for my duty today, otherwise the sheep just might have ended up in the neighbor's flock! But no, I found the secret passageway into the single mom's housing, dropped another fence and wished them luck as they walked by.

I walked through two big fields today, one had been tiled for drainage, the other not. WOW! I am a believer in tile now. I've always considered putting it in at my place but the cost has been prohibitive. The amount of standing water when comparing the two fields was amazing. Not that the tiled field did not have any....just way less and very sporadic.

As I left the task that had been assigned, I raised each fence and walked back to the truck. It was a beautiful sunny day and my Nell had been a good partner. Working ewes with lambs is not the easiest of tasks and she is really starting to understand the differences in what is presented. Closer at hand, when it made sense, she had a nice little pull-in.....we have work to do with that on her outrun! Tomorrow my pregnant ewes are schedules to be sheared. This evening, I tucked them into the barn so they could be dry for the event. And I do believe the sun is planning on making an appearance.

Seize the Day!

Blah, Blah, Blah

2012-01-24T08:49:00.000-08:00

Okay, so we went from one of the mildest winters in history (pretty much) to one of the wettest! The flooding is ebbing, slowly, waiting for us to beg it not to go, as if we could somehow miss it. Then the skies open up, dismal dark grey rain comes down making it hard to tell the drops apart, and the floods come running back with open arms. Licking at the new rocks that have been arranged at the entrances of driveways that were washed away with the first visit. Tickling the edges of swollen creeks in anticipation of, yet again, slipping over and flowing with abandoned, merciless, gleeful, destruction of land and mood.

It could be so much worse, that I do know. My friends up north, without electricity for days on never ending days. Relying on Mother Nature’s cold shoulder to keep their provisions from going bad. Wind tipping over insecure trees, the trees that have no depth to their tap root but instead rely on an easy superficial root system that provides no security when storms of life hit.

Yes it is wintertime here in the valley. Hubby suggests maybe a tanning booth would be in order......me, I’m popping D from my Pez dispenser and am editing footage like the mad woman I am. Friday, according to the meteorologist that is batting .300 when it comes to accuracy and yet still gets paid, it is supposed to be sunny. I’ve got the woolly pregies slated for haircuts and every single truck collie scheduled for a spin on the yearlings. Hanging on to that dream.....

Seize the Day!

Only One

2012-01-19T17:37:00.000-08:00

Today is Thursday.....I'm only answering one of the questions for TMT today.

What is one lesson you have learned this week?

As the North West gets hit with crazy winter weather......we most certainly do find out who are friends are. The calls that were made this morning, concerns shared through facebook......friends checking on friends all in the name of standing in the gap and easing a hardship.

I took my camera with me as I drove to the ranch to feed and assess my situation. Penalty for being curious.....the creek that overflowed its bank came up to my running boards as I crossed. I pondered my AAA coverage and if they would bale me out if I were too daring....I bravely rolled on.

My little ranch is fine. My barn is nestled in at the bottom of a big hill, water that is flowing through it appears to be coming up through the cement foundation. Every time this happens I wonder how I might solve it for next time...do I need a french drain or is it just the fact my barn was not built well? My ranch used to be a dairy....so under the barn is a huge catch basin. It fills with rain and I, in turn, siphon the water out. Maybe one day I will buy a pump but a hose does the work for free. I started the siphon yet again today, although it was only 3/4 full, and hopefully can keep ahead of the skies.

I feel very fortunate today. I saw folks out helping each other fill sand bags, dig drainage ditches, while others gave moral support. Nothing like a brief, thoughtful phone call received while sweeping out the water from the barn to lift my spirits. My sheep are fine...all have shelter and dry hay from the loft above. Not sure how the lower kept alfalfa and straw will fair but nothing that money can't replace. All is safe, healthy and lambs are not due until early February.

Funny how my day started with a thoughtful post on facebook by the 10-7 Ranch shepherdess.......it caught my attention because is said "Don't Carpe Diem" and well, I am all about seizing the day....so I read it. This was an article about parenting and the writer, Glennon Melton's definition of Carpe Diem was "being in a constant state of intense gratitude and ecstasy" That is definately NOT my definition of seizing the day, but I read on....."I think parenting young children (and old ones, I've heard) is a little like climbing Mount Everest. Brave, adventurous souls try it because they've heard there's magic in the climb. They try because they believe that finishing, or even attempting the climb are impressive accomplishments. They try because during the climb, if they allow themselves to pause and lift their eyes and minds from the pain and drudgery, the views are breathtaking. They try because even though it hurts and it's hard, there are moments that make it worth the hard" I stopped and thought to myself...Bingo, that right there is my definition of seizing the day in life (parenting or otherwise, including running a sheepdog!). Lifting my eyes and seeing that breathtaking view.....even though life is hard or the run is hard or the work is hard or.....there are moments that make it all worth the hard! The article had a lot of fabulous nuggets...you can find it at PARENTS if you would like to enjoy it in its entirety.

Secretly, I knew all these things.....but it was such a fabulous gift to re-look at the idea of friends coming along side to share the breathtaking view that manifests as I choose the climb. I think I'll stick with my definition of Carpe Diem....'.lifting my eyes to appreciate the view regardless of how hard it becomes' while being thankful as I take the next step.

Seize the Day by Carolyn Arends

I know a girl who was schooled in Manhattan
She reads dusty books and learns phrases in Latin
She is an author, or maybe a poet
A genius, but it’s just this world doesn’t know it
She works on her novel most everyday
If you laugh she will say

Seize the day – seize whatever you can
‘Cause life slips away just like hourglass sand
Seize the day – pray for grace from God’s hand
Then nothing will stand in your way
Seize the day

Well I know a doctor, a fine young physician
Left his six figure job for a mission position
He’s healing the sick in an African clinic
He works in the dirt and writes home to the cynics
He says, “We work through the night so most everyday
As we watch the sun rise we can say….

Seize the day – seize whatever you can
‘Cause life slips away just like hourglass sand
Seize the day – pray for grace from God’s hand
Then nothing will stand in your way
Seize the day

I know a man who’s been doing some thinking
He’s as bitter and cold as the whiskey he’s drinking
He’s talking ‘bout fear, about chances not taken
If you listen to him you can hear his heart breaking
He says, “One day you’re a boy and the next day you’re dead
I wish way back when someone had said….

Seize the day – seize whatever you can
‘Cause life slips away just like hourglass sand
Seize the day – pray for grace from God’s hand
Then nothing will stand in your way
Seize the day

Well one thing I’ve noticed wherever I wander
Everyone’s got a dream he can follow or squander
You can do what you will with the days you are given
I’m trying to spend mine on the business of living
So I’m singing my songs off of any old stage
You can laugh if you want – I’ll still say….

Seize the day – seize whatever you can
‘Cause life slips away just like hourglass sand
Seize the day – pray for grace from God’s hand
Then nothing will stand in your way

Seize the Day!!

M&M

2012-01-16T07:55:00.000-08:00

Monday & Minimal:

Gyp meets cow work

Taking a heel nip

Sorting it out from the head

I love her heart

Thank you, Shane Harley Stock Dogs.

Seize the Day!!!!

TGI Thursday!

2012-01-12T19:49:00.000-08:00

Yes indeed.....it is Thursday again and I can just scoot on over to Crooks and Crazies for my writer's inspiration. Buckle your seat belt babay....here we go.

Oh, Monique's favorite topic to discuss with me.
1. Stopping your dog - what do you prefer? On their feet? On their belly? Some combination?

A: What stop?

2. At what point do you start teaching this?

A: From the moment they get on sheep they learn "What Stop?"

3. Do you have a favorite dog? I won't tell.

A: I have a fondness for Monique's Rye & Jenny Glen's guard dog, Alaska (I almost brought her home as my souvenir!)....and I AM a six pack in (plus a little) on Lana's Mint. I do love my Nellie Bellie but Miss Gyp thinks she is my fav. I guess I have to admit....I really love each of them in their own way. I am down in the State of Jefferson getting ready to do some cow dog filming, meet to discuss my admission to the Loony House (oh I mean meeting for the finals), and participate in a winter "fun" sheepdog trial. I left Snook home. She did not get to go to Canada either. When it is really cold....all the dogs sleep in the back end of my new Rocking Dog Mobile with a heater and I'm afraid Snook would die in her sleep, sleeping on the front seat. So she will stay home till the weather turns to spring. I felt so darn guilty leaving her.....she introduced me to my addiction....I owe her! Life with guilt....

4. What is the #1 thing a dog can do to push your buttons?

A: When they won't take my lie down, just like I taught them!

5. Brrrrr... it's winter. What is your favorite soup recipe?

A: I really like Campbell's Tomato Soup made with milk, not water, with toasted cheese sandwiches.

Thanks Laura for all the inspiration! I so missed you. Welcome back!!!!

Seize the Day!

Pre-game Stretch

2012-01-06T09:09:00.000-08:00

So Laura over at Crooks and Crazies is at it again....thank goodness! She has brought back Tell Me ~~All Your Dirty Little Secrets~~ Thursday or TMT to her cult followers and well, I need to stretch a bit and warm up to baring my soul, so to speak.

1. What is your favorite new toy? I know you have one, so you might as well go on and fess up. This question makes me laugh....bwahahahahaha!

2. If you're going to be caught under the mistletoe, who would you LEAST like it to be with? I have no creativity hence I will go back to stretching.

3. New Year's Resolutions - for your dogs - share!
*Put Gyp on whistles
*Put a look-back on Bella (instead of looking back and giving me the thumbs-up,"Yes, I see the sheep back there")
*polish out some finer details with Miss Nell
*shed, shed, shed, shed, shed, single, single, shed, shed! And a fourth shedding clinic if needed!

4. New Year's Resolutions - for yourself - share!
*master the shed
*refine new business (it is bursting with excitement right now and I've got my seat belt buckled as this is going to be one exciting year for sure!)
*continue focus on health

5. How did you handle the holiday food situation?
*with some Christmas cookies but NO fudge

I'm still working on my dream board......dreams are such a personal journey....to be shared with dream catchers and other dreamers. I do have to confess, I have done vision board/dream boards for four years now. It is so fun to go back and look at what dreams have come true! Especially the dreams that I have had to let go of or not over-tend.....but just happened because I dreamed them. And of course there are those other dreams that are more goal oriented and need attention paid to every bite, of time or otherwise....the go-getter dreams. For me, my journey with my dogs is a little of both.....and that is my biggest goal for the coming year.....knowing when to let go and knowing when to buckle down.

A friend reminded me the other day to keep to the tasks that make my heart sing.
Training and trialing my dogs
Helping my friends with their dogs
The Business (which is tied to training and trialing my dogs and helping my friends with their dogs...isn't that a lovely irony)
and pretty much all the other shiny things are distractions. And as another good friend always reminds me.....that bag of "distractions" is not mine unless I pick it up!

So yet again, here's to 2012!!!! Bring it on and always.....

SEIZE the DAY!

Trailing Sheep

2012-01-03T08:31:00.000-08:00

Maybe "driving down the road with sheep" would be a better title....cause that is exactly what we did yesterday. Naughty Nell....gathered the lambs...it took two sends to get her out and around all of them. I could cleverly 'excuse' that she must have thought she was at a trial...only bringing 6 the first send. But the speed in which she brought them and the lack of recognition to a whistle, voice command or correction left any clever excuse dead on my lips. I ran up the field and Nell and I had a chat....but quiting was not an option for the day....so Nell got sent again. Nell must have found her listening ears laying amongst the grass tufts, that and her snappy stop.

Once the lambs were gathered, I jumped in the truck and ran block for the drive. A truck went ahead....the shepherd drove the flock, me and trusty Red brought up the rear guard. I kept thinking, life really is a country song...."If you don’t like the way I’m a drivin’ get back on the interstate otherwise sit tight and be nice and quit yer honkin’ at me that way".

Be to the fact we are not in the State of Jefferson...we had quite a bit of traffic. One lady had her phone out her window snapping pictures as the sheep folded around her and kept on their merry way. All the people were very courteous and patient and stopped and waited for the flock to get by...I was very glad to be driving a truck and not a dog.

I went back to my place and worked on a few stops with all the girls. Seems like the big flock work loosens stop....or it might be the handling of the dogs on the big flock. To finish the day, I watched a few of my favorite handler's runs from the 2011 Finals DVDs I just got in the mail. And yes, I started my list of training I need to add or polish.

Welcome 2012......

Seize the Day!

Good Bye 2011

2011-12-31T19:32:00.000-08:00

This week I have felt like the luckiest girl in the world. Christmas was very very good....having the family home and wanting to be. Then.....I've shared since the first months of working Ms. Snook on sheep 7 or so years ago....I've always dreamed of the big field gather off a huge field of rye grass right there by I-5.

Tuesday brought a full day of this type of work....true confession......there was good work and not-so-good work....but it was work! Gathering a field of 400 near term ewes then moving on to gather yet another field of 600 or so of the same. The second field had a couple ewes with lambs at their side, complicating the gather, along with a lot of terrain. I feared after the not-so-good, I would never be called again....and yet the rain made for necessity and ewes and lambs requiring evacuation...beggars can't be choosers thank goodness.

I followed the sheep guys with the trailer to the field sending the SOS. We drove through about three of these, each time me cursing the lead truck. They assured me later that, since there was little current....we were safe!

It was a very eerie feeling driving through the lake....water everywhere. Needless to say, once the ewes and new born lambs were gathered.......I took a different route home!

Today, I sent the old year out with yet again more dog work.

Nell is really starting to shine working for me. She is trusting me and I her. This morning, amidst a bit of fog, we gathered a field and then drove them on to a beautiful new growth grass field.

Watching the ewes as they drifted out onto the new field was just darn right breath taking.

Bella had a go with some ewes back at the main ranch. She has been loosing her head and choosing not to be a team player a little on the big flock work so I was glad to be able to get a hold of her with the flatter field.

The last of the work did not bode so well for me today. I was to help gather about 350 lambs and push them across a little creek, then over a road into a new grazing field. The gather went splendid but the lambs would not cross the creek. Nor would they cross the dropped electric fence. I ended up working Bella and Nell together trying to create more push and well, it got very exciting. We called uncle and I learned a really good lesson today.....just as with trialing, real work does not always go as planned! The sheep foreman started telling me stories of other days that had not gone well, and, it felt good to laugh...even the best sheep men need to "know when to hold 'em and know when to fold 'em"

One of my goals for 2012 is to learn a little bit more about sheep. I am thankful to these sheep guys for giving me that opportunity to learn! I hear their lambing barn calling my name and am hoping for some time to go give an obstetric hand in the coming weeks.

I gave hubby Grace for Christmas. He loves her so....and she him. She gets all goo goo eyed and whiny when he walks in the door every single night. He is training her to go mountain biking with him and she seems to be loving it. He did whisper in her ear that she could continue her sheepdogging....but only when he did not need her. A boy and his dog......

As the final sentences are added to the very last page of 2011.......I continue to listen to the lessons learned and reflect on all the blessings that came my way. Tomorrow starts the new book of 2012....the clean, bright page ready to begin to capture the latest adventures in a life well lived. Happy New Year everyone!

Seize the Day!

Dream vs Fantasy

2011-12-29T08:40:00.000-08:00

It is indeed that time of year for me......the spare moments are filled with review of 2011. Last year I made a pretty darn comprehensive vision board

which included goals such as: find three fields to haul out to for practice; qualify Sally to run at the 2011 National Finals; create an on-line training course. Now as I sift through the year I see how these dreams played a huge role in how my life unfolded. I did indeed find three fields to haul out to but need to get permission from the owners of two.....I have one field at this time. I did not qualify Miss Sally to run at the finals this year.....we did come close but no cigar. And much to my thrill of witnessing a dream come true, along side a friend, I did indeed create an on-line training course to help people just like myself get better at training sheepdogs, regardless of where they live.

Since the vision board was so comprehensive and BIG stuffed with dreams that might take a while to actually see come to fruition, I've decided this year to use the same vision board and fill in the details a little more, change some to be more specific, and add new dream pictures to put over the dreams I've decided to let go of. As I sort and challenge myself to dig deeper and raise the bar, I've been listening to some Dreamers talk, share and motivate. One speaker shared...the difference between a dream and a fantasy.......fantasy being something filled with "whens" and "if onlys" and "shoula coulda woulda's"....while dreams are are nurtured in the heart and grown out of intention, conscious and unconscious decisions, faith, and belief. I choose to be a dreamer!

Being an over thinker I am ruminating over the whys of my dreams right now......last week TMT asked "why do you trial?" and that got me thinking about why the heck I do any of what I do? One very successful woman, when asked what her greatest struggle is, said, "my voice." When I heard that I instantly thought, WOW Really? Her too? That voice, the one inside that says "you are not good enough", "you will never get this", "you are too________".....that very same voice that gets stronger when fed by insecure others that make it their business to attend to any business but their own. It was very freeing to hear her admit that struggle and then hear some of how she deals with that voice to free the truth belief voice to take over.

Here is what I know.....I am a passionate do-er......I want to dream big and leave fantasy out.......money might be a motivator but having a greater purpose is what drives me-FIND THAT PURPOSE......I need to surround myself with people who believe.....if I learn from them, my disappointments will make me stronger.....I will keep my eyes on my journey, share the journey with those who are honest and game, and allow others their journey....I must be true to myself......and always

Seize the Day!

Merry Dog-like Christmas

2011-12-25T11:33:00.000-08:00

Today is Christmas. I am not sure why this one day can be surrounded and filled by so much obligatory expectation. Jorgen over at Strider, Mereckx and Ben asked Why do you like dogs? And I answer with......

Dogs live in the now......

Dogs cheer what others might see as the mundane....

Dogs enthusiastically live the day.....

Dogs might not always listen...but they do when it counts most....when a heart is breaking or is filled with jubilation....they listen....

Dogs don't care if the house is clean, if there is dog hair in the food, if the truck is muddy, nor do they care about Christmas decorations.....

Dogs don't keep record and rarely hold a grudge.......

Dogs love unconditionally.....

Today, I wish you a Merry Dog-like Christmas.

Seize the Day!!!!

Work

2011-12-23T21:22:00.000-08:00

The shepherd skipped town...who could blame him. New Zealand would be a nice place to visit for Christmas especially if there were family longing to see flesh and blood in person. Of course it is summer there, a different view of the Christmas glass.

When the shepherd is away, the mice get to play. The ranch owner being dog-less and maybe a little soft of heart. Okay that can't be it....desperate might be a better word. The ranch owner, being dog-less and desperate, called me. Me, well, I've dreamed of these days.

After a successful ewe gather with Nell, Bella drew the lambs. Lambs, the death of my best laid plans. Not terribly flocky, nor a leader amongst them. One of the most incredible scenes I have been witness to is a whirlpool of lambs...circling, circling...whilst the center lambs hold firm. Lemmings following blindly needing a confident dog intervention.

The ranch owner might be a prankster.....or my Bella might have forgotten to count. Be that as it may, I got a second chance at yet another fine day of "real" dog work...bringing in the left overs, or the whoopee cushions....whatever really happened I took it and gave Miss Nell the Christmas gift of lambs after her mature sheep gather of two days ago.

Today was a 4-wheeler kind of day......not so much of a work out for me but a necessity as the day was leaning towards Christmas Eve day.

The field was gathered, the lambs driven into the sorting barn, the count as it should be at the end of the day.

"And I, I took the road less traveled by.....and that has made all the difference."

Seize the Day!!!!

Winter Solstice

2011-12-22T07:56:00.000-08:00

The days are going to start getting longer....and that, my friends, is something to celebrate! Insert Snoopy Happy Dance Music.

The week I took off from my routine life to visit Disney Land the 2nd....I mean, Canada.....has left me chasing my tail for Christmas preparations. We sat down as a family and went over traditions that have meaning for each of us....and those will stay and be honored. The rest have been stored in the attic for next year. I'm hoping this year is filled with surprise as some of the expectations are released and we can embrace the day as it unfolds.

