Lost in Translation

I wrote this post for the 2013 USBCHA National Sheepdog Finals. They have a section of their website entitled; "In the Beginning," where handlers share funny stories from their start in the sport. Some are very funny, such as my personal favorite; "The Barn Door," by Rob Drummond where he talks about a broken barn door and a half-broke dog.

Mine is a distant memory of a dog I raised on the ranch and loved completely for sentimental reasons as much for her heart. Sadly, I don't have a picture of her, but this one's for Chica...



Chica was raised on the San Felipe Ranch


Back then, 600 miles round-trip was a long way to travel for a dog trial. And, when you’re only running 1 dog in novice? Well, you gotta crack out somewhere. I cracked out in a desolate area of central California on a barren field alongside a feedlot with a mystery-breed, black and white ranch dog named Chica.

The novice always ran last and we hardy souls, there were about 4 of us, sat around all day (think 7 hours) watching the open handlers on parade with *real* Border Collies, intimidated by their perceived skill, and waiting our turn to shine, or in my case, for a turn.

It came, and I was confident. Chica, a ranch remnant, completed the outrun, all 75 yards of it, and that’s where the trouble began. I couldn’t blow a whistle yet, but had managed to get voice flanks on my edgy little dog. Try as I might, however, and as luck would have it, she wouldn’t take them…none of them…not one.

When the sheep zigged, I flanked Chica to cover, but she either ignored me outright, or went the wrong way. My collar tightened, so I did what came naturally. I raised my voice…same result. I raised it louder to my very best “outside” voice…no change. Undeterred, Chica got sheep to my feet, and we were now to the pen!

Round and round for what felt like eternity, the sheep circled, the dog flying counter to every flank I delivered until, mercifully, the clock ran out on our run. Mortified, I began to walk off the field, alternately glaring at my dog, and staring at my boots. The imagined sound of derisive whispers rang in my ears, and that’s when I heard my name.

Our judge, George Grist, had beckoned to me. Oh Gawd! It was worse than I thought. I was so bad that I required attention!!! Did he speak to everyone after their run? Who knew?

For those of you who don’t know him, George Grist has helped many handlers get their start. He’s bred lots of good dogs, helped put working Border Collies on the map, but George is not the man you’d expect to see pictured beside the word “diplomatic” in the dictionary. Webster’s notwithstanding, in his most compassionate voice, George made me laugh when he gently asked me; “Is your dog on backwards flanks?”

When She is Good...

She...Sonoma, is very, very good. I'm referring to the weather, but there isn't much about this trial that would not be categorized by all attendees as very, very good on any year. Unfortunately the sheep this year were the 1 glaring exception and luck of the draw played the starring role in competition. They were very bad girlz, miserable beasts, marauding cretons, like I never want to see again. On 1 of my 6 trips to the post at this long-running trial, I had the overpowering desire to call in sick.

Flat field

Running on these sheep was like playing pool in the devil's hall. The crew racked them as tightly as possible and we sent our hapless collie-ques flying for the break. No matter how correct the dog at the top, no matter how much feel, patience, timing or skill full handling with a deft touch around the course, they ran, careened off the bumpers, topography, fences and dogs like maniacal, 200lb, just-shorn bumper cars on LSD, a runaway, downhill freight train, maddened, stampeding elephants through a straw-hut village, Jack Nicholson as the Joker.

I swear I heard one cackle as she rocketed past me at the pen. They made no sense. They did not behave normally. They were no fun at all and no amount of talent or skill helped when you got the worst of the worst, which was all but a few. The sheep sucked at Sonoma. So let's talk weather...food...and wine.

Jan and Star into the breach

When I think of Sonoma, I think of heavy duty rain gear, as in "Deadliest Catch" best of... After 2 torrential years in a row and one huge, downed oak that blocked entry to the trial for over an hour, it was such a relief to see the forecast. We had sun, sun, and more sun with just a bit-o-wind Sunday afternoon.

Mornings were clear and cool, but when the sun topped the treeline, jackets went flying and all manner of hats appeared. We ate on picnic tables, basked in the glory, lingered in the grass with our dogs. The weather could not have been better and it was a lovely accent to the fine food.

