All The Things

I've dipped my toe back into the ocean of sheepdog trialing.  Meeker has always been a bucket list trial for me and when I saw my name in the first draw I knew it was time to walk to the post and give Bella her Meeker spin.  I'm so glad I did.

Meeker was all I had dreamed of with a side of more and a bit of less.  For one, I thought the sheep were going to be dog eaters...and not a single dog was made a meal of or a snack for that matter.  It was also very hot......the kind of hot that had us searching for shade mid day and thankful for the park along side the river that flows through Meeker.  I spent many an afternoon under this tree with the girls.

This

There are so many things I loved about Bella's run....it was not perfect for sure but so much of our relationship was shown on that Meeker field.  Once Bella got a hold of the sheep....it was exactly what Bella loves and does the best....the feeling and handling of those tough range sheep.  Heat, altitude and age were not our friends and when we got to the pen, I was out of dog.  But we touched the pen after her fantastic shed and her run earned us the "Shining Star" award for a first time at Meeker handler.  I'm grateful to her for the honor!

I touched the pen at Meeker!!!!

For me personally, I have taken some trial time off after my Carbondale Finals.  I had lost myself...or perhaps I was just lost....traveling all over, going to trial after trial, filming and chasing....always chasing to capture something a trial win might provide.  I know I've hashed it out over and over in my head and here.  My time off from the road has given me some grounding and insight into what is most important to me.  Life, relationships, learning....those details have become a focus point.  Sometimes I find myself off line a little....like in the movie Moana, I put my hand up and find my North Star and change my course back in the direction that is right for me.

Which brings me right back to my Rocking Dog Ranch blog.....it's time for a change here too.  I want to be able to look back at my words and see my life...which is filled with my dogs, for sure, but is more than just training and trialing.  My Nell is turning 11..gah where did the time go...and has career changed into nose work.  It's a little search and rescue game but we just rescue odors that have been hidden in crooks and crannies at places like Lowes, Wilco and my barn!  She loves it and tells me first thing in the morning, "it's Tuesday!" which is her class day!  I've got my bees and all I'm learning ...first and foremost concurring my fear of them!  I've taken up knitting which is a mind saver now that winter is coming and the days are shorter and shorter.  And through Divine Intervention...I've embraced my inner child and am now the owner of a pony.  Her name is Gloria and she ran with a big mob of valley sheep until she became too much for all the loading and hauling.  Before that, rumor has it, she was ridden and taught to drive.....I'm now in search of a harness and pony cart for my tiny bundle of amazing heart happiness.

Living in the moment!

Indeed the thing that gets me up in the morning is the dogs and their sheep work.  My worst days of working for my good friend beats some of my better days not working dogs.  The journey of training the dogs, looking for holes and finding ways to have the dogs find their answers is indescribable.  It's a very humbling experience.....especially now that I am getting my two puppies started. They are so different I'm digging deep to find their pace and methods.

The best adventures are shared with friends

So, here's to blogging about life......let it be filled with amazing adventure.....a life worth writing about.

Seize the Day!!!!