This past week saw the processing of lambs at the ranch. Generally, I butcher in early November but this year I was a little late. I always feel a bit of heavy responsibility as we butcher lambs, all of which are done right at the ranch. The folks who come and buy year after year, and the new folks who are beginning to see the value of farm rasied/farm killed lamb add to my goal of making the sheep help pay for my passion. Although I have to admit....I feel a heaviness of heart as I clean and bury the remnants of the week's work. Life is not to be taken for granted. My friend Elissa from Magnolia Farms captured the essence of what my heart feels.....

The Perenial Plate

Happy Winter Solstice!

Seize the Day!!!!

Theory....An Over-Thinker's Paradise

2011-12-13T11:47:00.000-08:00

While in Canada, I was reminded that I have not "trained" much with Scott Glen. "Trained" in the fashion of starting a young dog , laying a foundation and building the dog from the start with Scott's unique vision. My journey with sheepdogs, with a focus on USBCHA trials, began with Patrick Shannahan. A few years later, I met Jack and Kathy Knox and I would say that those three people and their methods are the foundation for my training style. I have indeed taken a few (okay THREE) shedding clinics and a handler's clinic with Scott, in addition to some private lessons.....all of which the topic was my handling of my dogs....with a few discussions on training thrown in for good measure. Though I heard the training insight, I never really understood what was being shared or the importance of the training's application.

When I start a new video project, the months and days before the first "roll" are filled with anticipation and excitement. Much like starting a new book that has received rave reviews....the first line unfolding into a paragraph; the words tasty morsels.......that is exactly how I feel as I slip the headphones over my ears the first morning and tiptoe quietly into the world of a person and their thoughts, just as they occur, while a dog finds its inner calling and begins to understand. I often find myself lost in the moment...amazed at the crisp picture of the dog and sheep...unedited words describing what the sharp eyes of the reviewer is seeing. Lost in the dance as it unfolds....trainer to dog...dog to sheep.....the whys and hows and what ifs all bringing forth understanding and confidence.

I can't help but stumble out of my trance and find myself changed a little, looking for some of what I saw through the trainer's eyes, while working my own dogs. As I left my 10+ hours of filming behind me, I headed into a couple of lessons with Scott, me personally seeing my dogs just a little more clearly then I did when I had arrived. Both lessons, one with Nell and one with Gyp, were discussions on handling but the thrown in training made so much more sense to me. I will confess much of my lessons were discussion about my "stop" and how I use them while running Nell. Gyp is pretty much a clean slate right now.....I've not addressed "feel" or "method" much with her. I was fascinated working her with a little bit different style of training while Scott talked me through what I was seeing.

I'm home now...although it looks like the crisp cool weather grabbed hold of my bumper and caught a ride with me. I've spent some quiet time thinking over methods of training dogs: similarities, radical differences, styles of dogs, end results. Scott's parting words from my Gyp lesson were something along the lines of "it would not be good for a dog to be trained in one method one month and switched around to another method another month." There are many great and successful methods to training up a dog...as proven by all the top handlers that train different from each other and yet their dog's work great. The secret to success is consistency, understanding, and accurate assessment of the dog's response, or lack there of, to the training. I'll continue to sort and weed and plant as I find my own method of training.....while being thankful for the help of those graciously willing to invest and believe in me and my dogs.

Seize the Day!

In Other News

2011-12-12T07:34:00.000-08:00

Due to the fact that I was on anther planet for a week and lost total track of time......I missed posting THIS!!!!

COFFEE WITH A CANINE

Enjoy!

Seize the Day!!!!

Hello Kitty Strikes Again!

2011-12-09T19:20:00.000-08:00

Yes indeed, Jenny Glen is the newest inductee into the Hello Kitty Stock Stick Society! Clever Jenny has matching boots! I'm just a tad jealous. I feel a whole line of Hello Kitty accessories coming on.....with all this enthusiastic HKSSS input.

Tomorrow wraps up what has turned into a really fabulous vacation of sorts.

Hello World

Seize the Day!!!!!

Alta Pete Farm

2011-12-07T16:42:00.000-08:00

I headed out real early Monday morning, can't say bright and early because the sun was smart and still resting behind the mountains. I grabbed a friend in George, Washington and continued my adventure all the way to Alberta, Canada and a visit the Scott and Jenny Glen.

Today, we began our work......

...my girls LOVE the snow. I feel like the little boy in The Christmas Story...."I can't put my arms down!" Despite the adventures with Mother Nature....I am having so much fun. I'll be back with more pictures.....

Seize the Day!

I'm Outta Here!

2011-12-03T19:21:00.000-08:00

I'm so very excited......I'm packing my clothes and loading the truck.....heading out Monday morning bright and early to Canada! I'm excited and nervous and can't stop checking the list of things to take..... over and over. I went to Cabela's to get some winter necessities...now my feet might stay a little warmer. I'm going with a friend and two of her dogs...thank goodness, because if she wasn't going I might chicken out. Passport...check. Rabies certificates....check. I'm hoping to blog a bit while I'm there but who knows.....I just might be having too much fun to blog. Or my hot spot might not work. I'll be back...with fun stories full of adventure and learning I am sure. Watch out, Canada....here I come!

Seize the Day!

Really?! Tell It To Me........

2011-12-01T09:43:00.000-08:00

Laura over at Crooks and Crazies started this cool "Tell Me Thursday" event a while ago...and a bunch of blogging friends joined in telling their deepest secrets to Laura weekly. Whenever I had blogger's block, I knew TMT would get me going again. Laura recently went into early TMT retirement and I was excited to see eyeherdewe launch a Tuesday event, which has come and gone. Yet people continue blogging their answers to the questions hanging out in Internet space. I've been looking for some profound, heady, zen/Buddha/ninja type of over-thinker's question...and all I could come up with was this. This one question that was a topic of discussion at a recent trial......

WHAT WOULD YOU NEVER NAME YOUR NEXT DOG????
and why?

For me, I would never name my next dog: Tucker, Debit or Itch.

Not that any of those names are not nice names.....I know a few very nice Tuckers and Debits....however, I sometimes yell my dog's name up the field to them from the post so many hundreds of yards away. I know how Tucker (yelled in my voice) would sound, echoing through the valley at say Big Willow. And probably the preface of "listen here you little mother" would only add to the Tucker name misunderstanding from a judge. Same with the "gawd" that might happen before the Debit or the "you little" before an Itch.

For me, I will stick with the safer, more traditional names.

Seize the Day!

I Like It, I Love It, I Want Some More Of It.....

2011-11-28T17:39:00.000-08:00

The last trial of the Willamette Valley Sheepdog Trifecta was on Saturday. I'm very sad to see this series come to an end.....but what a group of trials it was!

There was a lot of camaraderie and friendship being shared...

a lovely fire to keep warm while watching.....

a very nice field......

some fabulous dogs.....

a few challenging sheep....

a very good judge.....

a gracious hostess

and at the end of the day... there were the winners.......

Judge Jo Ferguson, Lynn Johnston, Ian Caldicott, Elissa Thau, Laura Vishoot
Jesse & Joe Kid

Ian Caldicott and his Joe Kidd were the champions yet again this year. Lynn Johnston and Jesse were the reserve.

I really had a great time....I just love running three open dogs! I could go on and on with all the over-thinking I took away from my runs! Each of them so different and yet a common theme showing up with each that is challenging how I view my handling. I managed to achieve one of my personal goals in not touching my brass whistle once. I do confess I thought about it on all three runs and most especially on Nell's! For all the discipline, I have a blister on my top lip and I know I need to work on the nuances of these finger whistles...especially the quiet side as I have the loud whistles down!

It is time to begin the December journey through my goals of 2011.....sorting out what dreams lie ahead for 2012!

Seize the Day!!!

Black Friday, RDR Style

2011-11-25T17:06:00.000-08:00

It's Black Friday, and while others are waking up in tents in front of Best Buys.....I decided I would have my own little Black Friday Fun...ala Rocking Dog Ranch style.

How fun would it be for my friends and I to play a little game...one I learned down at the Border Collie Training Center...which of course is on a much bigger scale down there because all the dog work is bigger down there!

Denise and Brite stood in one corner.....

Adele and Jill in another corner....

And I was mid-field with Grace....

We practiced gathers off each other.

I loved how the day played out. We used lambs which really showed each of us how our dogs were doing. It was also interesting to watch the dogs sort out lifting off a person and another dog. We ended the day by doing a few outruns out of the draw without anybody holding.

After Denise and Adele left, I worked the rest of the girls. Shedding with Bella, Nell and Sally and then doing some flock work with Gyp. Then Nell and I wormed the lambs and Snook helped me clean a few stock tanks.

I would way rather spend my Friday after Thanksgiving out working dogs. Of course I did not get any holiday shopping done but heck....I still have one whole month till Christmas!

Seize the Day!

Giving Thanks.....

2011-11-24T15:57:00.000-08:00

I love Thanksgiving; it is a day where materialism is absent and sorting through all that I am thankful for centers me. I love having my boys home and am very glad they want to come home! I enjoy cooking the turkey dinner....taking orders from my husband and the boys as to what they want to eat for the day. Since the beginning of our family, we have made it a tradition to step away from any hectic holiday stress and go see a newly released movie in the theatre on Thanksgiving day. It really is a special day.

Today, as the turkey cooked...I zipped out to the ranch to do my chores. While there, I took inventory of my farm life thanks.

I am so very thankful to have a little place of my very own. I'm thankful for a flock of hearty ewes, some bred, and lambs with hay in the loft to feed them, shelter that they seem to love, and a very good guard llama.

I'm thankful to be able to raise lambs for friends....giving them the gift of fabulous tasting farm grown lamb raised and butchered in the best way possible.

I'm thankful for good neighbors that help whenever I'm in desperate need and allow me to graze my sheep on their lovely field.

I'm even thankful for my chickens....funny little critters!

I'm also thankful for my barn cat...she who was hit by a car 5 years ago and chose my barn to recover in. Barn cat, who keeps me company during winter lambing and actually does keep a few mice away.

All this because of that one August day 7 years ago....when I took Miss Snook out for an "instinct test" and my life has never been the same!

Grace

Gyp

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

Seize the day!!!!

E:60 Junkie

2011-11-19T18:51:00.000-08:00

I don't watch much TV. When I do, my all time, hands down favorite show is

E:60

E:60 is produced by ESPN news and covers a way different side to competition. Over and over, there are stories about "athletes" that have over-come....be it environmental as it was with the basketball player who's mom kept the gang away so her son could go on to play at the college level; physical as with the Vietnam Veteran who is an at-the-knee double amputee that golfed 18 holes at St. Edwards; the long distance runner who was diagnosed with leukemia and attempted to run all the way across Canada;or the story I linked, an emotional one about an 8 year old boy that participates in triathlons with his younger brother that has Cerebral Palsy. Of course ESPN mixes in stories that make your hair stand on end, or behind the scenes with a famous athlete, or stories about "what ever happened to such and so"...but it is always the stories about "over coming" that bring awe along with cheers and a bit of a tight throat fighting a few tears.

My first thought is always...WOW! they have overcome so much. Then I can't help but wonder.....what makes some people dig deep and become so much more than what their handicap/challenge should allow? I ponder, why do some never get beyond their handicap/challenge? And why do some, without a handicap to be had, become stuck in boredom and apathy. Is it a gene, personality trait, circumstance, up-bringing, faith, luck, support from others, discipline, stick-to-it-tiveness, desire, visualization, Law of Attraction...what is do these over-comers have inside them, even as young as 8!? How do I grab a hold of some of that "what" to move beyond excuse to become more than a survivor but one who seizes the day and lives the dream.

For me, watching these stories unfold inspires me; encourages me to forge ahead all the while keeping my challenges in perspective. Recently, I received and email that said, "Decide to be one of those people who pull it off!" and that is a very good decision!

Seize the Day!

A Time to Learn

2011-11-18T10:24:00.000-08:00

Winter trials are a learning time for me. I feel the freedom to step back and try some new ideas without the pressure I put on myself to "make" them work. I love looking at the communication relationship and sorting what is working, what is not working, and what I might want to add. Though Nell wondered what "ridiculous" meant at Boo & Baa, personally I am trying to loose the nonsense and blather.

This past weekend was a real nice winter trial at Magnolia Farms. The sheep were a uniform group of lambs....some worked, some never worked...but sorted so each dog got a little of each. The field was not huge...but was loaded with complications that must be address. Dog-legged fetch, changing draws, and a bit of terrain...plus shed/pen/single if a person got that far. The judge was a good one, for sure!

Sally was feeling fine and certain she did not need no stinkin' handler. I walked. I loved my Nell.....always will. She is trying really hard for me so now I need to adjust me. I am most certainly a work in progress. I played with some ideas that came from my Scott lesson and liked the result.... though my Nell was a little confused in the change in me...I'll stick with the change as I work with her to help build it into how we run.

Having recently moved Bella to open, a couple of ideas stick in my brain. One is that she is doing pretty well and though sometimes she reverts back to a little tension, she is settling down just as quick. The second is that she is learning and needs freedom to experience time and miles. Last year, Nell gripped out twice on lambs at the regionals. Now a full year later, after providing plenty of experience, she has learned to work them. I (and my friends) remind myself to not get upset with imperfection....give Bella room to learn. Third is my confession from the shedding clinic, I did not introduce Bella to shedding with a good concrete foundation...hence her shed needs to go back to basics. I felt these lambs were a good challenge to shed....especially because of the whole lamb experience on the course. No excuses from me, the shed did not end well...but I could see the progress in our relationship as there was no tension grip and she did come through. What I did see was a dog that was trying to understand but was in over her head and a handler that should have set it up a little better for success on a new-to-open dog. I also was pretty happy with myself for not yelling at her while she was in over her head. That, to Bella, is like gasoline on a small match.....the ending might have been much different in a tragic sort of way.

I am thankful for the winter trials....I walk away with a box of ideas on how to present information to my dogs, in as many ways as I can creatively come up with, to sort out training and build effective communication. For Bella, we will continue with the shedding program and add in some close, tight fence work. I'll continue to work her on lambs when given the opportunity but I won't make her binge on them. I'll keep to my goal of a tension free dog and continue assessing, not only what needs work between us, but also celebrating what is working well and the improvements that have been made along the way. I will also push myself to make sure I am seeing the journey with absolute truth....not glamorising the bad nor diminishing the progress....nor putting judgement value to either side but being good with what it is. Ninja/Zen/Jedi at its best.

Seize the Day!

Why Did the Chicken Cross the Road?

2011-11-16T16:04:00.000-08:00

Because the lady who lived on the other side of said road is a softy to the core and needs serious counseling for hoarding and codependency! When these chickens moved in...I did everything I could to get them to go back to where they came from.

I called their home on the other side of the road, I shooed them off my place onto the side of the road hoping they would cross back, I tried very hard not to care when chicks went missing or midnight carnage occurred from the pesky raccoon that thought the chickens crossed the road to make for an all-you-can-eat buffet. Then I snapped....yes sirree....I went out and bought myself a chick coop, off Craig's List no less. I then put up my poultry electro-net from Premier, my good neighbor friend came and made the coop a little less drafty and wa la.....I've now got chickens.

Here is the mama hen:

and one of her two hen babies that are more teenagers:

I've got the coolest hen house with three nesting boxes. They have a place to roost at night....plenty of food and water....I toss them COB every day to keep them happy with things to do. Shhh don't tell anybody but I kind of like them. My only wish is......I wish I could have been there the night the raccoon tried to climb the fence and got his hiny shocked! That would have made this whole adventure priceless! Here's to fresh eggs come what spring.

Seize the Day!

To Shed or Not to Shed.....

2011-11-15T12:23:00.000-08:00

I had the most splendid opportunity to take, yet for the third time, a shedding clinic with Scott Glen. Did I mention this was my third one? The good news is...I "think" I am getting better. I did not get made fun of once...well, at least not to my face. That is a good start!

The host of the clinic was Fido's Farm; lovely setting with a choir of colorful, leafy melody being sung in the back drop of a nice sized field. Chris, the owner of Fido's Farm, saved some scrumptious lambs for us to shed, which encouraged success as they would split and allow for the beginning dog to come through.

Chris makes a plan with Scott

I moved Bella to open on a whim of a cancelled non-compete open run. I confessed that I had not done a lot of foundation work with my shed and thus had created confusion in my dog. Bella has been able to get the shed done but with lack of good form and understanding....leaving us to not get our shed as often as hearing a "good". Scott took us back to the basics, breaking it down for me in a clear and concise fashion. Funny story....at the end of the day, Scott put a timer on me and started counting down to add pressure. Why? Well he told me I was over thinking....and the crowd burst into laughter! Me, over thinking? No WAY! WHAT EVER!

Nell has had the opportunity to work with Scott before in shedding. She is a pretty tidy little shedder and covers my hinny a LOT!!! That said, Scott was able to see a little something that had been nagging my brain and gave me a good plan on addressing that nag. We are also heading into better understanding for the International shed. I think Nell gets frustrated with me letting the sheep go and not understanding that is the plan.

Chris getting a very nice shed

In addition to the clinic, I was able to take a few private lessons with Scott. I love how the three individual slots turned into the very same "idea" over and over and over, from different angles. I'm still chewing on all that was presented and how it applies to each dog. "Precision" and "meticulous" are words I'm defining, and sorting application of, to my training and handling.

The most exciting part of the days at Fido's Farm was the kick off to the new adventure that Scott and Jenny Glen have agreed to join in with Little Horse Mountain Productions. Quite a little bit of filming was accomplished and now Geri and I begin the journey of capturing and editing and polishing this adventure to share!

Now if I could just find a way to sneak my Hello Kitty stock stick into the footage......hmmm. Might need some girl help with this.

Seize the Day!!!!

CAUGHT!!!

2011-11-14T07:57:00.000-08:00

Just got off the phone....THE DOG HAS BEEN CAUGHT! What a fabulous way to start the day! I'm so thankful that the dog is alive and well, if not stinky and very thin.

I can only imagine what adventures that boy had.....but now, back to civilization!

Tiny miracles......

Seize the Day!!!

Without A Picture

2011-11-13T10:08:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine has lost a dog. The kind of lost that can be found if the dog were willing to be caught. I feel her pain deeply. A few years back, I borrowed a little Aussie from a friend thinking I would put some time on it and experience an Aussie. A few tiny mistakes on my part had the dog slipping out into the wild world under the tiny opening of my garage door. I told my son, "I'd be back when I found her and no sooner". I think I aged 10 years that day. The family I borrowed her from came and we split up looking. Funny thing was, she had not gone far. Once she heard a familiar voice she was caught and taken home and my days of Aussie training ended as their truck drove off.

I had a spare day on my hands and needed to take Geri some business items...so I loaded the car with dogs, cooked up a 1/2 pound of bacon, bought a rotisserie chicken and off I went to help my friend. Now I had no illusions that I was going to work any miracle that all her other dog friends could not work. I just thought maybe a new scent of food might bring in a hungry boy...it used to work at my house all the time. Start a fabulous dinner....boys would show up....food was eaten.... plates licked clean! Boys will be boys.

I met my friend mid morning and another of her friends came along. We shared phone numbers and then all headed out in different directions from the place the dog was last sighted. Finally, the UPS driver called and said he had spotted the dog in a field far from where we were looking. The three of us girl scouts jumped in our rigs and headed to the rendezvous site......sure enough....my friend, who had arrived first, had spotted the dog way out in a big field, hanging out. Our hopes were high as we split up.....bacon was doled out and I kept the chicken. I took Nell, Gyp and Grace with me and kept giving them treats off the carcass...hoping that boy dog would join the pack and come for the best smelling treat he had ever smelled.