My foster dog, Brady, shaded up under my chair

Our hostess, Sandy Milberg, brought in a catering truck this year, instead of the usual Healdsburg 4H kids to feed us, and it was a nice change-up. Falafel, pita sandwiches and BBQ on Sunday drew us toward lunch like a lonely dog to a...well, to a girl-dog. We monged on lunch while Sandy conducted her most-excellent auction during the hour-long break each day. I couldn't afford tickets this year, but there was an amazing array of world-class, award-winning, and very expensive wine on that table. Just the sight of it was impressive.

I had some extraordinary 2-buck-chuck at the hotel, and enjoyed an amazing bottle of Italian chianti with good friends at La Coco's in Santa Rosa on Saturday night. OK, so the sheep disappointed, but it was nothing that  great weather, memorable food, spectacular wine and sparkling conversation with laughter among dear friends in a charming restaurant could not assuage. Sonoma is a really not-to-be-missed-if-at-all-possible dog trial.

Set out on the hill field

So how were my dogs you ask? Mirkie was heroic. There's no other words for his performance. My 10 year old dog ran his legs off, never gave up, took every frantic command with a calm that made me miss him already, even though I may get another year. There's nothing like running an exceptionally powerful, older dog that forgot more about sheep than I'll ever know. What a great pleasure it has been to own him.

Sunday on the hill field, deep in the afternoon with the wind driving insane ewes into every nook and cranny, he navigated the hill field like a ballerina on rails. I asked a lot of him to fly over treacherous, uneven terrain where one bad step could cost a career-ending injury. After a decisive split and 3 revolutions around the pen I lay him down and let the sheep run free.  They were most definitely not worth it, even though his run had been passable and may well have placed him in the points had I let the clock run out.

Bottom of the hill field

Buffy got lost on the hill field. No surprise there. He is wide, there was no room, and these were not the sheep for his particular idiosyncrasy. He fared better on the flat field and came within a near miss at the pen to finish in the top 5. Where almost half of the field DQ'd, his owner, Mandy had run him successfully in the pro-novice on Friday against the same wiley sheep we had in the open, and she was standing ringside with husband, Hirsh to watch his go with me.

I always marvel at how adept he is changing gears from her to me and back again. Buff just rises to the occasion and gives as good as he gets. A point or 2 will come his way for a top-20 finish, and that's something to be proud of in an 84 dog field from this talented Irish import we share.

High point of the running for me was nursery dog, Tam. You should'a seen him go! Trialed just 3 times previously and with very little experience of any kind away from home, he did himself proud on Friday in 2 nurseries on the same impossible creatures we had in the open. Only when he got them, they were fresh! The sheep did everything but pull a knife on him, and he just kept on keeping on.

He ran out beautifully, exhibited feel, took every whistle, demonstrated clean flanks, kept his cool under pressure and fairly trounced the competition by a 7 point margin with a 68 in the 2nd running, picking up the overall win as well. For that Sandy awarded a gorgeous, harness-quality leather collar and leash, and a 2007 vintage Napa red that I'm told is pretty special. That dog's a keeper.

Tam's nursery winnings

And did I mention my pro-novice friends? We were 3-for-3 at this one. Mandy and Buff, Beth and Hula, and Jan with Star all earned scores in a 42 dog field where 17 were either DQ'd or retired. Way to go girlz and doggiez! So happy for ya...

The wrap up is, Sonoma is very, very good. It is, after all, one of the most beautiful places on earth, and the sheepdog community is very blessed indeed to have hosts like Sandra and Arthur Milberg, who work tirelessly for us year after year after year. They offer up they're incomparable Oak Springs Farm, pull together an amazing crew, raise money for kids in the process and quite simply put on one spectacular dog trial that I will attend every year they'll have me.

Sheepdog Movie Dot Com

My friend, Andrew Hadra, made a documentary movie. It's about sheepdog trialing, and it's very good. 2 years in the making, Drew followed 3 handlers, Faansie Basson, Amanda Milliken, and Haley Howard giving us glimpses into their lives, and the dogs. It is an intimate portrayal of what it means to be a sheepdog handler.

Much of the footage was shot at the Soldier Hollow Classic Sheepdog Trial in Heber, UT where Drew has a home in nearby Park City. It was a chance visit to this trial that motivated him to produce the film. Drew visited his 3 subjects at their homes, and the footage of South Africa, Canada, and the Sierra Mountains in California is breathtaking. The movie is as much travelogue as anything.

I highly recommend this film for anyone who appreciates the relationship between sheepdog, sheep and handler. That is the focus of the film. It is available for purchase now on their website.