My friend kept watch as the two of us trackers took off, heading out I bet a quarter of a mile to come round the back side of the dog. Me, with my three dogs, big black plastic platter with a rotisserie chicken on it, cell phone tucked under my ear so I could be talked in to the exact spot of the dog. Crossing through barbed wire fences while balancing the chicken that all my dogs were willing to fight for. There was a little ridge in the field, one that kept me from seeing the dog from my view. The voice on the phone kept me coming and just as I got to where I might have seen him, might have thrown him a bite of my tasty lure, might have sat down and just taken the pressure off.....that darn dog went into flight. He took off through the field, stopping when told to lie down, looking back towards me and pausing. But getting up again to continue the flight. While balancing the chicken between my arm and my body, I slipped my fingers into my mouth and blew the dog's recall whistle. And surprise to me and my three girls....up over the ridge came a coyote girl...startled beyond crazy eye popping startled to find a person and three dogs and not the chicken she was hoping to take home with her. She was so close I could have leaned to touch her and she jumped my Gyp who was at the end of the chicken handout line. We all just about shrieked and then I knew......

When it comes to the male gender...food takes second place to a hot slutty girl!

The hunt for the dog continues...I'm thinking next time out we might consider taking a girl in heat. Thankfully not one picture was taken from this outing...although my friend and I laugh every time we think of me walking through a huge field with three dogs and a rotisserie chicken.

What we won't do for love of a friend.....

Seize the Day!

Addicted to the Mob!

2011-11-12T19:39:00.000-08:00

Yes indeed, I cut my teeth on The Godfather! "Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer". When Winona Ryder became ill, I was so disappointed to see Director Coppola cast his inexperienced daughter in a major role for the third movie.... I digress. After the Godfather trilogy, I continued with my mob obsession following the Sopranos and now the reality TV show Mob Wives. Okay, not so much Mob Wives but still it is a fun brainless diversion to be had on occasion. That said, I have to confess...in keeping with all things MOB...I love working my girls on one. A big mob of sheep just makes my day!

My mob love affair actually started with a birthday gift from Lana that included a sheep drive to a new field for grazing last August. That was my first taste of the work and though Bella and I were not stellar, we held our own with encouragement from Lana.

Bella helping push Lana's mob to a new field for grazing 8/10

It's funny, when I started my journey with Snook 6 years ago....I would drive through the valley and think about pulling over, dropping the hot wire fence, sending my dog on a huge outrun to gather a big field of sheep, do a few sheds, call the dogs off, then up the fence and drive away...hopefully without a bullet whizzing by. And here I am today, life imitating dream, and twice this past week, I did just that. Dropped the fence, gathered a huge mob of sheep just as the Pratley was assembled, loaded trailers and then drove away.
Here is the field from my Friday gather....this field was along a very busy highway with two string electric fence so I opted for a well trained dog so I would not have any worries. Bella was the dog for the day.

I sent to the left, with some heckling from my sheep friend, yet I had my reasons. I was hoping that Bella would stay out and gather the whole field and not fall in on the first 40 as she had done in September. She was looking good, and I had not walked the field so had no idea how deep it ran ....I thought I might be in trouble when I saw three sheep split the scene back up the field, leaving the large group Bella was bringing. I lost sight of the entire flock due to terrain....so I started booking it up the field to see if help might be needed. And what did I spy with my little eye....Miss Bella, cool as a cucumber, bringing the whole flock up the field to me.

The lamb mob was pushed into the Pratley pen that fed a loading trailer that was filled with lambs. What a treat it is to get the opportunity to work a big mob with a real job goal. My sheep friend said, "Looks like Miss Bella has learned to count"...and yes indeed she had not left a single lamb behind.

It is also fun to sort how life work impacts each of my dogs in their training. Interesting to see how this little bit of mob work is deepening my Bella on her trial runs. If I get the chance, I want to do a bit of shedding with the mob and get Bella comfortable coming in through big groups of sheep. Makes me wonder if that might help with some of the shedding tension I am seeing. It is also nice to have "sheep friends" who are willing to give input on the work being done. His eyes are seeing things that I have chosen to deny....or have not seen in myself and my dogs...... that little insight has been invaluable.

I'm looking forward to the next call and hoping the field is a little more secure with less traffic running by so I can use Gyp. If not, perhaps Sally should have a go. She is a little full of herself these days and I think a little real work with a mob of lambs might do her some good! Oh the possibilities! Life is GOOD!

With that in mind, I think I will go grab The Godfather and watch a bit tonight. Tomorrow I will tell you exactly what has been keeping me from blogging........

Seize the Day!!!!

Winter Trials

2011-11-01T11:30:00.000-07:00

I live in an area of the country, where if a girl does not mind driving, there are a plethora of one day winter trials available. These trials are supportive to working some of the kinks out....those darn kinks that became apparent over the course of summer trialing. I really love it when the trial is just a skip down the road, and even better when the day dawns crisp and mostly clear.

As my friend says, Nell started the dance as the first dog to the post in open. I do have to confess to my friends that care, I actually told Nell she was being "ridiculous" when she would fought me to let go of the pressure on a flank. The good news is, I did give her a correction then went to my "you are not doing what my command is telling" correction...and when I told her "this is ridiculous" she actually pulled up and looked at me like "whatt kind of command is that?" which got my flank. I am trying to get rid of all nonsense talk from me...and there goes Nell, rewarding it. That sure makes a girl laugh out loud from the post.

Bella was the next dog to run open. Yes, I slept with the running order under my pillow, studied it all the way to the trial, and thanks to those who love to tease me, got asked each time if I had the correct dog. Bella looked real good......very tension free....however, I fell asleep at the wheel and forget how amazingly long the drives are on this field. Bella, being new to open and having not seen a cross drive that utilized most of the width of the field, took my small 'correct the line flank' to mean we were done about 2/3rds through and that was a very costly handling error. Good news was, she let me get her back together and finished her drive. I am loving the relationship she is continuing to develop with me. Better step up to the plate on my end.

Sally was a good girl. I left the field when she was struggling to shed a farm flock....Sally's Achilles heal. I did not want to get mad at her for not coming through so we retired. She tried hard and I really loved how she worked. She does not know we did not get a score and that is all that matters.

Now I am fine tuning my list for Scott Glen. I have one list for the shedding clinic, and another for each of the dogs I am working in my lessons. Good thing about Scott is, this does not bother him. I like his input as he is honest with me on my assessments and that is what I am looking for right now: making sure I am reading the situation well, be it dog, sheep, training, handling.

Fabulous news is...this weekend, Little Horse Mountain Productions will start filming for the training courses that feature Scott Glen! It is an exciting time to be working dogs!!!!

Seize the Day!

Fall Day.......

2011-10-30T17:22:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful drive unfolds down Northern California's 101....even more so now that fall is upon us. I left behind drizzle, which I heard turned into buckets of rain, only to arrive to 77 as the temp and my overnight bag filled with long sleeves. What was I thinking?? The grape leaves are starting to join in the cacophony of color, started by the trees feeling the cooler nights. 6 girls joined my on my adventure....they have all been walked and are now doing the border collie stare....willing me to create some fabulous magic. No Wild Toad Ride or Space Mountain this go, girlies. This is a business trip so to speak.

Thank goodness for tech suave friends...my iPhone has craftily become a "hot spot" and I have Internet on the road....that makes for far less Starbucks and MacDonald's visits for sure. Now to just discipline myself to keep my lap top with me and maybe bring a cord that would allow me to down load pictures. Details, details.

I still pinch myself each and every morning, as more and more opportunities keep presenting themselves. Dog work, training, ideas for education...all of which mean I am learning and growing. I really can nor contain my excitement. The MacRae Way is being received with rave reviews. Scott Glen is up in Olympia for lessons and a shedding clinic. Or maybe that is down when compared to his stomping grounds of Alberta, Canada. I have my list of "things" for Bella and Nell...another for myself......and hope to glean as much as I can on marked sheds. Seems that those continue to haunt me. But for now, I will soak up a little sunshine...stocking up as much vitamin D as I can because unending days of rain lay ahead.

Seize the Day!

A Little Mob Work

2011-10-27T07:59:00.000-07:00

As I have been working the teenage girls......I've had the notion that they might benefit from some "mob" work. Seems like the advice I have been given really is true....working a big group of sheep can help make sense of the whole matter for young dogs.

warning: iPhone pic!

So when I got "the call"...I had to go. Grace is in heat (seems to be the story of my life) so Gyp got the mob. It was fun watching her sort out her outrun and once she got them together she sorted out how to bring all 200. At one point we had this crazy whirlpool going....outside rim of sheep circling the core of sheep that were standing, knees locked and not budging an inch! Our mission was to take the mob and drive them into a paddock which sounded pretty easy. But sheep are anything but, so when the blind-in-one-eye girl got scared in the move through new territory and freaked out.... my inexperienced Gyp said, "fine, let the yotes get ya". With the price of sheep and at the end of the day, that really is not an option, so Gyp and I had to go into the paddock, sort off a group of ewes, and take those back to calm the blind one so she would come. All in a good day's work.

Bella had a go in another huge field....one filled with pregnant ewes and a big surprise to me.....6 mom's with brand new lambs. Bella's gather looked much better....not pulling in on the first volunteers to come...but those ewes and new lambies certainly brought a great lesson for this maturing girl. One ewe kept turning on Bella to protect her babe.....and when Bella stopped pressuring her, she would come along with the mob. However, Miss Bella would pick herself up earlier than the mom felt comfortable and make a fight. It was a fabulous lesson in patience for all of us.

I think I might have crossed over into the certifiable category......days when I get to go work the girls and help at the sheep ranch are my favorite sort of days. It is indescribable joy to watch the dogs sort and figure and grow and become. I'm thankful for the balance and perspective that comes amidst this crazy roller coaster ride called life.

Seize the Day!!!

Ponderings From Fire Ridge

2011-10-26T07:11:00.000-07:00

I really had a great time at Fire Ridge! I was not in the money, nor in the points....but my girls are all working hard and running better and better with me.

Sally drew up second for the first round of open, and I did not handle her well. Her outrun was nice but I mis-read the one ewe pushing back on her and tried to fix my line too quick on the fetch. Sally did exactly what I asked....but that ewe took advantage of the release of pressure and rolled back to the set out pens. My new glasses failed me at that distance and not sorting it timely, left me retiring with four ewes. Sally's second go was nice, good outrun and a nearly flawless pen and single. All year, I've worked hard on getting Sally to want to come through for the shed and that she did! She even held the single with the enthusiasm I have not seen at a trial. Atta girl, Sal!

Nell had a couple of nice runs. Her first time out....we had a little discussion on her outrun...and after sorting that it was one of those magic moment runs for me. Her second run was nice as well....but not as nice with some fighting me for flanks and a really hard pen. The wind had picked up that third day and I needed to eat my Wheaties and maybe consider working out as I could not keep that darn pen gate from blowing out of my hand in the 35mph wind gusts! I brought my video camera and Geri filmed my first run for me. Lordy, lordy.....if I could get ahold of myself.....let's just say that Nell is a nice dog despite me. I've got some serious work to do.

I moved Bella to open at Vashon so now she runs with the big girls. She did not even bat and eye or miss a beat as she ran out both runs and worked the course. The first run I did not mess with her much on her drive....they were long and I felt holding the line was more important for us in our relationship. She looked good so the second run I worked her a bit more and she ended up high score from my pack of three open dogs. Not a lick of tension and very supple, oh and we got our shed the first go! And timely. Bella and I need to work on penning sheep that really don't want to go in the pen....she needed to push more and with the wind, I had to be responsible for the gate staying open and could not help much.

Having three open dogs is amazing! I know there will be trials where I will have to decide who runs, but when I can run all three......what a treat. I learned so much running three times in one day. Each go I tried to watch my sheep a little closer and see what I could sort out. I also taped a few runs which makes me really pay attention to the handling, sheep and dog.

Patrick Shannahan just wrote a little article over on his RedTop Website about community. We really do have an amazing community of sheepdog handlers. Dawn Pucci took all the photos of my dogs from Fire Ridge...otherwise I would not have a single one to show you. I did not even ask...she just did it. And Ray Coapman gave me a little 'learning' at the trial. He saw me sorting something I had never encountered at a trial before and came to give me the proper answer. He said something along the lines of, "I would see that again someday when I ran at the finals and it might cost me a point or two without knowing". Not only do I have more information...but somebody also believes I will run on a Saturday at the finals! And of course I can never thank enough my close friends that support me, tape my runs, let me overthink and sort, and give sage, a little further down the road advice.

Seize the Day!

The Most Beautiful Things

2011-10-25T10:12:00.000-07:00

~The most beautiful things in the world can't be seen or even touched, they must be felt~

Seize the Day!

All photos by Aye Sea Ewe Pics-Dawn Pucci

Solving The World's Problems

2011-10-17T18:35:00.000-07:00

One cuppa Hot Chocolate at a time.....

Why YES that is indeed my Nell on my over stuffed mug! You too can enjoy a beverage with my Nell by checking out Vicki Close's goodies.

Seize the Day...and another cuppa!

Oh Yea, Life Goes On.......

2011-10-16T08:11:00.000-07:00

It's a JM kind of day...yet I can not imagine "long after the thrill of livin is gone". I so don't feel that way. Not one single passe` kind of day goes by in my life. Yesterday....I finally kicked myself in the rear and, with the help of my eldest son and a few fabulous friends, I got my hay in for the winter! 200 bales all stacked in the hay loft ready to be tarped this morning. Thank GOD for friends and sons because we did another 90 bales for another friend and I could not seem to lift a single bale above knee level that last load. Today, I am going to burn and then maybe see about hauling in some big round bales. Those make feeding the sheep so much easier with the whirlwind of weekend activities coming my way for the remainder of October and November.

I've decided to buy Miss Grace. I've had a lot of summer fun with this girl and want to spend the winter seeing where we can go, the two of us. She fits into my little pack nicely and the big bonus is, my husband likes her. Now the challenge begins of training up litter sisters and remembering they are unique and different...so train each how they need to be trained! Grace and Gyp had a lesson with Patrick Shannahan last week and it was fun to chat about each afterwards. Same/different....like Nell/not like Nell.....what I have seen before/what is new to me in a dog......makes for some fabulous over thinking material for the longs drives I have coming my way.

The coming weeks are filled to the brim with my version of Disneyland activities....the FireRidge Sheepdog trail, a visit with Jack Knox, my third shedding clinic with Scott Glen (I will get this...or die trying!) a couple of fun, one day, local winter trials, the release of Patrick Shannahan's second DVD and onward to another on-line project, this time with the Glens. To keep up-to-date on the exciting, hot off the press training "like" Little Horse Mountain Productions on Facebook or visits http://www.sheepdogtrainingcourses.com/

The excitement continues to mount as we head to the KICK OFF date for the MacRae Way. October 24th starts this on-line training class...filled to the brim with training and handling from the MacRaes. After the christening on the 24th of October, people can register at any time, and the class will start for them with that registration. I would liken it to "pay for view" movies....you buy it and then you can view it. The class is like that...you sign up and purchase the sessions...and then your classes starts that very day and unfolds as the weeks do......sessions each week allowing plenty of time to watch, learn and assess application.

Instead of a dreary winter....longing for spring, this winter I am excited for all the "training" that will be going on. I had better keep to the to-do list to prepare for winter.....off to burn, baby!

Seize the Day!

It's HERE.....The MacRae Way

2011-10-10T06:10:00.000-07:00

This is the dream I have been eluding to for...oh.....the past 9 months! On line training with the MacRae's! You can check it out at Sheepdog Training Courses where you can find all the details...including Frequently Asked Questions: FAQ and a syllabus with course descriptions. Here is how it will eventually work:

Sign up and watch the first session. You can watch it as many times as you like! If you have questions about the material presented in the session, you will be able to submit those questions. Questions and answers will be posted for all the participants to see. As the week goes on, your homework will be to think about your dog and how/if the training presented might be applied in your training. At this time, most of the courses have 4 weeks worth of sessions with some time at the end to catch up if sessions were missed or to watch again if that material intrigues and fascinates. The cost is $99 a month or $237 for three months if you buy them as a package. The MacRae Way Course kicks off October 24th!

Here is what I LOVE about this program.

* The sessions are filmed with the MacRaes and their very own dogs, or their client's dogs, so these dogs are started with the consistency of the MacRae method of training.
*I can train with the MacRaes from home without having to drive hundreds of miles, stay in a hotel, and eat junk food...which I seem to do when I travel!
*Too hot to work dogs in the afternoon? No problem...I can watch the lesson for the week and then work my dogs in the early morning cool. Snow on the pass....no problem because I don't have to travel!

I could go on and on.....but I do have to say, I am very excited about this. What an amazing opportunity to learn from one of the best and most widely respected trainers and handlers in the world! And how incredibly to share this experience with the world.

http://www.sheepdogtrainingcourses.com/ A dream come true!

Seize the Day!!!!!

These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things........

2011-10-07T20:41:00.000-07:00

Seize the Day!!!!

TODAY

2011-10-06T07:31:00.000-07:00

“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma – which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of other’s opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.” — Steve Jobs

Today, October 6, 2011, my friend and I meet to put some final touches to a dream. Yesterday the world lost a vissionary...a man filled with passion, thoughts that no box could contain, and action that would change how our society would function. His words give me kindling to stoke my inner fire.

Funny how my inbox is filled with "driving onward" sentiments today....

Danielle LaPorte sends out weekly emails and this one was written just for me:

Dear L, (okay I added this)

"There are soul-justified reasons to cancel. There are times to stop. This isn't one of them. Keep going. Show up. Decide to be one of those people who pull it off."

In the coming days, and maybe as soon as tonight, we will be bringing this dream to the world.....

Seize the Day!

Balance

2011-10-05T07:39:00.000-07:00

Now there is a word that has so much depth of meaning. In working sheepdogs...it is paramount that a dog can find balance. It is the key to everything......a good fetch, a good drive, a good pen & shed. Some days it feels so much easier to help a dog find balance than for me to find personal life balance. I really enjoy reading Pioneer Woman and today's post of "how to draw a balance" was tucked away under her topic of Homeschooling. I almost did not read the article...for one, why would anyone want to "draw" a balance....me thinking precise weighing with a scale sort of balance. I don't draw much of anything besides shapes that form letters on a legal pad. Yet, I did indeed read..and left the blog with a newly stoked fire to find a bit of balance in my new life.

It is funny, with the boys gone off to college, I envisioned all this "free time". Lazing around watching afternoon TV...who knew soap operas were off the air replaced by reality TV? That's okay by me, nothing like a good dose of Celebrity Rehab or on the worst of lazy days maybe even some ~~Jersey Shore~~ Basketball Wives. And yet that is not at all what my life has turned into....no instead I have an endless list of things to do and can't seem to find its finish line. Balance.....how does one find balance? Why does the fact that I can do whatever I want leave me thinking I can do it all? BTW I want to stick in here...I am very thankful for my life. I am blessed beyond measure and am filled with appreciation for all I have.

I will let you know when I find my balance. Certainly a quest of major importance. In the Pioneer Woman post OMSH says " And so, each week feels like it is chasing after the next, until September is over, then October, then November, and I wonder…is this how we want to live? Is this how we lose days, weeks, months, and years?" I don't want my life to flow away, lost without seizing some moments, if not days. Balance. The key to a lot of life!

Now back to that list of things to do cause I absolutely must have hay!

Seize the Day!

Carnage at RDR

2011-10-04T18:03:00.000-07:00

Why did the chickens cross the road? I am not sure, but somehow they did! It was a very busy road, as in North Jefferson Highway! One hen and four baby chicks; frustrating beyond measure, as they tormented their mama by slipping through the 2x4 no-climb five foot fence to hang out by the same busy road they crossed. The owner of said family did not really want to bother with them. The chicken family appeared delighted by that news and went about moving in, unpacking their bags and pooping everywhere. A few weeks ago, one baby went missing so I was down to 3 chicks and the hen. But still a lot of poop.....the kind that Miss Gyp thought needed to be taken home on her neck as a perfume.

In the past month, I've sort of grown fond of them, although they are slated for a trip up north to grace my friend's paddocks. Yesterday, as I tractor cleaned the sheep sleeping quarters in preparation for winter, the family of four helped loosen two years worth of bedding, feasting on the uncovered treasures. The young chicks napped in the sun while their mom kept at the work with me.