Think Tuscany

All photos in this post courtesy of shoreslifephotos.com

On the open field

They were at it again, those hard-working ladies of the Hopland Sheepdog Trial. I think it's Marilyn's baby, but Clare is right there beside Amber, Geri, Lana, Gloria and others to create what has become in the last 2 years a personal favorite of mine. It's just so breathtakingly gorgeous...think Tuscany. Did I mention the hospitality? The local 4H club knows what we like and they served it up hot, fresh and home-made all weekend.

What makes or breaks a dog trial? Lots of things, but none more importantly than the sheep. Held on the University of California Hopland Research and Extension Campus, the Targhee cross ewes are homegrown and there's something like 900 hundred available. They are big, healthy, and as even as you can hope to find in size, temperment and action. Of course their behavior changed with the weather and timing, but overall, they stayed true to their raising and flowed nicely in front of quiet dogs with feel, charging away from the rest but rarely just up and spoiling anyone's run. I run defensivly at so many trials. We could truly handle at this one, and it was really fun.

The weather played a role in the outcome and we were delayed hours on Saturday morning by pea-coat-fog that forced the last 8 or so runs into Sunday. When the fog did finally lift, the cold remained and it barely got above 50 all day with the sun rarely peeking through passing gobs of ominous clouds. Sunday was so much better. The fog rose early, allowing bright sunshine for most of the day leaving handlers to enjoy an indescribably idyllic view across oak-dotted hillsides, and late-season vineyards in the last throes of blazing color. Think Tuscany...

Tammy 1, sheep 0

Uncommon for me, I traveled with friends. In other words I didn't drive...much, and it was so very nice. I'm a great passenger! Who knew? Jan and Mandy ran their pro-novice dogs on Friday, and I had Tam to contend with in that mix. The girls ran great, their dogs giving them every opportunity, and my little Tam-O-Canter surprised me with 2 fairly precise runs, 1 successful pen and 2 scores. He's 18 months old, and it was his first-evah trial. I think he's got a bright future, that one.

Mirk was evah-so-smooth in both opens placing 6th on Saturday. I held him back just a little too much on Sunday trying to make every step count. Perfection takes time, and we were about 10 seconds from acheiving a reasonable proximity. In other words we timed out with sheep just moving past the mouth of the pen. *Sigh* So close!

I was running Mandy's Buff in open as well. After my near miss with Mirk on Sunday I determined to bear down with Buff. He has never run as well for me as he did on that day, and we just managed the win with a  big Plus Sign next to our tied score that made us the winner on outwork. Winning is great. I love it. It's fun. Nothing about winning, however, could touch how I felt watching Mandy's reaction when she found out her beloved dog had won. After Buff's grand run, she was levitating, I swear. Hundreds of miles later over dinner at Harris Ranch, we checked Facebook where the final scores were posted, and the win brought tears to her eyes. Man, I really love that stuff.

Buffy the Hopland-ewe-slayer

We stayed in Ukiah at an unusually dog-friendly Super 8 Motel about 12 miles from the Hopland trial site. Wineries and trendy eateries abound, but we neglected them all choosing hard-core dog-trialing by the seat of our pants. I'll be back with my friends. We'll enjoy the scenery, the hospitality, the tremendous sheep, the gorgeous field, the camaraderie and competition. Until then, we'll just have to look forward and think Tuscany.

The Big Show

Photo credit: Dr. Barry

National Finals Semi-Final Round

It's a big, wide world out there at the United States Border Collie Handler's Association 2012 National Finals. I was happy to be in Klamath Falls, Oregon with 9 year old Taddymoor Mirk qualified. The dog ran well, and I was happy with him. Only attending 4 or 5 trials all year, I was lucky to be there at all, even if it was with only 1 dog. We eventually found ourselves in the semi's where we finished 25th among the top 150 dogs in North America. OK for a sheep-starved Californian, and an aging Welsh farm dog.
      Photo credit: www.shoreslifephoto.com

With Buff at Soldier Hollow

It all started back at Soldier Hollow, where I ran Mirk and Mandy Schaftel's Irish import, Buff . The sheep there were tougher than I've ever seen them, and I've never seen them anything but tough. They were too tough for us any way. Unschooled on wild-ass range ewes, Buff never had a chance, and didn't get sheep to my feet after 2 attempts. Mirk got around, even managing a pen on his 2nd try, but never a precision instrument, his scores weren't even close to the top 5 per day required to make the finals.