Today it happened! As I drove into the ranch...there lay the remnants of something all covered in yellow jackets (my all time favorite...NOT). As I wondered what the heck it could be, I caught my breath when I saw the gray and orange feathers and tiny body of one of my chicks! I parked and quickly picked up the leftovers, lest they be ingested by a sneaky border collie, then ran to the barn to find one hen and one hen chick. Gone....gone, gone are two pesky baby chicks. I need CSI! Carnage at Rocking Dog Ranch! Maybe that stinking neighbor cat, maybe a skunk or quite possibly a raccoon need to have a meeting with my pellet gun. Darn it.....I had grown to like those chicks in a love/hate sort of way! I can not believe I spent hours fretting and working out a plan to get those remaining hens to Friday.

Such is ranch life. And yet another reason why I really do not want chickens. Too independent for their own good and they poop everywhere!

Seize the Day!

Welcome to Open, Bella Baby!

2011-10-03T09:15:00.000-07:00

I just returned from my first Vashon Sheepdog Trial and all I can say is WOW! This was one very challenging trial to say the least. BCxfour shows some pretty nice pictures but still did not capture the huge moundy hills that covered the field and deleted the dog's view of the sheep for massive parts of the outrun either way. And also, frighteningly enough for a control freak.....both dog and sheep were invisible on segments of any of the three drives....unless you were Patrick Shannahan who can obviously see through mountains! Either that or his dogs can hold lines without his input...hmmm, makes a girl over-think a little.

In the past weeks, we have had some issues with our community well...leaving me with a pack of sick dogs. At the trail, Sally was, I am hoping, the last victim of this bacterial infestation and ended up too sick to run her open go's. With the day too full to accommodate all runs that were to happen, Miss Bella's N/C open run was being removed from the schedule. So I did it....I plugged my nose, closed my eyes and jumped off that very safe pro novice cliff into the wide, crazy, inconsistent world of open with my Bella. Maybe not the best trial to do it with her....but I have no regrets! When she needed my help and I could not see her, or she got too far beyond her P/N comfort zone...I walked. When she fell apart, we were able to get it back together. She definately got a little rattled but I love the partnership that allowed her to look to me to help. Now to dream of the possibilities.....

I love my Nellie! The first day, she thought we were in Vegas and was dead sure that the more sheep she could find...the more points. She finally found a way to weasel herself into the set-out pens and my run ended with a big "that'll do" Which she took so that was the good of my non-run! I spent a bunch of time setting sheep, watching lifts from the left of the field, and then walking up to set sheep, yet again, the next morning on the left of the field. I was talking to a friend last night on the long, dark, rainy drive home and we chewed on the idea if this sort of "stuff" worked. At the end of the day, I am not sure it could hurt and I was slated to set so why not give it a try. I am really glad I did.

Nell's second run drew up at a time of day that the sheep were at their worst: hungry, not wanting to do anything anymore, hard draw back to the set pens. My goal, to get Nell up to the sheep on the side I sent her, which took a few blow-outs but she got it. Once she actually saw the sheep, she took care of business in the awesome Owen Welsh bred way......did I mention I just love this dog? I have to confess, this was the most challenging run I have done in my life of working dogs so far. My Nell gave me everything I asked for and more. She never once slipped off to catch an eye, she took to a very radical change in handling as I never once asked for a lie down or stop or "pace"...it was all push, baby! I am so proud of this girl....and want to thank Geri and Lana for all the fine wool sheep work and advice they have given me since that winter trial where we utter failed on Lana's fine wool lambs! No we did not win the trial...we timed out on the drive, but we were definately big double party winners in my mind.

Now, of course, I am dreaming of trials to come. Better than a chocolate shop, winter is filled to the brim with close, easy to drive to, one day trials. Trails and a shedding clinic......it just keeps getting better and better.

Time to

Seize the Day!

The T in W, T, F

2011-09-29T20:21:00.000-07:00

That post on Facebook...the one that says "after Tuesday, even the calendar says W, T, F!" cracks me up! So today is the second born T in the week and it is the day to tell all. I have to admit, I should stop reading other blogs before I start mine on the Tell all to Laura Thursday...because Eyeherdewe takes the cake. She is all the creativity I would ever want to be.....and her use of strong, bold words....."HOLYJESUSONANACCESSORIZEDCROSS", well I guess she is one of a kind and good thing too.

1. What movie do you love but are too embarrassed to admit you love it?

None....I am not too embarrassed to tell you that I LOVE Princess Bride, and Sandlot, and Mary Poppins. When my boys were very young, we watched this documentary called Shengi or something like that. It as about a female lion cub that was found in the plains of Africa and raised up by these park rangers. It was a three-part, nightly series, and my husband was out of town so it was just me and the boys. I should have known better....and it has NEVER been on TV again that I know of...because after they were done raising this lioness....they tried to release her into the wild. And she got the crap beaten out of her by the other bitches in the pride and died! My boys and I cried and cried and cried.

2. Ann wants to know: How far do you drive/travel to attend trials, clinics, lessons? How far is too far?

Really? There is such a thing as "too far". Sista, (and bruthus if any read me) if I get to run a dog at the World trial....I will put that pet passport on my Nell and book my flight! Hmm, I better start saving......

3. What is your theme song (circa Ally McBeal)?

Who? I will say I have been singing that Kellie Pickler song "Tough" a lot lately.

Tough; I ain't never been nothin' but tough
All my edges have always been rough
But Jesus loves me anyway; oh, back off
There ain't nothin' wrong with a woman that got a little backbone

4. Laura S wants to know: If you had to choose a new dog activity, one that you had never done before, what would you choose?

Search & Rescue....a few years back a lovely border collie was the hero in finding the missing child.

My husband, otoh, wants to take one of my dogs to go mountain biking. Hope he does not take the SAR dog so I can come find him if he gets lost.

5. What would your dog choose

I would guess they would say...anything with me. But I do know they all have a hankering for sheep.

I have been looking forward to Vashon SDT and finally it is here. Bella is going to have a taste of Open to see what she thinks in an N/C sort of way. I better start studying the running order now....if I thought two open dogs were hard to keep straight.....it could be a very interesting weekend!

Seize the Day!!!

Stinking Lie Downs!!!!!

2011-09-28T18:40:00.000-07:00

I have a whole batch of really nice Pepper Jelly all canned up and waiting on the counter for the Indian Trade that is scheduled to happen. Wonder how many "stinking lie downs" a girl can get out of 7 jars of Pepper Jelly? I am working on my first batch of blackberry jam.....just in case the pepper jelly fails me! But in all seriousness...I have started putting a "stinking lie down" on Miss Gyp.

I'm not sure if I am right with this but when I get it...I quickly give her the next task so she sees the reward for the dirty belly. Obviously, I will have to fade out of that....but my goal is to keep a grudge from forming. If I have to leave the sheep to get the "stinking lie down" it is not as much fun...for Gyp or me. I'm not always asking for it....the SLD.....but am getting it, one way or another, every darn time I ask.

One of the side effects to this "stink" was a little more thoughtful Gyp. Interesting. And also a little more biddability.....which she has seemed to have snuck into one of the kid's college bags and shipped off to another city, if not state. My once angelic cherub has grown demon horns and a Satan attitude for sure. (Dear God, could that be the Hello Kitty stock stick?) So I am thinking this "SLD" might actually be a good alter call...a little lie down religion might do her some good.

I WILL prevail! Or die trying......

Seize the Day!

Post Clinic Confession.....

2011-09-26T06:32:00.000-07:00

What is it about me and a "stinking lie down"? Maybe because Sally came with so much "stinking lie down" baggage, I tread lightly on this training. The truth of the matter, or maybe excuse #1067, I certainly don't want to make a grudge holding dog over a "stinking lie down". Or maybe it is because I am lazy.....undisciplined......hate confrontation.....

PS told me, the very first time he saw Gyp, that I would need one. As did SG......and my friend MF might have subtly suggested it. I have drug my feet, lived in denial, turned a blind eye. Now KK has jumped on the "stinking lie down" wagon and I have glasses!

Wonder how many jars of jalapeno pepper jelly it will take to get my good friend, CM, to put a "stinking lie down" on my Gyp?

Hmmmmm

Seize the Day!

TGIF.....TTFN

2011-09-23T08:28:00.000-07:00

Yep that is right....Thank God It Is Friday...and, as Tigger would say, "Ta Ta For Now!"

NOT Ta Ta as in that "save the ta tas" rubber brand bracelet my teenage son wore for "breast cancer awareness". Ta Ta as in 'see ya real soon'.....I'm off to a Kathy Knox clinic!!!! Doing "The wonderful thing about Tiggers Is Tiggers are wonderful things Their tops are made out of rubber Their bottoms are made out of springs They're bouncy, trouncy, flouncy, pouncy Fun, fun, fun, fun, FUN!" happy dance and filled with the night before Christmas excitement here! (not exactly cougar dancing....just sayin)

In keeping with yesterday's Crooks and Crazies Blog question......what are your 6 month goals....this clinic helps me make a plan for meeting some of my 6 month dog goals.

Bella is looking like she is ready for Open. She is starting to understand shedding, however, that last little tickle in the back of my brain continues to be her top end. On most given days I can blow her correct. Kathy has watched my Bella grow up from the absolute literal first day I got her. I picked her up and went to a Kathy Knox clinic! I love the consistency of having input on a regular basis about my dogs from folks I respect and enjoy training with. With that said, I still argue with myself on "giving Bella the answer" with the blowouts, vs "finding a correction that makes sense to Bella, as well as one that does not add tension, and helping her find her own answer". I know there are many variables in between those two options so I am sorting it out and am looking for some guidance with a plan. I also wrestle with maturity and knowing that the more experience we both have, the more understanding we achieve....so is her top end lack of understanding? I've also had the opportunity to work Bella in a big group situation...where she gathered a field of 1,000 ewes and lambs. I feel that as she develops the ability to look out and cast to keep going around ALL the sheep on the field...her top end might make a little more sense. These are all just ponderings and gut feelings I want to bounce off Kathy and glean from her vast training experience base.

Gyp is the second dog for the clinic. I still think "time and miles" for this 21 month old girl. She is clever and biddable and confident but I want to develop some natural to her. She is one that it would be real easy for me to tell her what to do and get it done....but I fear taking away or not allowing the development of common sense and puzzle solving.

Nell might have a little go, but then again, I might save her for the Scott Glen shedding clinic and private lesson I have early November. Don't want overwhelm Ms. Knox any more than I already have in the 4 years I have known her!

Right now...this very second, I am burning the first go at the second Patrick Shannahan training DVD. I am hoping to get it in the mail today so we can begin putting the finishing touches on it. Yet another goal...to have that ready for the World in time for Christmas.

TTFN

Seize the Day!

Oh Dear....Maybe You Should Not Have Asked!

2011-09-22T16:49:00.000-07:00

Laura, over at Crooks and Crazies......are you sure you meant to ask ME this question?! Me, the radical over-thinker....."Going forward over the next six months, what are your goals?."

Where do I begin.....what has not already been penciled in and written about over and over and over.

Okay deep breath....

1) get name off list of folks to be filmed for next season's Hoarders. In other words...purge, babay!

2) get name off list for potential Biggest Loser....nuf said.

3) Have the whole wide world embrace, learn, and grow from the new tools coming from Little Horse Mountain Productions. The Whole World!

4) Enjoy a little less steep learning curve.

5) Find joy and thankfulness in being able to live my dream.

6) Learn to walk to the post...as cool as Katy.

7) Finger whistle like a Glen.

8) Shed like a diva rock star...Deal fashion.

9) Have Gyp be identified as TAG (talented and gifted) just like her luvah boy, Rye.

10) Live vicariously through 10-4 ranch.....I miss football...sigh....those youthful football games.

11) Hit my cross dive panels!

12) Embrace change.

13) love deeper, speak sweeter, give forgiveness I've been denying......

Seize the Day!

TMT Mud Control

2011-09-22T06:36:00.000-07:00

So last Thursday....one of the Tell Me questions was...."what do you do for mud control". My answer to this question is a little spendy but worth every penny!

You know those rubber mats they have with the holes in them that they use in commercial kitchens?

Well, I put those down in the highly trod on areas. Pretty amazing. Every now and then I pull them up and reset them. Over time the grass grows through the holes and that is fine in the summer but a little messy in the winter as the grass dies. Mine are black (cheaper) and I buy a few every year adding to the protected area.

This year, we have had a family of gophers ravaging our back yard....so there are all these huge mounds of dirt. Of course all those living in the valley know.....mounds of dirt = mud bogs for dog play once the rain hits. I am thinking of having a smoke bomb party to move the gopher family out and then replanting grass seed. My electro-net might come home to keep the dogs out until the grass comes in.

Seize the Day!

Fabulous Fleeces For Sale

2011-09-20T07:02:00.000-07:00

Hey all you Rocking Dog Ranch fleece lovers....I have the best lamb fleece crop this year! A number of 3/4 Bluefaced Leicester + 1/4 Coopworth...a few 1/2 Bluefaced Leicester + 1/2 Shetland...and a few 1/2 Bluefaced Leicester + 1/2 Coopworth. Oh yea and a black Bluefaced Leicester adult fleece. All these are available now....and will be making their appearance at Oregon Flock & Fiber in the Superior Fiber booth and hopefully the parking lot sale. If you want to pre-buy.....just contact me lora(at)rockingdogranch(dot)com.

Back to picking......

Seize the Day!

Back to Life....

2011-09-19T07:48:00.000-07:00

...back to reality.

Don't ya just love a good brain worm to start your Monday Morning?!

This is just how I feel....Soldier Hollow-Meeker-International-Finals-World binge hangover today! I did indeed watch a few telecast runs from the USBCHA finals. I also followed twitter like an OCD stalker, finger sore from hitting refresh a billion times and more.

Now what?

Right...I have some dogs to train. I'm making my list for each dog....what I need to train, fine tune, and leave to simmer. My Bella is pretty darn close to moving to open. Gyp is maturing nicely. I have promised myself and those I call mentor, to leave her to do that. She is getting a lot of chore time with dabbles of "training". In fact I used her to load the ram and a few of his friends into the stock trailer for an auction run. She was lovely and bold...thank goodness...because that ram wanted to kick my butt!

Kathy Knox is coming this way for a clinic next weekend. I'm hoping to have my list all memorized by the time of her arrival so she does not see it. I'm practicing my delivery as well....hoping it does not appear as a list being read but more off the cuff...."I was thinking that maybe Bella needs work on _____".

October also holds two fabulous trials...Vashon, which I have been meaning to have a go at with the Harlow Fine wool ewes. This trial offered a few non-compete open runs...so Miss Bella Bella Mozzarella will have a go and I can make my decision about which class she runs for the winter. And Fire Ridge which is rugged and amazing! Then, if the stars align...I'm hoping to have a go at Hopland in early November.

Dare I confess that I am taking the THIRD (yes third) shedding clinic with Mr. Scott Glen. I think I will leave my dogs at home for this one.....as I KNOW I am the one who needs the work! But the girls will come along as I need their help to shed. Shedding.....an over-thinkers paradise.....

Seize the Day!

The Whole Wide World

2011-09-15T07:01:00.000-07:00

As the USBCHA Finals continue...without me...in Colorado....the World Trial is going on in Scotland. I wonder if Colorado and Scotland are about the same size? Hmmm

Here is the link to follow along

THE WORLD TRIAL

Heather has put things in a nice tidy page......this is where you will find me for hours at a time...checking, imagining, cheering, dreaming.....

EVERY TWEET U EVER WANTED

Folks I am rooting for...Tommy Wilson and Sly for sure. My Bella's 3/4-or-so sister. Sly gives me great hope for a tension free relationship with my girl. And then there is Claire Burson, my friend! She lives my dream for me......spending half her year in the UK!

I'm just sitting here contemplating how much I want to spend to watch the finals. My friend and partner in crime put down a sweet run at the US finals and I really want to watch her run so I am buying time! Here is the link to buy time to watch runs.....I think the first hour is free.....

RUNS FROM THE USBCHA FINALS

I am running around trying to get caught up on life.....thank GOD and my hubby for my iPhone. Living on tweets and a few swear words when the updates are slow!!!

Seize the Day!!!!

It's Here!

2011-09-13T19:57:00.000-07:00

In order to get over my pity party of being left behind....I have spent the last two days setting and exhausting sheep at the AKC Border Collie Specialty that is being held in Scio, Oregon. This is the AKC's version of the USBCHA finals...so to speak. I'll post move thoughts on all this later, but I just wanted to share....today, I was glued to my iPhone, reading tweets to keep up with the first day of the USBCHA finals.

Here are a few links for quick updates

USBCHA Finals Web Site

USBCHA Official Results

My favorite:

TWEETS FROM THE FINALS!!!

almost as good as being there!

This twitter from Sheepdog News is the site I was on between sets and exhausts......radioing all those who cared what was happening in Colorado.

And here is the blog for the finals for some good reading on handlers and more up-to-date scores.

The Sheepdog Finals Blog

If all this isn't about the most exciting finale...the World trial is just around the corner.

Oh the dreams of trials to come.....

Seize the Day!!!

TODAY....

2011-09-11T07:41:00.000-07:00

Over on Facebook, there area a few posts about "get over it, bad stuff happens all over the world" and "we as Americans are stuck in our grudge holding". I so don't agree. I want to honor and remember and yes, move forward. I feel a need to celebrate the heroes who showed us what America really is made of. I'm also thankful for the reminder, at least once a year, to stop taking life for granted! Stop sweating the small stuff, and as you know.....

Seize the DAY!

But Wait, It's Saturday!

2011-09-10T07:27:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Monique pointed out that it was Friday. My empty nester life has turned into a blur of endless activity that is lacking chapter marks without school open houses and football games. The eye doctor, who is hell bent on helping me hit my cross drive panels, assures me the, what I am choosing to call my "should have had more" stage will pass with time. Please understand why I write my Tell All Thursday on a Saturday morning, thinking it is actually Tuesday but glad for all these extra days!

1. What is the biggest thing that grossed you out over the past week?

I do not get grossed out easily. I am a retired RN for goodness sakes, and a home health one at that. I have seen some nasty nasty stuff. In all actuality, I sort of get a fascination out of things that would make others hurl. Like the mummy lamb I pulled last lambing season....I did indeed dissect it. I also lanced and cleaned a foxtail abscess on a ewe this week.

2. What do you feed your dogs?

Taste of the Wild Salmon + NutriSource Chicken and Rice + fish oil

3. If you could move anywhere where would you live?

Wales, Malin, Idaho......but in all reality, I work hard and finding all the reasons to love where I live now. I have struggled with the idea that "anywhere else" would solve a problem when in reality that problem would move right with me. A little serious for a Saturday morning but there you have it! I really love that George Strait song, "I Saw God Today."

I've been to church
I've read the book
I know he's here
But I don't look
Near as often as I should
Yeah, I know I should
His fingerprints are everywhere
I just slowed down to stop and stare
Opened my eyes and man I swear
I saw God today

It is so true.....and so I look for His fingerprints right where I am at.

4. What is the funniest thought that occurred to you (or thing that happened to you) this week?

The neighbor's chicken has decided to move her four babies to my place. This is soooo not going to work. But Gyp, having never seen chickens before, gave a low quiet bark at them and then promptly went and dabbed chicken crap on her neck perfume points! Atta way to show 'em...and clever to take it home with ya!

5. If you couldn't have your breed of choice what would be next on your list?

Tuesday, (the real Tuesday) for the first time ever, I got to see a Huntaway work! It really was amazing!

The Heading Dog (aka New Zealand Border Collie) + my border collies were used to gather the 125 acre field of the 1000 ewes and lambs....but once the mob got close, the Huntaway began the big push to the pen.

Yes they do bark! But not in an insane, OCD way....from what I could see, he only barked when he needed to move them in a BIG way. Other than that, this one was very quiet and very serious.

I think they are handsome in a different sort of way. So put me down for a Huntaway as a dog I would love to have a go at training.

Seize the Day!

PS If you are interested in Huntaways or NZ Heading dogs, I have put up the link to Kiwi Kennels on the right of the blog under "my favorite working dog web sites".

Meeker

2011-09-07T07:16:00.000-07:00

Meeker starts today. The list of handlers running is filled with folks from my neck of the woods. Someday....maybe....but for now here is the link.

MEEKER

From the scores so far, the trial looks to be living up to its reputation!
The International starts tomorrow which is this evening my time.

All these trials......all these fabulous dogs and handlers.....and more to come! Almost better than chocolate!

Good luck everyone!

Seize the Day!

International Speak

2011-09-06T07:21:00.000-07:00

Due to the fact that, where I live, we are having the hottest September ever.....I continue to live vicariously through others thanks to the Internet!

SoHo finished up with absolute perfection for us stay-at-homers. Only thing better might have been the ability to watch runs...but the website updates were so very timely and the facebook updates the last day were fabulous.

While folks are packing up and making the sojourn to Meeker.....let's hop across the pond and stay glued to the refresh button as the International gets underway....

International

Seize the Day!!!!

What Keeps Your Attention this Labor Day Weekend?

2011-09-02T14:19:00.000-07:00

Mine is on my computer monitor....controlled by the wicked Internet.......which will pretty much have me wrapped around its "OCD paradise, needing an intervention for the number of times I hit the refresh button, OMG I must be on drugs" finger for the majority of September!

This weekend is SoHo to the cool elite crowd or just plain Soldier Hollow for the "wanna bees" who stay home living vicariously through the blogs that tell it like they want to see it.

You too can be join me in cursing the slightest tardy in an update.....

Soldier Hollow Sheepdog Trial

Seize the DAY!!!!!

Dreams Come True......

2011-08-31T09:27:00.000-07:00

I LOVE dreams. For me the bigger the better on the dream factor. I also love the process of over thinking and then letting go...making vision boards and sorting and sifting then letting go. Actually the letting go part is sort of hard for me.....as my friends read this and snicker.....but I am finding that, as much as action is essential for success...so is letting go. Thus I pry my fingers from clutching and hold myself back from that last ditch lunge to be in control of my destiny.

For me, this started a few years back when Geri asked if I could help edit a Derek Scrimgeour video. I loved it so much.....and I do believe I told her that I would like to work more closely with future projects. Then as sometimes happens....life went on with complication and change and the idea simmered on that infamous back burner.

Last January, I had a dream. One of those dreams that start out in the sleep and then bursts into the day time which seemed to add color and vivid details to the already charismatic dream. It is always fun to share those moments with a friend...and that day my dream merged with Geri's dream and we became the dream catchers. Who knew it was going to be like having a baby! The excitement of the idea.....the process of the development.....sleepless nights and sickness and grumpiness on my part! Waiting and working and wondering. And here we are just 9+ months later as we enter the delivery room....sending the first project off to be packaged for sales!

Welcome Little Horse Mountain Productions! The wild dream that became reality and now, hopefully inspires and allows others tools to achieving their own dreams. Our first project with Patrick Shannahan is a series of sheepdog training DVDs....called Building a Winning Team. Off to a Good Start talks about the foundation a young pup will need to become a working dog.

Little Horse Mountain Productions filmed and then put all that film into telling the story of training stock dogs. Once the video is looking close to being done, part of the fun is watching it over and over to make changes and see what else is needed. Nell previewed the video with me.....giving Patrick tips on sheep control! Bella also got involved as one of the dogs Patrick worked with was also a Bella. I had some really beautiful "lie downs" off stock with my Bella, thanks to Patrick Shannahan!

I have goose bumps as I write this...putting my dream to words and out for the world to see. Today feels like the first day of the dream being "real" as the DVD heads to be reproduced and packaged! And the dream just keeps getting bigger and better as Little Horse Mountain Productions continues the journey! In the coming weeks, we will be launching our next production with yet another fabulous trainer.

I think it could not be more appropriate to close with:

SEIZE THE DAY!!!!!!!

PS the winner of the rose colored glasses has been picked.....thanks for playing. I with I could buy everybody rose colored glasses and thus make the world a rosier place.

Seeing Life Through Rose Colored Glasses......

2011-08-15T07:22:00.000-07:00

Candy from Training Border Collies sports really cool rose colored lens sun glasses and swears by them. She says they make panels "pop" and help with depth perception. In an effort to do all to improve my course vission....I decided to try them. Here is what I have found....they not only help make the course "pop" but they make the glass look half full instead of half empty, people appear to wear smiles and not frowns, and well, the world really does look better through rose colored glasses.

To celebrate the fledglings leaving the nest, my new reader glasses, and the fact I am hovering at 174 for the finals but did get into Lacamas! I am doing a give away......

These are Bolle Sunglasses...that can be fitted with vermilion (rose in English) lenses. Of course the frame does not have to be pink....

These white frames are pretty cool (if not out of focus!)....but I stick to traditional and wear black frames...rose lenses...and people stare.

Here is how the give-away goes:

When I started working with friends and their dogs.....I wanted to make a Rocking Dog Ranch book of excuses. When anybody gave a really good excuse, I always threatened to make them go write it in my book and sign their name.

The best one was when my friend, she whom I will not name, came out with her corgi and my grass was a little tall. After a less than stellar outrun, "she" looked at me and told me her dog could not see the sheep with the tall grass. I found myself on the ground, head laying sideways, looking at the sheep through the grass and saying, "funny, but I can see them just fine!" After a round of laughter that left us crying, sides hurting, and neighbors wondering, I asked for a hand up and "she" just walked away mumbling something like..good luck with that.

So give it to me. What is the best excuse you have ever used or heard used? I'll stick all the responses in a hat and draw a name and then you too can be seeing life through rose colored glasses. Be sure to identify yourself so I can let you know when you win.

Make today Rosey!

Seize the Day!

ps "she" feel free to copy and past my excuse story into the comments and use it for your entry if you like........

Facing My Fears

2011-08-14T10:11:00.000-07:00

Growing up, my grandfather was the kind of guy that, the more he loved you, the more he picked on you. During the first summer of married life, Dave and I went and spent a few days with my grandparents...who took us to Crater Lake. It was a hot, late August day, we sat in the car with the windows rolled down and broke out the meat-filled sandwiches. Within minutes the car was filled (okay maybe just three or four) with yellow jacket...which are on my top 2 list of things I fear. If my hubby had not seen it before, he totally saw the entire "I am more stubborn than you" attitude as I left the car to go sit on a rock wall. Outside where I could at least run and scream before being attacked....leaving my grandparents and my sandwich in the car. We drove home with the windows up and the air on....Gramps beaming with pride at his feisty (I'm sure favorite) grand.

Last weekend, I left a really wonderful sheepdog trial in Roseburg to head to Cheney, Washington to see our son off on his college adventure. Hubby and son drove ahead with the "stuff" filled Durango...and I was a few hours behind in the RV...filled with my "stuff" aka 6 border collies. I ended up staying the night at an RV park....getting up early to finish the road trip. I knew the dogs would need a good run before being cooped up for a few hours while we attended the get-to-know-you football bbq.

As I drove through Cheney, I was on the look out for some wide open spaces. Room to let the girls run and take care of business. On the outskirts of town I found an empty church that had a nice forest behind it....so we stopped. The girls ran out, sniffing around and having some serious fun...Nell and Gyp ahead but not too far. Nell turned and came running back towards me with a funny look on her face and big burs all over her body. "What did you get into" was my first thought...and my second thought can not be put on this blog without serious R rating....because she was covered in pissed off yellow jackets that were burrowing in and hell bent on the kill. Nell, smart as a whip, was running for the open RV door and the safety of her kennel...which of course would have compromised home base!

For one fleeting second, I fantasized about driving off...and leaving the whole pack to fend...but then I put on those big girl panties I keep around for occasions such as this and got to business solving something that required me facing my fear.

With the help of a flannel shirt and dogs that trusted me, I was able to get most the yellow jackets off Nell and Gyp who were hit hardest. Sally was attacked as the yellow jackets were swiped off Nell...and thank God, Grace, Bella, and Snook did not get but a sting or two and were good about going in the RV and waiting me out. With the help of my husband, benadryl, Metacam, and Energy Edge....I waited to make sure no girl was going to have an anaphalactic reaction....and all was good in my world again.

Afterwards...I have to say I feel more than fortunate. It could have been so much worse. The RV could have been filled, a dog could have died, a dog could have run away in the chaos, and I could have got hit worse that the 4 stings I got on my little finger. I also found out just a little bit more about myself and faced a fear all in the name of "love". Facing my fear.....not something I sought out to do but it is amazing to come out on the other side a little bit stronger.

I really enjoy John Assaraf....he wrote a favorite book of mine called "The Answer". I also follow him on FaceBook as he sticks tickling thoughts out that I love to over think on. Today he wrote: "

If you are interested in achieving something, you will do what is convenient and make up stories, reasons, excuses and delay in taking action . When you are committed to achieving something, you will do whatever it takes. No stories, no excuses, no delaying, no whining, just doing and moving forward, even when you make mistakes or fail."

Good stuff! There are so many things in my life that I am "committed" to and then there are those other things that I am just sort of "interested" in. Time to sort them out! In the coming week, I am going to do an RDR giveaway......and the topic is going to be EXCUSES. The prize is going to be a good one...so be thinking up your favorite excuse (one you have used or one you have heard used). I've got two sheepdog trials coming up and then I hit the dreaded lull...no Soldier Hollow, no Meeker, and looks like Sally and I didn't have "enough" to get into the finals. No more kids at home....yikes. So I'll do a give away to create my own excitement.

Seize the day!

First Pages of Autumn

2011-08-10T21:22:00.000-07:00

Spring was growing up on a small ranch in Central Oregon. There I learned love of animals, that hard work paid off, and that my roots ran deep to country life. It was high school volleyball, 4-H and FFA, fun fair memories that left a hole when the those days ended. It was frat hopping and short black leather mini skirts! College and a trip to China that would change my life forever.

Summer brought a man, and babies. Swim lessons, visits to Santa. baseball, basketball, football...endless activities raising up boys into men. Agility and long road trips and fabulous family vacations. I've sold toys and make-up...been president of too many youth sporting clubs as well as class mom well into the high school years. It was always easy to deny the change of my seasons....what with all those mouths to feed and bodies coming in and out the door.

This weekend, I lived my first day of Autumn. Funny how it does not look much different that the last day of summer. The leaves are still green, the grass dried with summer sun....but Autumn it is. No longer will I get up in the middle of the night to check the number of cars in the driveway. The laundry has lessened to once a week. The fridge still has a lot of the food in it that I bought a week ago. And the counters are clean...no longer are there bottles of vitamins and supplements....nor huge buckets of protein powder.

Son number two was delivered safely into the hands of the football coaching staff at Eastern Washington University.

He fit snugly into the roll of incoming freshman......comfortable in his skin and anxious to get going with his next chapters of spring.

I'm very thankful for good friends, a loving man, and four legged creatures that will keep life ever exciting....and the ability to look at absence as if they were off to camp!

May my Autumn experience a long Indian Summer!

Seize the Day!

Say What You Mean......

2011-07-30T08:17:00.000-07:00

Mean what you say!

I think I need to put those words on a tee shirt...my version of a tattoo.

The other day I was contemplating how each of my dogs handle different. I need to be aware that Sally can be tight...and regularly I have to give some sort of "clean-up" command. If I run Nell with "clean-up" commands...she gets wide because her natural self is pretty clean. I was working her with a friend and I actually hit myself in the head when I gave an un-needed "clean-up" command and she took it. "Say what you mean...if you need a come bye..say come bye. If you need a come out...then by all means say come out." It would be good to listen to myself and apply what myself is saying!

Then there is the "mean what you say" portion of the cliche. How many times have I said something that I did not mean, or had no meaning at all...to only have my dog not listen or attempt to do something different. I'm trying to loose all that nonsensical verbal that slips out of my mouth when training dogs and trialing. My goal would be to stick with words that I have put meaning to and then make sure I get what I asked for.

Say what you mean....mean what you say....all very calmly of course!

In other news...I am soooo freaking excited! I got into LaCamas for Open! Happy Dance.....happy dance! The only sad thing is...it was a friend's pull due to a very busy life that got me in...it just won't be the same without her. It is funny, I was thinking back to a conversation I had with a really nice semi-local open handler five years back when I first started trialing. She told me that over the years....some of your best friends will come from the sheepdog world. How fortunate and blessed I am to have this come to fruition in my life!

Seize the day!

Crooks & Crazies

2011-07-29T07:40:00.000-07:00

Laura over at Crooks and Crazies wants to know.......so here it is. In the comment section of my Mentors and Anti-mentors post....a few friends shared some of their "stories from the field" that had me laughing as well as embracing that "it happens", even to the best of them!

1. Most embarrassing moment:

There have been a few.....but the biggest one was running Sally in Nell's spot at the regionals. It was one of my first open trials with two open dogs and I was helping to put the trial on. We ran real early....3rd I think it was....and put down a decent run. As I walked off the course....my good friend and course director, Cheryl came over to break the news. As I processed the information...it dawned on me....I not only ran Sally in Nell's spot...but now Nell could not run as she would be in Sally's spot! Not good.......not good at all. Making lemonade out of lemons and being one of the hard workers for the trial which pulled me the sympathy card, they went ahead and let me run Nell.......however, I was DQ'd as I walked to the post. I have to admit I fantasized about swearing every-other-word just because I could! Nell ended up gripping out on the first leg of the drive!

The next day, after checking the running order 1,000,00 times and getting the help of good friends who were now watching my back....Sally ran first and made it into the double lift. As you can imagine, I have developed a neurosis about running orders, and much like the compulsive hand-washer, I FREAK out when I can't have a copy of the run order to keep with me and check bazillion times.

2. What is my favorite whistle? Well, I am a fan of the cat call........and of course have been known to use whistles to notify my children I had arrived at their middle school to pick them up. Funny how they hear that whistle and know it is me.

Okay, getting serious.....I am telling myself my favorite whistle is my pinkies.

I do use two pinkies when I attempt to finger whistle on a run but I could not figure out how to get them both in the shot AND take the picture. After seeing my pinkie...I think I need to contact eyeherdewe to order up some child-sized common pinkies to whistle with. Anyway, I keep thinking if I tell myself how much I love to whistle with my fingers on long runs where Nell needs so many steadies that I have to take an oxygen tank with me to the post.....maybe I will get better!

Thanks Laura for the fun topic.......

Seize the Day!!!!!

Gyp and Tequila.....

2011-07-28T16:42:00.000-07:00

......make me crazy!

Seize the Day!

I LOVE This!!!!

2011-07-26T14:39:00.000-07:00

Every year at this time, I find myself at a local ASCA trail....Australian Shepherd Club of America. This trial is a fun little trial where the dogs get to work sheep, ducks and cows. I remember my first year there....the owners of the ranch were so nice, friendly, supportive and well...encouraging. Snook met ducks for the first time the evening after the first trial day....and the next day I ran her on them. Gosh I think that was 6 years ago...how time flies.

6 years later, I still enjoy this trial. As I pack the car and make preparations, I always make my mental list of what I want to work on with each dog. This year, for the first time ever, Snook was co-pilot and did not get to work in the trial. She is so arthritic...it kills me to see her in such pain.

Sally got to work sheep and ducks. The first sheep run, my goal was to do the whole thing with finger whistles....which I did. They were fine but they still need work. I also worked on pace.....ASCA judges seem to like a quicker pace with no stop in forward motion, lines not being so important. So I worked with Sally feeling her sheep and not using her eye inappropriately. Same thing with the ducks.....I think Sally might need to find a ducks anonymous group to join! She loves them so much!!!!! We were able to keep a nice pace without compromising lines; goal met!

Nell....well Nell was a little naughty in a good sort of way. She ran on sheep and ducks as well. Nell loves ducks too but in a different sort of way. She was good on them....just fast. Fast with control but still fast! Her sheep runs were all about using her eye to keep the sheep on the fence. Like a drug.....she kept wanting more and more....holding the sheep and catching their eye. There was some serious dog management going on for me with her runs. I've come to the conclusion that Nell is a big field sort of girl...so that is where she will run.

Bella, Bella.....I signed Bella up for ducks, sheep and cows. We were working on communication and understanding...looking for her to be supple and tension-free no matter what happened. All I can say is...I had a lot of fun running Bella.

A friend gave me a pre-cow run pep talk and told me to channel paint drying. So Bella and I did...well, I did and then held Bella back into a slow pace, all the while giving me sideways dirty looks! Once we got to the corner panels...all of which were shaded up....Bella had to put some 'cowgirl-up' into the show....which she did! I tried to keep calm....enough said.

I appreciated the post run chat with the judges. Not knowing that much about working cows....it was good to get feedback from folks who really do run them in real life. For me, it was fun working Bella on the cows for a number of reasons. Mostly because I had to trust her more than I generally ask her to trust me on the sheep. When Bella got a little over her head...I was able to settle her back into calm work. It just felt a bit magical....trust, relationship...all the things I have been working on with this dog....coming together for us to walk out onto that field and do something really out of my comfort zone. I was also very pleased to see that, after her cow run, where she had to face bite to turn a cow, she could settle in and work the sheep with such open flanks and trust in me to finish the run. All that and a buckle too...she earned high combined "other" breed.

Gyp and Grace hung out socializing and meeting dogs that were not border collies. Grace is really coming along in hanging out and being a dog. Gyp, however, saw the cows and thought perchance she should have a go!

Maybe some day, Miss Gypsy Rose. Maybe some day.......

Seize the Day!!!

Mentors and anti-Mentors take 2

2011-07-19T10:32:00.000-07:00

Blogger edited my blog...leaving out whole paragraphs...which might have been a good thing...but here is the semi-original...uncut and raw!

The Rocking Dog Ranch Urban Dictionary definition of Mentor: One who, at the end of the day really wants to see a person get better. Though they might mention good, they are honest with the input. Their intention is for the mentee's gain.

The Rocking Dog Ranch Urban Dictionary definition of Anti-mentor: One who is just darn right mean and says mean things for one of two reasons 1) they really want to make a person feel bad about themselves or 2) they really want to make themselves feel superior.

This weekend found me at yet another sheepdog trial. The highlight for me was 1 point off my shed with Sally on Sunday. We've been working on shedding.....Sally and I. Today I can sit and giggle at the 9 points added to my score for a lovely shed.....giving me a 29! Yep a third of my points came from my shed! Holy guacamole, Batman! As my friend, Geri, says...."besides that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?" I was very glad to have one I call "mentor" at that trial. Free perspective was given when it was shared that, on set-out, that group of sheep that Sally pulled were very likely to give a dog a run for their money, and just as likely to end with a sheep win! Sally and I held them together and made it to the pen....a run to be proud of despite the score. I really might not have found my way to that conclusion had it not been for the conversational words from someone I have trained with for years, knows me and my dogs, knows my progress and struggles. Obviously this person did not see my run....from the top setting sheep, the trial field was unviewable. I'm not even sure this person knows the impact of their words to my thoughts but it was just what I needed.

Mentors are invaluable....and good mentors worth so much more. My first run with Nell was less than one to write home about! WAAAAYYYY <<<<<<<< Her first go I could not convince her to try to go through the TRICK gate....the one in the corner that was open into another pasture where her sheep were waiting, the one that has never been open when she comes to train or trial on this particular field, the one in the shade from the trees lining either side of the fence, that gate. Gone was her clever "look back" from the trial before. That day, "look back" meant to run all over the field and finally end up finding the open gate into the field that had yet another open gate and into the exhaust sheep and bringing the entire freaking flock! Nell would tell you I am a nit picker! She would also tell you, if this were Vegas she would have won that jack-pot and the story would have stayed in Vegas and not ended up on my blog! I left the post.....