Next year I hope they construct their set out pen a bit differently...an observation, not a criticism, because top 3, Jack Knox with Jim, Tommy Wilson with Sly, and Scott Glen with Don showed us the possibilities. Some say Faansie Basson's score did not reflect his great running. Not having seen it, I can only report what I heard from those whose opinions I value. Unbothered, Faansie went on to win Meeker in grand style. Well deserved, happy for ya, Faansie and Elle Marie.

                               Photo credit: Bridget Strang

Shedding with Buff at Meeker

If you told me I could only attend 1 trial per year, The Meeker Sheepdog Championship is where I would go. There's something about that trial, that small town, and those organizers that makes me look forward to it all year long. It's a rich ranching community, sheep and cattle, way up high in the Rockies, the atmosphere is genuinely happy, and it's so nice to be at a trial with so much tradition that doesn't take itself too seriously. Surviving in drought conditions through the summer, the sheep were cranky here too, and, once again, as difficult as I've ever seen at a trial where they consistently top treacherous on the difficulty scale.

Buff missed the semi-final cut by 10 points without a pen, and a score of 50. Sounds dismal, but at Meeker it's not. I've seen scores in the 40's advance. Honestly, I was thrilled with him. Mirk surprisingly lost a ewe on the fetch. It was certainly no surprise the biddy went to crazyville at warp speed for no apparent reason. That's quite common among Meeker sheep. I was surprised that Mirk let me down. He's usually better than that. I just waved at our judge, Scotsman, Andrew Dickman, whistled my dog, and went to crazyville myself until the wine kicked in. After finishing 12th there last year in the double lift final, I was dissappointed not to get another go.

       Photo credit: www.shoreslifephoto.com

Qualifying round with Mirk at the Finals

On to the 2012 National Sheepdog Finals in Klamath Falls, Oregon where Mirk redeemed himself, and it was my turn to stub our collective toe. But 1st off, a huge thank you to the organizing committee headed up by Geri Byrne, one of the hardest working sheepdoggers I know. Seriously, I don't know why how she does it, and she does it all with an ever present smile. It must be her great help, Amy Coapman, Lana and Marty Rowley, Ellen Skillings, her smart hires, announcer, Ray Crabtree, photographer, Jan Elliott, and her uncanny ability to amass some of the nicest, most conscientious volunteers around. Many thanks to you all.

The finals is serious business. We have bloggers, television cameras, newspaper reporters, tweeters, video recording, live webcast, 4 judges, 2 fields, and abounding ego, ego, ego! Different factions huddle together under their respective pop-ups sniping and pointing surreptitiously. Students fawn over their competing mentors. Kewlness is judged in the hand's camp by fanciest rig, who attends which camper-party with whom, and who emerges from where in the morning. Statements of...well, I don't know what, are made by adornment, headgear and jewelry worn on the field. I saw one woman in stage makeup (think Tammy Faye) wearing tight, purple, sateen pants with what looked like sequined prunes in her hair. Now that's just not something you see every day at a dog trial!

Special moment alert; Amanda Milliken teared up singing the Canadian National Anthem, so others chimed in to help. I teared up too.

Extra-special moment alert: Reserve Champion, Jack Knox, being the lone handler to successfully complete the International shed, then pen with just 19 seconds on the clock. I was out of my mind seat cheering madly. Witnessing that demonstration of grit, skill and determination was completely worth the price of diesel to get there. I will always remember it. With his Championship at Soldier Hollow and strong finish at Meeker this year, I could not be happier for one of the nicest guys in our sport. Congrats to Jack and his family.

Me? In jeans and a t-shirt, I just hoped my dog found sheep. In both the qualifier and the semi-finals, Mirk's gathers were good. Unfortunatley, neither of us could drive. I challenged him at my feet with risky slips to shed through, and made him do most of the work at the pen. The bloggers said it was dumb luck, but it wasn't. Mirk just made it look easy with patience, timing and acquired skill of an old dog. Certain judges required about 98% of us to hold the shed then drive sheep away. Apparently, they took for granted the other 2% could have, and didn't require it of those fortunate few. Pressed for time with my collar tightening, I couldn't maneuver a single after the pen in the semi's. Those lost points cost us the final go-round. My turn to mess up.

            Photo credit: www.shoreslifephoto.com

Marked shed with Mirk in the Semi-final round

This was only my 4th finals and I'm sort of 2 for 4. At my first in Sturgis, South Dakota, I finished 6th over all with now-retired Price. A wonderful memory. With just 2 finals in between, it was nice to be back with a different dog 8 years later and advance to the semi's. A happy memory. It's a big 'ol world out there at the Finals. *Big* being the operative word. Gathers were huge, drives were long, turn-back wide, and competition was the best in North America. Congrats and well done to all who faced the challenge. See you in Carbondale...

The Truth is...

This is a promotional video that was made for the Soldier Hollow Classic coming up this Labor Day. I'm competing with Mirk and Buff and I would love to see you there.

Candy Raises the Bar

How was that?

I took a couple students and went to a fun trial that Candy Kennedy put on over the weekend. She called it "Bare Bones Trial," and it was. On her farm flock in her training field, it was desigend for younger dogs, and handlers who need trial experience. It was brilliant! Here's hoping Candy and company do it again soon.


This was a no frills effort intended to be fun, low key, no pressure. Just an opportunity to put some ground under nursery dogs, and further the efforts of novice and pro-novice handlers. Unfortunately, I don't see many trials like this in my area, and I really appreciate the fact that Candy saw a need, and set about filling it.

2nd time to the post

Mandy shown here with her imported Buff, ran in the pro-novice and made a great job of gaining experience on the trial field. This exceptionally talented dog is currently serving as my 2nd open dog, in addition to capably teaching Mandy the dog-trialing ropes. She loves him, I love him. We ask a lot, and he gives us his very best every time.

Maiden voyage

Remember Star? Jan owns him now, and this was not only their first trial together, but Jan's first altogether! It was nothing short of uplifting for me to watch my friend acheive an early goal of simply going to the post, and Star do everything he could to help her find success. Were they successful? Jan and Star closed the pen gate with a good score, and just how many of us can say that about their first time? Certainly not me! These two are a perfect couple, and no one is happier about that than I am.

Dexter, (shown here with Mandy,) and I had a relaxing weekend supporting our friends from the shady sidelines. I was happy to see new faces, and make some new friends. We all started under "bare bones" circumstances, every one of us, and, like an old friend used to tell me; "you gotta crack out some time."

It's On Our Mind...

The 2012 United States Border Collie National Finals

Klamath Falls, Oregon

3 Dogs Right, or Snowbirds - 2011

There aren't many sheepdog trials around the country that will allow you to enter 3 dogs. There's a good reason for that. The more dogs entered, the more work to be done. Competition days have to added, more sheep must be brought in, volunteer and paid help is stretched thin, and it's a lot of before daylight until way after dark. And yet, Jennifer and Ron Ewers of Canines and Ewe Border Collies do it year after year...

Star runs out

This year the trial ran over 5 long days and went off like buttah. That's what experience and good help will get-cha. There were 2 opens over 4 days, 2 nursery classes and 2 Pro-novice on Sunday. In total, something in the neighborhood of 250 runs were made possible. That's a lot of set-out, running, judging and exhaust. Speaking of which, I was fairly exhausted and beginning to fray by Friday, and all I had to do was show up and run.

My dogs were brilliant this week, I have to say. Mirk was solid as solid could be, and at his ripe old age of 8 years, I can finally kick back and have fun with him. I count on him now. He will listen, he will stop, he will go, and depending solely on my ability on any given day, he will finish well or win most of the time. 84 dogs in each of 2 open divisions, and he placed in both on efficient work and a calm, capable presence. He has risen through my ranks, and sits solidly atop the pile now. He is my #1 dog.

Star is oh-so-cool at the pen

After a rocky run in the first open, Star rallied on Saturday. He was unsure of the lambs and a bit too cautious at first, but he had things well in hand in the 2nd go. He looked like his old self again. I encouraged him at the top to lift stompy Suffolks set on hay, and quite happy to remain buried there. After that it was simply a matter of maneuvering his very precise power-steering. I'll say it again...he is the most exact dog I've ever run, and he gives me that on my very softest whistles.

In the shed he had to hold 2 lambs that moved apart after I called him through. It gave me pause, which wasn't necessary. He had them cold. This time out, he shined at the pen, giving me his softest steps and slightest leans to smoothly and calmly complete the task. With plenty of time to make the single, it was my poor judgement that caused us to time out there. No fault of the dog. Quite honestly, I fell apart, and I have no idea why.