After Nell's not-a-run, a friend that has given me lessons and I love talking dogs with...mentioned that I might consider keeping my cool at the post (my interpretation of her words btw). Me, well I thought I did a pretty good job of "keeping my cool" and I broke out into the tantrum that I was proud to have held in! Hair tendrils waving, spittle flying, a tourette outburst of swear words cleverly used as nouns, adjectives and verbs, all while jumping up and down. Okay, I hear ya....next time I need to leave the post a good minute before I hit panic/excitable/begging. I will practice my fake smile and my parade wave (elbow, elbow, wrist, wrist, wrist) all while sweetly saying..."Nell, that'lldooooo" and will have a, "just wasn't our day, she must be coming into heat" up my sleeve. Got it!

I pulled Nell from her second go in open....we have some work to do....some tools to buy the next trip to Home Depot. She-who-has-been-doing-this-for-a-while reminds me that Nell is young, new to open, and has trained and trialed on that particular field with the sheep on the hill over to the left...just where Nell wanted to get them. No excuses....Nell and I need to have the communication in place to over-ride Nell's "I KNOW!!!!!" to be able to work as a team any time/any where. That said, I believe that leaving the post (timely) and pulling from a run might be what is best for my relationship with my dog for that given day. Whether anti-mentors agree or not...this is a journey and I am glad to call it mine!

It was fun to hang out with the Idaho tribe.....Eyeherdewe and I exchanged beads for firewater. I'm hoping she will be a guest blogger here one day...where you can hear the truth about the temper tantrum I re-enacted!!!

I continue my learning journey.....one is: to die to expectations for the run and handle what is presented. I think my excitement about seeing how Nell would handle these sheep kept me trying beyond reasonable to get her to them. Oh that is a hard one! The next is to be a mentor...not an anti-mentor. Life is short....everyone is trying their best.....the day really does look much better through rose-colored glasses!

Seize the day!

True Confessions of a Maker

2011-07-14T10:27:00.000-07:00

I've had long lengthy conversations....pre, during, and post clinics....about "get" vs "make". I've been told I am a "maker" so I am going to publicly come clean. After much thought, and though I have disguised "getting" as taking the wrong answer away....I am a "maker". My "making" is subtle....as in "dark chocolate not counting as a carb" subtle. An example of my watered down make: I put a long line on Bella way back when I first got her.....she would quit me when I verbally corrected her, I would just step on the long line so she could not leave the field and shush her back onto the sheep. Defensively, I would argue I was not MAKING her be correct.... I felt I was being pro active taking the wrong answer away....so she could either do nothing or work but not leave. This seems to be one of those Jedi/Zen/Ninja topics that appear to be "glass half gotten full" or "glass half made empty" depending on the viewer. Not blatant "make" but not "get" either. I've decided that I most definitely am developing my own style of training!

This past weekend found me local...trialing in Scio at Sheepthrillz. I've been known to work dogs on this field when I can get away from my ranch to a new field and different sheep so all my girls were all familiar with it. Bella ran pro novice twice on Thursday and yet again I toyed with "speaking to her on her outrun" to see if I could take some tension away. What I found was Bella does best when I give her information instead of command or correction on her outrun (which is her highest tension I see on the course).....so I blew her out without stopping her and whistled her over into the pressure point her second run. That seemed to work well for us.....and my deep thoughtful idea on this "make" is I am helping her and with that trust in our relationship she will start seeking "right". Will this take her ability to think and read sheep away? Will this make her mechanical? I'm not sure but we are able to trail and work together as a team. Time will tell but my heart says the more we strengthen our relationship with trust in each other, the more Bella will give me as my partner. She did give me the first pen of the day....a day that saw only two pens ....and landed in first place...I think we are on a good path.

I also learned or re-learned that I must hold up my half of EACH relationship. I can not run Bella as I do Nell or Sally...both of which handl different, and I continue to work on remembering that as well! So when the sheep went through the first drive panel and started, at a clip, up the field to the set out....my better move would be to stop Bella and gently flank her over to start the cross drive. Lesson learned on the first go when I sent her over as I would have Nell and ended up with a body-slammed ewe and a very tense Bella.

What I left the trial with was, as much as I train and work with understanding on each of my dogs....I need to raise the bar for myself. Each of my dog handles and works so much different from the other. I am thankful, as that fact alone is teaching me so very much. Now I need to live up to my half of each relationship! I guess I am a "maker" with myself as well!

Seize the Day!!!

Observations from Down the Road

2011-07-05T15:51:00.000-07:00

I trialed at Magnolia Farms over the weekend.....and was lazy and did not take one photo. We camped about a good 1/4 mile from the trial field and it was hot. Plus I ran three dogs....so hauling the camera and the dogs with me seemed silly..until now as I blog and I wish I had photos to go along with my story!

Sally and Nell ran open and I must confess I enjoyed the learning process with each. Saturday, Sally and I did not get our shed....leaving 30 points on the field! That fact alone gave me great thinking material for the night......as I asked myself, "what am I (emphasis on the I) doing so that Sally does not want to come through for the shed. Sunday....we got our shed. And it was earned....not a gimme like Nell's shed from Saturday. Sally's shed felt great and I have some better understanding on how to help my dog. Besides the opportunistic shed in the form of two black-faced lambs that could have cared less about their friends....Nell's run started out "off" with Nell hunting pressure and me grumpy about being forced to climb the Mt. Everest straw mountain. I spent a part of the run attempting to get Nell to realize this run is supposed to be team work and not 90% Nell and 5% me (the remaining 5% being good luck on those black-faced lambs). That effort in having Nell recognizing the team spirit of trialing made for a fabulous run on Sunday with a not so fabulous ewe. No money...nor points...but I was very happy for how my girls worked for me.

Bella ran pronovice both days. I employed some of the ideas presented at the recent clinics and evaluated the result (or lack there of) as the run proceeded. Hmm...no softening on the outrun with "speaking to" and a stop and blow out did not solve the "not so right" top. However, the sheep were set on hay leaving some wiggle room and I was able to get ahold of Bella which made for two nice runs ending with the gate closing on the pen X2.

Yesterday I used Gyp to move the rams into greener pastures to graze while I visit Idaho. The rams were crafty and Gyp had to work hard to cover and move them. I was fun to see her method being correct and her finding some feel. Since arriving in Idaho...I have not seen hide nor hair of either of those qualities. It appears light katahdin lambs are not her training friends. And those lambs have made it abundantly clear that Bella and I still have work to do, although she looks much better. Bella needs to finish her outrun well no matter what the sheep do, bending out might be a better answer than falling in, and she MUST stop. The quest of understanding, trust, confidence and obedience continues......this journey does not appear to have any radical miraculous answers but instead is going to take time.

Idaho is hot right now.....over 90 which really does bring out the most negative qualities in my personality! I'll trek back home to cooler and greener tomorrow but have most certainly enjoyed my visit. Tomorrow, I'm hoping to put a little more time on Bella and give Sal and Nell a spin before we get in the van for the ride home.

Seize the Day!

Back To Our Regular Scheduled Program

2011-06-30T08:00:00.000-07:00

Thank you all for the kind words about my Porsche girl. Time is the healer of hearts....and the pack is re-adjusting. My cool neighbor made me a cross to mark her grave that is in my bottom pasture under the Maple tree.

June brought me a rare opportunity in regards to dog work. I participated in a Jack Knox clinic and then two weeks later, hosted a Kathy Knox clinic. The opportunity was found in working two dogs with Jack, spending two weeks sorting out what he said to me, and then working them with Kathy for some final input until I see the Knox's again.

Sometimes, when I work with Jack, I don't totally understand the concept of what is presented until I chew that cud over and over and over. My over-thinking seems to start on the drive home from the clinic and continues as I work the dogs...with dedication to seeking out the answers, clarity comes. With Bella, we worked on that tiny bit of tension that remains at the top. She is coming in tight and a bit "wrong". Jack suggested a stop and blow out as one tool to try for a while....with the goal being Bella finding the answer in the correct and then seeking it herself over time.

The Italian hand gestures coming out in me, working Bella

I worked Gyp for Jack looking to open up her flanks and address "feel". Instead what I got was a grudge holding pup not wanting to work for Jack and a frustrated me....and then a whole talk and "making" the dog. Back to square one...make vs. get. I certainly had a lot to think about and sort through at home!

Two weeks later, I greeted Kathy, Lorri, Cheryl and Geri at Rocking Dog Ranch....for the pre clinic pep talk. I was thankful I had weaned lambs but wishing I had weaned the katahdin lambs as well. Thanks to help from friends and my neighbor I mowed, pulled a few fences, and generally cleaned up the ranch into spiffiness. Most of my own personal clinic experience learning was obtained from the top end as I moved and set sheep with the help of Lana and Geri. Actually, it was interesting to be up where I could not hear but could watch intently. It was fascinating to see how the sheep behaved by how they were handled.

Geri and Kathy working in the bottom pasture

Kathy added more insight into Bella, suggesting a "speaking" to at the first of her outrun to soften her into a thoughtful finish. Though it did not do a miraculous "fix"....I felt that with the application of both Jack and Kathy's input for Bella, over time I will help give understanding so I will keep with this for a few months.

Kathy helped me put Gyp on lambs...and all the "feel" I have been looking for poured out of that 17 month old pup! Oh, so that is what Jack meant! I need to be conscious of making sure I put Gyp on sheep that create the need to think...those type of sheep certainly brought out the best of all I have been working towards with Gyp.

I have to confess, I really enjoy my time working with and discussing dogs with both the Knox's. I love the experience they bring to the dogs....and the fact they are so willing to share all that they know. They never seem to hold information back...even for questions not asked. I now have a whole summer's worth of over-thinking material...until I see Jack again in August. He is coming back in August to judge a trial I am helping put on......I'm not sure he has ever seen me run a dog! That might be the start of a new chapter of "discussions with Jack"...handling on the course!

Seize the Day!

One Last Dance......

2011-06-22T14:26:00.000-07:00

It was 8 years ago last November that a tiny, smooth coat, black and white border collie came through a list I follow as a dog in a local shelter needing a shot at life. A person known for evaluating shelter dogs gave a positive review of this border collie for a potential agility dog, and I was in rare form....just sure this dog was for me! And that is exactly how Miss Porsche GT...aka Rocking Dog's Smooth Ride....came into my life. Her story was...she had lived on the streets of Roseburg, homeless as a 7 month old and needing to be trapped to be caught. Her life at the dog pound only intensified her fear.....every time I visited her while she waited for her owner to come forward...she could not focus on food, or a toy or me. I have to admit...that really dysfunctional side of me came out...the one that wants to fix things and give love to the unlovable and be super woman. So Porsche came home with me.

Her fear was so intense....she had learned a few things on the streets: people were to not be trusted and when in doubt...RUN! So the first year of her life with me she lived dragging a 300 foot long line. She spent many sessions with dog-behaviorists sorting out how to get this dog to have a functional life. Dead were my dreams of a kick-ass agility dog....now I just wanted to rehab her and find her a home! In addition to her fear...she had absolutely no dog communication skills. She could not play and if any of the dogs wanted to play she policed the party. None of the dogs liked her and she could not read the snarls and growls that were thrown her way. My early memories of her were filled with drama....the day my son and I were packing for the Mega Dogs agility trial. I took Porsche out into the back yard for one more potty opportunity just as the lawn service showed up and came out back. Though they quickly retreated out of the back yard, it took my son and I two hours to finally catch Porsche and get her in the RV. Or the trip the next year to the NADAC Finals in Colorado. One night Porsche ate part of a rug...and the next day she ended up pooping it all over my bed as she broke out of the kennel when my son went to pet her and console her. We quickly figured out that Porsche would not be a dog that anyone would want and so she became my special project.

My agility days ended with my son's interest in sports and I found sheep. Be to the fact that Porsche was a border collie....I just knew she would be a good "herding" dog! Porsche has worked with some top names including Derek Scrimgeour and Patrick Shanahahn. Really at the end of the day, Porsche could work sheep as long as they moved! If they did not move, she would quick foot it, spinning around them till she dazzled them with her tight fast craziness and something happened. At home, she would often leave the sheep she did not like in the field...bringing only the girls who would come. The flock figured her out and less sheep moved and more sheep stayed out.

I kept banging at my training with her....in my heart I wanted to believe that she could find confidence if only I would believe enough in her. She did actually go high in trial at an AKC trail up at Fido's farm. She loved to work sheep even if it did not go well.

I will never forget the day that Patrick put his arm around me and told me something along the line of...maybe we had taken Porsche as far as we could. I know I augured...and told him I would show him! It brings tears to my eyes even today.......I just so wanted to believe that love and belief would be enough to heal this dog!

But over time, I learned to listen to truth. Porsche was really scarred and some of those could not heal. After attempting to take her to a few sheepdog trials where we were staying in the RV.....her neurosis making her sick and keeping me up all night. I decided to leave her home...and she got all nervous and full of fear without me there. She was a little autistic in needing home and me with her. So doggie downers were prescribed and Porsche started settling into a more quiet life.

There is so much to say and not enough words to do justice. Over time, storms became Porsche enemies....first in wind and then rain.....with seizures following the fear. Quality of life is a gift we get to give our dogs....and fear-free painless passing follows as a close second gift. Porsche's good days were fewer and her bad days more frequent. I wanted to be able to say goodbye on a good day.

Today was a good day. A romp with her pack and a spin on the sheep. A last dance together, Porsche and me. She stood in the stock tank cooling off, enjoying the breeze, drinking in a glimpse of the paradise awaiting her.

Miss Porsche taught me so much. Sometimes no matter how much I love and work to fix something......it might just not be the journey I had envisioned when I started out. However, if I look real close.....the joy, love, patience and devotion exceeded anything I could have hoped for in wins and glory. Oh Porsche....I hope it was enough. Run fear free sweet girl.....I really am going to miss you! Thank you for picking me to tell your story to and share your journey with. Rest in Peace till I see you again!

Yesterday vs Today

2011-06-16T07:40:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was quite the day. The last sentence to a long chapter of training, trial organizing, clinicing, hosting and the likes from the past two months. See I am living out a dream.....hosting a Kathy Knox clinic! It was just 4 years ago that I met Jack and Kathy Knox and their style of training spoke to me and has permeated me....much like a tea bag does hot water. As I share my journey of training dogs with friends, I have looked forward to the day I could share the original presentation of the Knox method with those who train with me. As with pretty much everything I do, I went all out to help this party be all it could be. I rented a big sheep operation to have access to big fields and fresh sheep. Knowing it would be a lot of work at a place I did not own, I was okay with that. However, the best laid plans often go awry (thank you Of Mice and Men) and I found myself yesterday standing in gooey mud in the middle of the young dog training pen with field pipe needing moved. As I gazed out at the big beautiful field I had planned on using for the big dog outruns, oh say about 500 or so ewes and lambs were busy grazing the grass with no intention of being hauled out of there in the coming few days, with the wet weather keeping other fields from being usable. Where that flock of sheep might have gone on to graze, those fields are still standing in tall grass meant for hay but too wet to cut. Mud in the small training area for the younger dogs (along with farmie my items that needed dug out for safety) and no access to the big field of dreams, I pulled the plug. And I cried. I actually cried a lot and my youngest son had to give me a pep talk about how I needed to put my big girl panties on and get er done!

I love my family...and my boys rock. So, at 4 in the afternoon, I loaded my car with dogs and went to my little ranch and decided this was the first sentence in the new chapter of my book of life and I was and am going to find the blessing and be thankful for what I have. I will not be focusing on all I don't have and what I long for....like a 100 acre ranch and a big uniform flock of sheep.......be gone excuses and pathetic longing! I have a beautiful 10 acre ranch...that is now half mowed. With creative input from my neighbor and a friend, I think I have figured out how to park all the attendees. Thankfully I weaned a group of lambs last week so I have fresh lambs and ewes that have not been worked all winter. I am pulling a fence today to make for a bigger outrun.....not "field of dream" big but enough. I have an amazing family, really awesome dogs that are teaching me just what I need to learn, the best group of friends that I don't deserve....and I get to share Kathy Knox with them all!

It really is enough, it is better than good......

Seize the Day!

A Little Grace

2011-06-13T07:53:00.000-07:00

Meet Grace! She is a Nell X Jake puppy...Gyp's sister...and she is visiting Camp Rocking Dog Ranch for the summer.

This is a picture of Grace the day she was born.

She has certainly grown into a beauty. She is a tiny little bug of a girl....and very much like her mama!

This is what Gyp thinks of her:

At first Gyp was just ignoring Grace. Now, after a week, they are starting to look at each other.....and I actually caught them playing in the back yard yesterday!

It is fun having Grace here, she brings yet another style on the sheep. Way different than her sister, she has a bit more eye and feels the pressure point. Grace belong to Kathy, who is coming this very weekend to do a clinic with me. I am looking forward to watching her work with Grace...and giving me her insight into what is next for my Gyp. I am trying to help Gyp feel her sheep more.....and I must say, "feeling the sheep" is taking a lot of sorting for me with Gyp.

Back to Grace, she has so much personality! She bonds very quickly to a person and wants to be right there all the time. As I type, she is laying on a dog bed behind my chair. Although I am seeing some huge independent streaks as she spends more and more time outside with the dog pack.

Oh Miss Grace......I think we are going to have a lot of fun this summer!

Seize the Day!

The Four Wheeler

2011-06-01T07:14:00.000-07:00

This past weekend found me down in Tulelake, California at one of my favorite trials; Dry Lake. The field was what I would imagine the West to have looked like before too much civilization came along. Driving down a gravel road through high desert, sage brush and juniper trees with volcanic lava rock strewn about like rice after a wedding, got us to the mile long grass field. A herd of antelope skittered across my path early Sunday morning but more common was the Byrne cattle grazing the open range.

Long and wide, the field looked deceivingly flat from the post. However, if a person walked the outrun the land would tell a different story....one of much terrain and, from the dogs level, blind to the sheep either way. The sheep were set at 600 yards....left provided a fence quite some distance from the fetch line and all the way up to the set-out pens. Right had a little ridge that if the cards played out just right....a dog could see the sheep from and plan out the rest of their outrun.

Lana's sturdy red four wheeler sat just off the back side of the field ready to help the many crazy scenarios that came up...only in Tulelake. Racing out onto the trial field to nab the flock of sheep that escaped from the exhaust and were quick footing it up the field to the set out 800 yards away! Giving a ride to the handler whose dog had scope and was sure the white wrapped haylage bales that were off on the range with the cows some mile away were HIS sheep. Helping to drive, lure, cajole, push that mama and her new lamb...the one that the set out folks lambed out in between sets.....up to the barn for shelter and overnight protection.

My first time to the post with Nell, I reminded myself that she was new to open. This year will be filled with providing "experience" for her...working on our communication and trust. From the post, I thought she saw the sheep, she ran out 500 so very nice and I was hopeful. And then, it happened....she came in, I could not get her to blow out, she crossed and looked everywhere she could think of to find what I had sent her out on only to come back sure I was a fool. The trial host and judge were so incredibly supportive of the dogs that they told us at the handler's meeting we could help our dogs find the sheep that one day. So Lana's trusty four wheeler was brought out to me....and Nell and I raced up the field. When Nell finally saw the sheep....she gave me the dirtiest look of "why did you not tell me so" and we fetched them to the exhaust.

Bella had her go in pro novice on a course that was shortened to the fetch panels but still a good 300 yards away. The wind is famous down in that area, though generally not so full of itself at the end of May. With it blowing straight into my face at chapping speeds and combined with sheep that were frisky to set, I asked Geri to have my new friend ready to role "just in case". Indeed, trial Bella lifted the sheep much too tight, kicked one off, and started the chase. I jumped on the ready four wheeler and flew up the field, pulling up about 20 feet from Bella and telling her that she had better lie down. The look on her face....."where did you come from", "you have never done this at a trial" and the huge skid mark she left as she laid down were worth the entry fee for my pro novice run!

All in all, the trial was amazing, wonderful, fun....I could go on and on. My girls did so great; not winning money or getting points, but working hard to be a partner with me. I finished the course twice on Sunday...with Nell and Sally....that after not getting my shed on Saturday and Nell not getting up the field. I continue to see how much I need to work on in myself. The journey continues. I am thankful for trials that allow for the challenge to be such a positive gain.

Seize the Day!

Things I am Working On.....A Dedication

2011-05-24T09:06:00.000-07:00

I was one of the lucky folks whose name was picked to run at Scio this past weekend. Two dogs were allowed...and I picked Nell and Sally to run open. Saturday, Sally was my first dog to run...and yes, I did sleep with the running order under my pillow the night before! Just sayin. I loved Sally's run....there were a few bobbles, all of which I can take credit for as handler errors.

After Sal's run, I was talking to a blogger friend, J, and he said something along the lines of...I sure like it when bloggers post where they are sorting things and not just the common theme: my dog ran great. I thought about that all day. One reason I do not focus on my struggles is...I am working a mental program that emphasises that "what we think on, we become". Also, sharing struggles makes for some out there transparency and often elicits advice. However, I do see a challenge for myself and so I will share "what I am working on". I do in fact share my struggles....with a group of friends that I feel have my best interest in mind and want to see me become all that I want for myself and my dogs. And for those few folks, I am very thankful!

Sally and I have been working hard all winter. With a little bit of brain picking, sage words, and lesson after lesson, Sally's shed is looking way better. And maybe my shed is looking a wee better too. Also, I have worked on my handling style with Sal...no hard "lie downs" unless needed and a bit of steady and keep your kep...and I got all that and more on my first Open run of the season. Lastly, at the pen, I had a ewe that was stomping and talking trash to Sally with "your mama" comments. I handled that a little different this time, willing to give up the run to have Sally keep using her talent....gave a lot of shushing and 'get hers'...and we got our pen.

Nell ran dead last for the open class. I did not mind...by then the day had cooled and the sheep were settled. I have felt Miss Nell growing up, maturing, and really wanting to work for me over the winter. I'm not sure what changed...me/her/ or her 4th birthday, but I have really begun to enjoy her as much as I love the talent I see in her. She did me proud....giving me everything she had and more. I have to admit...her score, and placement, and first points towards the finals were very sweet and nice....but the magic of the run and being in the zone as a team for the first time with Nell in open was priceless! Not to say she has never run open...just never well.

Sally and Nell would both like to guest blog here and say.....they have been working on my shedding over the winter and were pleased to see it finally coming along!

Nell ran first in open the next day....and as I went to bed the night before, I kept saying to myself...consistency, consistency, consistency. Once again I really loved how she ran for me. As the sheep came down the fetch line, I saw I had "that sheep!"...the big fat one with the pink nose and the blue ear tag...the one that the sheep provider warned me about...the very same one that laid down on the course the day before. And honestly, Girl Scout promise...I thought....bring it on baby!

I did not take into account the change in the draw to the exhaust and how it would affect the cross-drive that was now heading in that direction, and I totally mis-handled my dog. I gave up a lot of points to make MY point with Nell...you must do what I ask regardless of the draw....and I am glad I did. I actually stayed at the post to make my point....generally I would have left it...but darn it anyway, I had a bet on my run so I stayed glued to give the fellow a run for his money. An RT would have been too easy for him! I'll just say again, I was glad I stayed at the post...but I ended up owing and it will be a debt that I will never live down...ever!

Sally's last run was a bit of magic for me. The same theme as Nell, consistency....and I handled her the best I have in a long time. We had to work for our shed...and I bobbled her at the pen....and at some point the panels were irrelevant....it was just that team feeling that left me on cloud nine.

Two days, four runs, and my dogs brought everything they had with them and gave it back. So here is what I need to work on...ready...ME!!!! Oh my gosh! Timing, strategy, understanding, better use of what my girls have, understanding the terrain and watching to see how the sheep are affected, draws and that stuff.

One of the highlights of the weekend was sitting with a couple of friends that are handlers I look up to. Run after run after run...the sheep ran all the way down on the fetch, and I mean RAN! I said I knew that Top Hands would never run sheep like that on the fetch.....so can these sheep actually be walked or paced? They assured me, YES and then talked to me about strategies on doing so.

I was reminded this is about the sheep...and the balance of bringing out the talent and beauty of our dogs because of the sheep. It is only about me, as I fit into that picture....of keeping this about the sheep and the dog. That is what I will work on.

Seize the Day!

Gyp Did It!

2011-05-16T14:27:00.000-07:00

This is not a good picture. Can you see her? That tiny black fleck on the left side of the road is Gyp! The decision to take Gyp for her first go at trailing the sheep to the neighbor's was a whimsically, camera-free, spontaneous one. She had to do a little gather of all the ewes and lambs out of my top most pasture...which was a little "reactionary" to say the least. But all those involved settled right down as the sheep passed through the tiny gate and the drive began. I had my iPhone in my pocket so I snapped this shot. I was very pleased with her level of confidence that far away from me. She eventually slide over to the right to tuck in that ewe and her triplet lambs. Once she got them to the neighbor's field...she really did not want to leave the sheep behind to come home.

Well done, Gyp!

Seize the Day!

Funny How Different They Are

2011-05-09T10:01:00.000-07:00

The task of trailing the sheep to the neighbors and back has not become a chore yet. I really love the trip and it is making me get out and walk. Each time I move the sheep, I have used a different dog. I find it fascinating to see how each dog works different and bring subtle nuances to the task. Bella has to be twice as far off as Nell. Sally has the calmest group of sheep while Bella creates a bit of tension in the lambs. And both Bella and Nell could do it in record time without me.

It is also very interesting to see the differences in approach from last year. Nell used to want to be off to the side of the group of sheep. This year, she can keep the sheep on the road and remain on the road herself! Last year, Sally had one speed...this year, she can pace down but the pick it up for the push past the Rhodie bushes and into the field. And for Bella...I'm not sure I would have ever used her on ewes with very young lambs. This year, the improvement in our relationship and communication is so freaking cool!

The little lambs are very reactionary right now.....little jumping beans of uncertainty. I will continue to sort them with the dogs...and then look forward to the day Miss Gyp gets a go. It might be sooner than later....

Seize the Day!

Trailing of My Sheep

2011-05-07T17:23:00.000-07:00

Every year about this time, I trail my sheep down to the neighbor's field to graze. The whole trip is about 1/3 mile one way. Generally, I take down mature sheep. This year, I decided to do things a little different due to the fact I lambed out more ewes and my grass is dwindling. The hair sheep flock were picked for the job, so yesterday I spent time dividing the hair sheep from the wool sheep. Today, I decided to give it a go and see how it all went.

Ten ewes, twenty lambs and three yearlings were to be squeezed through the tiny gate, taking a hard left to follow the winding driveway down to the waiting pasture. Bella was the dog of choice for today's drive. It only took three attempts to get all the sheep headed in the right direction. The ewes knew the drill from years gone by...however, a few silly lambs freaked out seeing their moms leaving them and out of complete silly lack of thought, tried to head back to where they knew instead of heading into the unknown. Bella kept her head and was very patient. Once the sheep were out the gate, the neighbor's helped....

they put up little directional signs translated into sheep talk. By the time this jaunt is over, my TAG lambs will know how to read in addition to being able to follow signs.

I think Bella might have done this a time or two last year as well. She had her groove on but I made her pace herself to walk the sheep at a speed I could attempt to keep up with.

At the end of the drive, the sheep take a hard right and go by the neighbor's house and out into their pasture. It was fun to see Bella full of confidence, totally trustworthy, and finishing the job without much help needed from me.

By the time I got down the driveway, and around the bend, Bella had the sheep all tucked into their new pasture and grazing. Too bad I can't teach the dogs how to open and close the gate.....but then again, I need the exercise.

Just look at that grass! My sheep were so very happy. For the next month or so, I will be taking this flock down the road to graze for the day....and then bringing them home at night. It is good work for the dogs and saves the sheep from the night visits of coyotes that live in the glen of trees that borders the creek that runs at the edge of the property.

In the coming days, I will give Miss Gyp a go at the trailing of my sheep. Nothing like a job to help bring meaning to the training of a young dog! Can't wait to see how she handles it....

Seize the Day!

It's Only Bad When

2011-05-03T08:55:00.000-07:00

I do not believe Over-thinking is a disease. I do not believe it is something to be cured of. Many of the most successful people in the world are "over-thinkers"! Including top hands in the sheepdog world.

Over-thinking is a serious problem when it heads in the direction of negativity. Whether it be negative self thoughts, negative other thoughts, thoughts of comparisons, or worry of all the negative that could happen. On the other hand......over-thinking can be fun when the brain is turned loose into dreams for the future; oh the possibilities. It can also be terribly productive when turned loose into the realm of problem solving and potential answer finding. I also happen to believe, because I do use my brain so very much, that I won't end up with dementia!

I love the whole process of looking for potential answers.....sorting, sifting, watching, observing...and then out of the blue...it hits me! Oh, there it is.....a new set of glasses! That is an exciting aspect of training dogs.....no dog is exactly the same as any other so there will never be a definitive black and white solution for training. Nor is any one "method" the end all to be all. Personally, I believe that most top trainers have proven "methods", and my goal is to sort through what "method" will help me achieve MY goals...which are different from other people's goals....and that is a good thing. Yet just because I chose to employ a specific "method" into the training up of my dog does not mean that another "method" might not have been effective. In fact another method might have been more effective in another person's hands....but what matters is my path and use of tools...not the argument of whose method is better.

A GOOD THING. One thought I have been ruminating on for the past....oh, year.....is how many folks I have been blessed to work with and keep as mine some of their approach to working sheep dogs. Many of them have different methods in training, different styles of handling...and yet they consistently are successful on the trial field. For each of them, at the end of the day.......it is about the dog. The training and trialing is about bringing out the best in the DOG without allowing anything else to muddy the water. They have become ducks to the negative comments that float around and instead know in their hearts....it IS about the dog.

Can you tell my son just had his tonsils out and I have had plenty of time for over-thinking! Today I am hoping to get the girls out for some training to sort through some of what I saw at the clinic this past weekend. Plus the sheep need wormed...and the thistles needs sprayed.....it is so good to get into the rhythm of life and not be consumed by what is happening in the world.

Seize the Day!!!

The Other Side of the Blade of the Knife

2011-05-02T10:04:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, I was a participant in a KK clinic. After the last clinic I attended.....the Knox method most certainly is the other side of the blade of the knife. The side I am most familiar with....and have embraced and have tried to fully understand as I trained up Nell and Bella and sorted the beginning of my Gyp.

Bella showing some newly found eye

Right, wrong or indifferent; clinics are becoming a time to sort and evaluate my dogs and myself. Where I used to be nervous and strive to be perfect or have my dogs "look good" and get that "what ever" seal of approval......now I am hoping that things go wrong so I can get help sorting out what the next step in training is. (though I am still a little nervous) I also find myself pushing to understand the input given back and why. That is the beauty of having folks that are waaaay further down the path providing some guidance to be able to learn some of what they have experienced without having to actually go through it. I also really appreciate clinicians that will push into the nugget and not just say "because I said so."

Tweed says he LOVES clinics!

After I got home, I talked to a friend that knows what my life has experienced for the past month and she asked, "are you really confused now?" I'm not sure it is confusion as much as it is a mode of sorting. One of my goals at the end of the day would be to find my own "method" and be able to have flexibility to meet my dog's needs. Looking at the dogs from different angles and taking those ideas home to sort out for clarity.....I can't wait to see what works, what needs tweaked, and hopefully add the next layer to understanding and relationship with my girls. I also think I am beginning to understand myself better.....and am open to trying some different ideas to see how my dogs respond. Hopefully, I can sort out quick enough it the results are where I want to go and massage them for the good of the dog. I'm wondering if that is the secret to the top trainers and handlers...knowing when to apply what and then when to do it different.

Amidst a group of really awesome dogs, I saw the coolest little dog at the clinic! She took my breath away. I am so excited for her owner.....he deserves a "dream come true" dog. It brought me back to what one of my mentors told me long ago...."every now and then you will see a dog that will take your breath away. But at the end of the day, most of the great runs are about relationship and team work." It is so refreshing to see that lived out....as the owner was not resting on the talent of the dog but instead was working on developing their relationship without over-pushing the dog. Watch out for this team!

I now continue on my journey of finding that special bond with each of my dogs. And while on that journey, I am so very thankful for the laughs, knowledge shared, and understanding of my over-thinking disease! I continue to die to "ego", ANTs, and the voices of "critical comparison". My journey is about my dogs and the enlightenment of become all we can be together. And if along the way, I can share that richness with good friends.....I'm blessed. That, in itself, is the best place in the world to be.

Seize the Day!

To Finger Whistle......

2011-04-28T07:24:00.000-07:00

or not to finger whistle.....that is the question.

My finger whistles are coming along. There are days that I can slip my two pinkies into my mouth and a sound emits between them that could be recognized and taken as a command. And yet on the very same day, next breath.....I blow and shudder as my opportunity for input is passed up with spit and air spewing forth, followed by my seemingly uncontrollable outburst of tourettes. I've already confessed to finding myself face-up in the field, vultures circling, after a longer series of attempted whistles left me fainting.

At a recent lesson with a nameless instructor (God forbid I be labeled a name-dropper) Oh what the heck...Patrick, said to me words I have not heard for a few years....."though that whistle sucked (my translation of his word), I could understand your meaning and your dog should have taken it." I do believe he told me something very similar when I started to use a stainless whistle and again as I switched to brass.

Those whose finger whistles I admire tell me to hang up my precious, my beautiful brass whistle. Stop carrying it with me. Force myself to use my fingers. They will come with time. In return, I find my book of excuses providing me with fabulous material....."my finger whistles sound perfect at home."

Yesterday, I pulled in a group of sheep to administer their 8 way, worm them and trim a few hooves. I left my whistle in the car. Nell, bringing the girls in, was a thing of beauty. She worked the pen and chute with maturity and patience. When the group was ready to drive back down into the bottom pasture.....after all the close work, I found Nell full of push and lacking pace and finesse. I slipped my two pinkies into my mouth to give a little input and experienced the full knowledge, and taste, as to why I might want to stick with my favorite brass whistle! Times like that, I am glad my place is small enough for a good verbal command to be heard.

Seize the day!

Aint' Settling

2011-04-26T09:52:00.000-07:00

The trial season for me and my dogs is fast approaching....and I am sorting out all my winter training thoughts.

Gyp is fully recovered from her Cuz incident and has turned into a naughty, high-drive 16 month old teenager. I really love this stage.....it is so fun to work and train her and see development. Love it when the light comes on and she has an "ah ha" moment!

I've been giving a lot of thought to mechanical vs natural. And thanks to a few friends who understand my ability to over think things.....I've had some really fabulous discussions. I am headed to a Kathy Kn*x clinic this weekend and it will be good to get back to my roots and find some grounding.

My goal for this spring is to work on training my dogs to understand a few "things" that I have taken for granted that they know. That way, I don't find myself frustrated with them when I try to have them do something that I think they should know but I have never worked on. Say that five times fast!

Lastly, on a personal level, I have been taking a few on-line courses on personal development/improvement. The concept of "what you think about, you become" is not a new one...in fact it is as old as it comes. Killing my ANTs...."automatic negative thoughts" is a daily chore, the big ANTs are dieing whilst the little ants crawl through cracks and build nests. As I become more aware of negative.....thoughts, people, behavior, words.....I challenge myself to persevere, live the dream, seize the day, go to great lengths to kill all the ANTs, and the biggest challenge of all...surround myself with people who aren't in the ANT farm business.

I ain't settling for just getting by...I've had enough "so-so" for the rest of my life...tired of shooting too low...so raise the bar high....Just enough ain't enough this time....I ain't settling for anything less than everything!

Yes indeed, life is a country song!

Seize the day!

Chasing My Tail

2011-04-21T15:26:00.000-07:00

This picture has nothing to do with this post...it just makes me smile. Thank God this dog does not drink coffee!

I have been chasing my tail. The whole Gyp Adventure...led into a lesson with Patrick.....one that I stepped into, for the first time ever in my training with him, WITHOUT a list of where I was with each dog joined along side all my questions and over thinking thoughts. When I said this....Patrick did not even blink but said...well, just go out and work your dog and we can have a look. Amazing. And what I took away from my time was a whole "new to me idea" on handling.

The very next weekend found me down at the Border Collie Training Center achieving one of my 2011 vision board goals...working with Alasdair MacRae.

I have to admit...I was kind of nervous. Having met him just a few times and always admiring his skill with the dogs, sheep and a course....I was not exactly sure what I wanted to work on with Nell, the dog of choice. The clinic showed me so very much...what Nell has, what Nell needs...and the good, bad and ugly of my handling.

Nell running a course at the Alasdair MacRae clinic

There's that word again....handling! So much to think about....much fodder for an over thinker. In my past I have not given to much thought to handling. I just ran my dog...and tried to put one together. I started thinking about handling styles after the judge from Sheep Thrilz spoke to me about how I worked Nell in my non-compete open run. Funny how the idea of handling has bubbled to the top when working with those folks I respect since that summer run. It certainly is the next step for me....sorting out if I have all that I need on my dogs for the styles in which I would like to handle.....having more than one specific tool in the box...and knowing just what tool suites the job at hand.

I'm beginning to sort out each of my dogs...assessing what they have that I like, what they need better understanding on, and what I need to "learn" them.....and yet again, what might be what it is. Miss Gyp has decided that she is a super keen working sheepdog and is cheating her stop....after listening to Alasdair (and reviewing the input from others!) I have decided that she just might need a tummy to the grass lie down on her. We will be working on this, the girls and me, because at the end of the day...I believe I am more of the problem when it comes to a functional "lie down"!

As April wraps up and I begin to look ahead to the 2011 trial season, I am starting to get very excited to get the girls out there and see what they look like. Besides trials, June is a whirl-wind for me as I am hosting a Kathy Knox clinic here in the valley as well as running the fun little Turner trial. Thanks to the support of friends and fellow handlers...both are filled to the brim and promise laughter and good learning times!

Now if the sun could just keep showing its beautiful golden face......

Seize the Day!!!!

PS for those who wonder: the bold badger did NOT audit the clinic! I think it might have packed its bags and moved on to visit another colony of ground squirrels. However, the huge holes were left behind....much to the dismay of the MacRaes.

The Bold Badger

2011-04-07T18:38:00.000-07:00

I recently took a road trip to work dogs at the Border Collie Training Center. I had Sally out in the pasture, minding my own business, and working my little dog. She was looking pretty fine.....

when all the sudden Geri yelled to me....."hey, just thought you might want to know there is a badger in the field!"
WHAT?
"A BADGER!"

This badger was busy digging away...dirt flying...and not at all worried about me, my dog, or the flock of sheep. Sally and I thought we better train as far from that badger as possible...I've heard badgers like valley girls!

Geri and Meg came out to show us a few stylish moves...and that darn badger came running across the field to get a closer view. Perhaps it was taking notes, or offering whispered advice.....

in all honesty it looked like it wanted to kick all of our butts!

Sure hope that badger does not want to audit the clinic this weekend!

I am so excited about this weekend. A life dream of mine is coming true as I attend an Alasdair MacRae clinic. Now if Mother Nature could decide to get on board and give up some sun instead of snow, I would be so very thankful. It is April after all.

Seize the Day!

The Culprit

2011-04-06T07:25:00.000-07:00

1 1/2" inches long x 1" thick x 1 1/4" across....this was no little "thing" that got stuck in my Gyp's small intestine! The "thing" looked vaguely familiar...and my vet told me...if there are more than one...she might do it again. So the hunt began. Possibly a rubber stop off a baby gate? Some sort of rubber sealant? An eraser?

My son and husband suggested I put the "thing's" picture on facebook and see what my friends could come up with. I love fb in times like this.....thanks to Monique and Angie I had a suspicion that I was looking for a dog toy.

Sure enough.....darn it anyway....stinking dog toys that Jack Knox gives me nothing but grief over....

A CUZ BALL!!!!

Cuz reunited with amputated limb

I actually thought I had thrown that darn thing away....I hate repetitious noises especially those that are at a pitch in sound that can scratch eardrums like fingernails! Alas, I had not thrown it away...and come to find out...Gyp loved it.

What disturbs me the most....is the fact that it tripled in size in the gut of my dog. Had it stayed the initial chew-off size it most likely could have passed.

Maybe the makers of Cuz could take that into consideration as they make these toys and sell them. One of my friends has confessed that her dog actually chewed off both feet and required surgery too! I wallow in misery not alone.

Miss Gyp is doing great now that the triple sized Cuz foot has been removed from her interior. Sporting a stem to stern zipper of 15+ stitches...my vet was very thorough making sure there was nothing else hanging out in her GI tract. She was very disappointed yesterday when all the other dogs got a spin on the sheep....but she made her own fun hunting ground squirrels and digging for badgers! Badgers...yes indeed badgers...but that is a story for another day.

Today, two friends are meeting me for the day of capture the lamb at RDR. They need their CD&T's and some other attention. They being the lambs...not the friends...although I have been known to miss! I just might worm the momma ewes as well. Could be an Advil sort of day for sure....

Oh and now that Cuz has been reunited with its missing limb...I might have a formal burial! Or maybe I should burn it!

Seize the Day!

A Little Side-step

2011-03-30T20:24:00.000-07:00

My Gyp is sick. Sparing details, let's just say her GI tract has shut down to a very slow crawl. She has been hanging out with my fabulous vet, who has been nothing but understanding and tolerant of my medical knowledge.....which leaves me on the verge of fearing for the worst, asking too many questions, and taking matters into my own hands. For example, he wanted me to leave her overnight at the vet office. Not in this life time! They leave at 6 and are not back until 7:45 the next morning. Instead, I begged him, and reminded him that I am a retired RN, and then gave the over thinkers 10,000 reasons why she would be better off at home with me. Me, who will sleep next to her crate and check her every 2 hours. Me, who can run an IV very nicely thank you!

So Gyp is home!

I had to get creative and use the coat rack...up on a chair to get the height for the drip rate....for the IV pole! It works....

Tomorrow she goes back for a day at the spa......she is slated for a scope and exploratory surgery. Her symptoms are indicative of a blockage or foreign body but the barium, x-rays, and ultrasound don't show anything other than a GI tract that is barely moving.

The outpouring of support from friends has been much appreciated. Friends help keep me grounded and reign in my imagination. Tomorrow is a new.....

Seize the Day!

Dreams

2011-03-27T16:53:00.000-07:00

Wouldn't you agree that part of the joy of a fabulous dream is the process of dreaming it?

Seize the Day!

The Unfolding Story of a Crook

2011-03-25T16:02:00.000-07:00

I remember vividly my first USBCHA trial...and that one amazing crook hanging from the rafters of the handler's tent. The handle of the crook was smooth and shiny and I could hardly tell where the horn ended and the wood of the staff began. That crook belonged to Diane Pagel, and she introduced me to its maker....George MacDonald. Starry-eyed I went to see the special ordered crooks he was making...amazed at the masterful artwork but not ready to pay my dues to own one. Elissa Thau has a George MacDonald crook, that a year later fueled my crook lust. And then I saw the crook George made for Derek Fisher! It is so Derek, with a personality all its own and unique to the hand whose work it adds finesse. Right then and there I told myself...when I won my first open trial...I would take the winnings and get a George MacDonald crook for myself. Year after year, I made little mental notes as I meticulously viewed all the many crooks handlers called their own. I almost gave in and bought a George MacDonald crook at the 2009 finals in Klamath Falls. However, I stuck to the deal I had made with myself..and thankfully the crook of temptation sold!

I wonder if J.K. Rowling might have used the modern day crook maker as her pattern for the wand makers of the Harry Potter series. In the stories, each wand has unique characteristics...the type of wood the wand is made from... the unique core each wand possesses....the special qualities instilled by each wand maker. So it is with a MacDonald crook...each has a different type of horn formed into designs making up the head. The head is then married with a unique wood shank. Additionally some crooks have embellishments at this seam. The finished product is a work of art; a crook having a personality of its very own.

Then it happened....I won my first open trial! I knew exactly what I needed to do....I found George and ordered my crook. George was so amazingly gracious to me, listening as I talked through my ideas and what was important for my crook. We parted ways that October day....George taking with him my bare outlines of ideas....putting wood and horn and silver together making my dream become reality.

The head is a Scottish Blackface ram horn. The shank a beautiful golden hazelnut.

The tip of the shank is again Scottie horn.

It was exactly as beautiful as I had ever hoped for...the tiniest detail making it uniquely mine. I can hardly wait to use it at my next trial....I wonder if George might have lined it with dragon's heartstring...or maybe the feather of a phoenix.

George MacDonald's crooks can be found at The Shepherd's Crook.

Thank you, Sally for helping make my dreams come true! And of course, thank you George for sharing your amazing gift of crook making.

Seize the Day!

Dear Mr. Glen

2011-03-24T08:38:00.000-07:00

Dear Mr. Glen,

Yes, sir....I have indeed taken one of your shedding clinics. In fact, I have taken two of them. I must have been getting a coffee refill when you mentioned "get out of the way". I do appreciate the laughs from yesterday, if you ever fail at being a sheepdog wizard...you could most certainly make it on the streets of New York as a mime. Okay maybe not a mime...how about a comedian impersonator? I do see you are doing yet another shedding clinic, perhaps three's a charm.

Regarding STOP..... I think I have found my issue with "stop"...perchance Bella has been reading Urban Dictionary that defines stop as:

Stop means Slow to only Pause

Stop sign most people only slow down instead of coming to a full stop

I've put a Webster's dictionary in her crate for night time reading......and Bella and I will have further discussion on the matter.....in the coming months.

Yesterday gave a vague sort of deja vu....same song, next verse, different dog. Next time I see you, my goal is to move on to a new song...k?

As always, thanks for the great lessons!

Seize the Day!

The Glove Box

2011-03-21T16:40:00.000-07:00

I started lambing 5 years ago.....well, six if you count that "free ewe that would do so much better on the valley grass". That same ewe that lambed twins at home three days after I brought her over the mountain...and exactly as I crossed by Mt. Shasta on the way down to California for an agility seminar. That same ewe that caused mondo marital stress as my suit clad husband went out to the ranch with my emergency bag of goodies...to meet my neighbor and a friend who took over the situation which left him traumatized for years! Since "that ewe", I have taken three lambing classes through OSU as well as an on-line sheep management class through Minnesota West. I've had some good lambers and some that needed help. One year, I did the deed I swore I would never do and called my vet out on a pull that I could not muster. He cheated, by the way, and gave her an epidural, easily sorting out the big huge tangled mess I had made.

This year I bred 24 ewes. I did indeed use CIDR inserts to induce heat. My vet and a couple of knowledgeable friends have all assured me that CIDRs do NOT....NOT....NOT cause multiple births. That was all luck in the form of one set of quads, five sets of triplets, three singles and all the rest as twins. I have 38 lambs at the ranch.....5 others went on to be bummers with friends....and I lost 3 lambs that I know of not included in the ewe with listeria. It most certainly was a year of "learning". I had my first "mummy lamb" and the above mentioned listeria. I also learned that breeding my blue face leiscter ram to all my shetland ewes, though fabulous in fiber, was not in my best interest!

I really did not pull many lambs by neccesity this year. Of course Coyote girl got a free-pull pass. One coop/blue face girl was a hard pull. The quad mom was totally pooped out when she surprisingly passed the fourth lamb breach. Shear exhaustion left her laying down when she might have gotten up, so I gave a helping hand to get the head out and into air. A few other lambs were pulled as the moms were going and I had places to be. I learned from the best that it is better to pull and have live lambs then to get busy, forget, and not. It was those darn Shetlands and my plan for improvement in fiber and dog workability that used the glove box. With some success and some utter fail, I pulled every lamb out of those Shetlands. Today, I saw the end of lambing 2011....with the birth of these two beautiful lambs.

the boy

the girl

The boy was first and interesting how the hard pull on the first lamb created stress for the second lamb. The yellow film on her white wool is from the passing of meconium from stress during birth. Once I got the boy out.....I quickly went in and rearranged a front leg to pull the girl. Another lesson I learned from this year.....pull one, check for more right away.

Another life lesson learned is that, though I really do love lambing, this is the beginning of a lambing break at Rocking Dog Ranch. Not living where the sheep live make it really time consuming and hard. Next year, I won't have the home help, with both boys being off to college...it is time. Bitter sweet for sure but I have had so much fun with the making of lambing memories. I promise myself to enjoy every lamb race this year.....I certainly have enough to make betting interesting.

Maybe next year some of my sheep friends will let me come and help lamb.....

Seize the Day!

She Was Indeed a Triplewide

2011-03-09T15:59:00.000-08:00

The big wool ewe.....the one who had me up at nights worried she would need help birthing monster babies.....had just right sized triplets.

They are sooooo cute! The one on the far right is taking a bottle from me....she is also the biggest. I will supplement her a couple times a day for a while and keep supplementing until she is on creep and they all are growing good.

They have tiny chocolate dipped ears....well, okay maybe their ears aren't very tiny. This one, the middle sized sister, has a beauty mark on her hinny.

I don't get very much done in a day right now. Every now and then I have to just stop and watch the lambie antics. My last katahdin ewe went today giving me twins in the form of a ram and a ewe. This marks the very end of my experiment with CIDR implants and a 21 day lambing season. The four Shetland ewes are bred to Sam the ram ala naturale`....and should begin to lamb any day now. But they are Shetlands and have minds of their own.....and hopefully can get the job done without help from me.

Now its time to start thinking about taxes.....or maybe tomorrow would be a better day for that!

Seize the Day!

Triple Wide and Litter of Lambs

2011-03-08T17:47:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was quite the day! It started at 4:30 with the big huge katahdin ewe having a small lamb so I knew there were more in her. The huge woolly girl was telling me she was having her babies too but I told her "show me the money". I went home to kick off the day for the family, grabbed the dogs and headed back to the ranch at 7. Thank God I jugged the katahdin as she had produced 3 flashy ram lambs while the wool ewe had a small ewe and another katahdin decided to join the fun and had a small ewe herself. For the next two hours it was very chaotic in the birth barn....lambs showing up everywhere...to the end tune of two sets of triplets and a set of quads.

These quads weighed in at 7-8 pounds a piece...30 pounds of lamb in that poor ewe. I sent one of the strapping boys home with my friend, Denise. I also nabbed the small ewe lamb from the katahdin triplets and she went with Denise as well...the mom was being a little ornery to her. If I can get one of the boys from the first set of triplets on a bottle, I will probably pull him too. Three lambs seem to create a lot of stress for first time moms.

The big woolly girl really was a triple wide! She had three beautiful ewe lambs. I went and bought a bottle and some milk replacer today. I'll supplement feed them and see if I can keep the ewe raising the lambs. They are very cute...and their tiny nappy curls look amazing!

One more katahdin and four Shetlands left to go. I think I see a light at the end of the tunnel.......really, I do.

Seize the day!

Short Sleeves and Tail-less

2011-03-07T07:14:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I saw the sun! I actually sat in it and soaked in as much vitamin D as I could. I think I am deficient to say the least. I even took off my hoodie and let my arms think about turning brown! Then I grabbed my camera and took photos of a few of my favorite things.

I love it when the lamb's behinds become cute baby butts!

One tail off and one tail on:

I also love it when the lambs find the creep feeder. They know they are so special when their moms can't get into their crib and eat their stash of the BEST food!

I also find smiles in the beds the lambs make....

However, the best beds in the house belong to the woolly lambs...

I came home this morning to feed the family and grab the dogs. One ewe had produced a small single so I am thinking she will have at least another lamb on the ground by the time I get back. And two other ewes were looking like they meant business today. It is beginning to wrap up!

Seize the Day!

First Flashy Ewe Lamb

2011-03-03T08:58:00.000-08:00

This is my single ewe lamb from yesterday....my first flashy girl! I love her ear....must have been tight quarters. She is absolutely full of herself and I just might put her ear tag in and release her from the jug before she causes too much mischief.

I had twins right before bed last night. Two boys.....and today it looks like 3 ewes want to have their lambs for me! Past the half way mark gives me hope.

Seize the day!

Better

2011-03-01T17:55:00.000-08:00

Today's five a.m check revealed a tiny single white ewe lamb.....all cleaned up and starting to nurse. Ewe beaming with pride and me thinking "gosh you are fat for having such a tiny single. Best be thinking about culling you next year" as I lured the ewe into a jug with her carrot baby. I fed and was on my way home to start breakfast for the family and make certain all was ready for my son's first state playoff basketball game.

As I walked into my Christmas wonderland barn at 8:30, strolling over to the new lamb jug....when, what to my wondering eyes should appear....

TRIPLETS!

Two flashy boys.....

and the tiny white girl!

I think the mom will be taken off the cull list!

Much better way to start the day. I'm still waiting for the necropsy report....vet thinks Listeria. Just to give him pause, I'm betting polio. However, I do think my vet is right and I'll be glad he did not take my double or nothing bet on the bill.

Seize the Day!

Life lessons on the farm

2011-02-28T17:36:00.000-08:00

"Is she your pet?"

"No, sir, I do not have any pet sheep."

"Is she valuable?"

"Well, the price of sheep is high...but she is not a show sheep, nor is she registered. Her value is in her production and the training she brings to the dogs."

Every time I am faced with the decision of life vs. death....I always feel a little awe. The power I have in a few words and more dollars. When life is spent to feed folks, I am proud of my way here on the farm. Birth through to the day of processing, my sheep are healthy, hormone free, and pass with as little stress as possible making for top quality fabulous tasting lamb. However, when my order takes breath when no sense can be had from the matter...I am left with feelings of complete and utter inadequacy. Missing the early signs, an ear droop; mistaking distance from the flock as pre-labor; buying hay when prices were low to feed a year later. Today, I am down one ewe....almost full term yet a decision of mercy. Sad I could do no more for three lives. Knowing I am called to be a shepherd and that my money, even in the robust of times, is to better the whole and not the one. I now await the necropsy.

The skies reflect my mood.....and the fields, my tears.

They might be just sheep but I am their shepherd. Lessons learned through the school of hard knocks are as valuable as painful. I think I need a good birth to bring perspective.

Seize the day.

Moving out....moving on.

2011-02-27T13:22:00.000-08:00

The weather here in the valley has been frigid! In an effort to keep stress to the new lambs a minimum...I divided the barn and had all the ewes and lambs in one part of the barn in addition to all the pregnant yet to lamb ewes in a different section. The barn was tight, filled to the brim. At the suggestion of a friend...I hung Christmas lights around the lambing areas so the sheep could see each other and their lambs. Also I wanted to keep the night check disruptions to a minimum. Somehow the sheep think they should be fed every time they see my face. With snow and black ice road conditions, I moved out to the RV at the ranch. All in all it was a little stressful. Keeping the RV warm when outside temperatures dipped below 17 was challenging. Kind of silly, but the atmosphere the Christmas lights gave to the barn made me smile every time I checked for lambs at night.

Now the temps are back to the high 40's so it was time to kick those frisky babies out of the barn to give room to the grumpy gravid ewes. Yesterday, I introduced the lambs to their new digs....I was not surprised....they loved the big area!

Today, they are officially kicked out of the barn hotel and into their permanent home. They have not really appreciated the benefits of the creep feeder just yet. They love the hay bales I put out for wind blocks....let the king of the mountain games begin.

For my friends and followers....no, the big wide super huge ewe has not gone yet! She was lapped by a kathdin ewe who lambed out twin ewes last night. I just love katahdins...they lamb, clean them, feed them and away they go! They are so hardy. Plus no tail docking makes it easier on my tender heart who hates the whole process of banding lambs.

Tiny Dancer is doing fabulous! I'll wait to turn her out until she is bigger than the katahdin lambs being born. I do need to pierce her ear.

Today, there are a couple of ewes looking like they will be moving into the labor and delivery rooms soon! I feel so much better having the lambs and their moms turned out and room for the pregnant ewes to have personal space. Now if that big woolly girl would go I would be eternally grateful!

Seize the Day!

Holiday: This One's For YOU!

2011-02-24T13:16:00.000-08:00

First born lamb....looks more like a well-fed toddler!

Know how to tell the boys from the girls at Rocking Dog Ranch? Boy's sport their ear tags on the right.....girl's on the left. That is my G rated version of telling them apart.

My favorite girl lamb...shhh, don't tell the others!

Coyote Girl's ewe lamb

I mentioned in a post that I had to pull both of Coyote Girl's lambs. I'm pretty sure I talked to CG the whole time I pulled and helped clean her babies up. Okay, I'm chatty at times. All that to be said, I do believe these lambs imprinted with me....so now when I come into the lamb area, they will come right up to me and let me catch them. They are so stinking cute, I always snatch them up....giving them hugs and kisses. Wonder how long it will last?

The sheep I held back for dog work came running to get their viddles today. As I look outside now, the snow is melting away. Tomorrow is supposed to be in the teens overnight....then those cute lambs get kicked out into their new digs on Saturday.

Now it is time to get some home chores done....washing and cooking and maybe a visit with the vacuum.

Seize the Day!

Finding Delight

2011-02-24T08:53:00.000-08:00

The weatherman has been predicting a visit from winter here in the valley....making a last ditch appearance...right as my lambs are due. Yesterday, I spent the day rearranging the barn to accommodate 25 ewes and a small ever-growing herd of frisky baby lambs. Boy oh boy...do sheep hate change! Well, at least the woolly girls did...the katahdins were so very thankful, moved right in and made themselves at home! I moved out to the RV and will stay there until the cold snap is over. It was so nice last night to get up, check the ewes, and be back in bed in less than 5 minutes. I am so grateful to my electrician friend who came out and set me up with an RV plug-in.

Today, we have snow! Not much, but I am a valley girl, like, ya know, and I do NOT heart snow! However, my girls do! Gyp met snow at the New Year's Day sheepdog trial...today, she was in puppy heaven. Running, playing, even getting grumpy Snook into a "chase the puppy" game.

I'm fighting off a bought of severe grumpiness.....in finding delight in the day, here is what I am thankful for: a barn where the sheep can come in, an RV with comfy beds, an spanking new plug in for that RV, and dogs that laugh in the snow!

Bella

Nell striking a pose

Join with me in thinking birthing thoughts for that big truck sized ewe today.......she is over-due and needs to go!

Seize the Day!

Tiny Dancer

2011-02-22T16:59:00.000-08:00

Saturday, one of my Coop ewes gave birth to two of the tiniest lambs I have seen. Both weighed in about 5 pounds each. I'm not exactly sure what happened....my sheep friends think that maybe the ewe had triplets and was reabsorbing one. Needless to say, I feel a bit inadequate. The smallest of the two was not thrifty so she went to live with another friend. The lamb that stayed is now called Dancer....I'm singing Elton John to her. She is sporting a sweater sleeve cut just to her size. She is feisty....time will tell.

Today, my other coop ewe lambed. Earlier in January, she ended up with a broken jaw and I almost lost her. It took me some time and help from my shearer to figure out what was wrong. First I thought she had bottle jaw from the edema under her chin. She lived off the protein block I had in the barn as she could not chew. Once the broken jaw was proclaimed....I attacked with vigor...as my good friend Shannon said.....just get her through to lambing. Grain, soybean meal, alfalfa, molasses....all in a pen just for her and my other coop ewe...twice a day all you can eat Rocking Dog Ranch buffet. The work paid off with twins...the girl weighing in at 9 pounds and the boy a good 8 pounds!

They hit the ground ready to rumble and are already starting a good sibling rivalry.

Soon enough they will figure out that one on each side works better!

It is supposed to snow here tomorrow and into the weekend. They are saying 2-6 inches on the valley floor. I'm scrambling trying to sort out how to handle the hair sheep that should begin lambing tomorrow. I'm hoping that this time the weatherman is wrong.

Gyp thinks that maybe lambing should get over with already...she is tired of not working sheep! At 1/3 done...I'm ready to agree with Gyp. A full night's sleep sounds refreshing right about now!

Seize the Day!