It wasn't nerves, I was calm. It wasn't the weather, which was glorious. It wasn't the dog that just needed to be summoned. I think Jennifer Ewers had it right when we discussed afterwards; "aw, that just happens sometimes." 13th place is laudable without a single, but, damn it! Another 10 points would have catapulted us easily to the pay window. Jennifer and Ron pay a lot of money to the first 3 places.

Very nice

The latest acquisition to my kennel is Buff, and he's not even mine. Thank heavens for that, because Amanda, the lady who owns him, could not have found a more perfect dog for her and I. Good luck finding a 4 year old dog that will place 8th with me in a huge open, then turn right around in the pro-novice and assist a first-time trialer to an 11th place finish out of 33 dogs! Yeah! Good luck with that! I never noticed it before, but his halo appeared brightly at the end of pro-novice day. What a nice dog! Seriously, I love him. He deserves to sleep on the bed.

He can run out a bit wide, but just a toot turns him in to fly around at the top spot on balance. Yeah, you might lose a point on the outrun, but he's sure to make it up. Like operating a remote-control car, all I did was steer and change speed around the course. We hit every panel, made the shed look choreographed and the pen look big. I'm telling you, he's one helluva dog. We timed out at the single for 8th place, and the 2nd time he's accumulated USBCHA points for me in the slight 6 months I've been running him. Oy! He's a keeper.

Buffy the wonder-dog

Here's some names you want to remember the next time you put on a dog trial; Jennifer's mom and both dads. They just make the day brighter. Tricia Guidry, who will do whatever is needed at just the right moment. Leon Harrison, who rocked as course director. And I've saved the best for last; Dianne Deal, who judged every, single run...over 250 of them covering five grueling 10-hour + days. Sheesh girlfriend, where did you find the fortitude? And, she did it with unfailing good humor, and no lunch break.

Dianne Deal gets the sheepdog Purple Heart

And yet another Snowbirds on the Border Sheepdog Trial is in the books. The competitors this year were an unusually great group for the most part. How nice is that? I saw no chest-thumping, and didn't hear a single Tarzan call. Of course he wouldn't allow Cheetah to come without him, so it was just a really good time.

Ron and Jennifer...Good job!

My Summer Vacation - 2011

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Aftermath, 2011

Unlike last year, It was too hot to take pictures as I traveled home from the finals. I turned South from Carbondale to pick up a puppy from the Holmes' at Geri Abrahms' Free to Be Ranch in NM. After spending a night there, and one in Lordsburg, temps climbed to 109 in Tucson, and I was never so happy to see Jacumba, CA and 99 degrees in my life. The Arizona desert was one long, hot motha.

Thousands of miles later

The bad news is that it's not much cooler here. My patio thermometer read 90 at mid-day, and clearing out my trailer has been accomplished in fits and starts with lots of shading up in the house. I've almost got it finished now, and I'm down to the heavy lifting of unloading dog crates to be cleaned, starting the laundry, and washing out the black tank. Definitely chores for the cool of an evening. Tomorrow I'll worry about jack stands and getting the truck washed.

Introducing Tam

How do you like my new pup? He's adorable, don't you think? What a happy boy, and no worse for wear after 2 grueling days of heat and confinement. Bred by Eileen Steinman off her prolific Don, out of a littermate sister to Tricia Macrae's Alba Cap, named Lynn, he comes to me at a time when I'm looking for a future replacement for Mirk, that will be 8 next month. All the Don pups I've seen look pretty good, and I'm looking forward to giving mine a try.

The spoils

Looking back on the trials, my dogs ran pretty well. Star was over matched at the finals by replacement yearlings that just did not want to track, but he surprised me at Meeker. Missing the semi-finals by 3 points that were every last one my fault, he won the "Cowboy Lift" award, and the nice collar and leash above, for Friday's preliminary running. Out of some 40 or 50 dogs, he impressed the set out crew more than any other, to receive the prestigious award. I retired when he couldn't shift his sheep at all on the open field at the finals, and joked that I should receive the "Cowgirl Lift" award for making the best dog retrieval.



Mirk making me look good

 Mirk was either on fire, or cold as ashes, finishing 12th in the double lift at Meeker with good placements at almost every other trial we went to throughout the summer. His best run came in the semi's at Meeker, but his Sunday run at Steamboat, pictured above, was one that I will long remember as well. He can always move the sheep. I never worry about that. Sometimes it's how he does it that's deflating, and his preliminary run at the National Finals is a case in point.

Photo by Maureen Robinson

Strang Ranch

My time on the Strang Ranch was remarkable in every way. The kindness, generosity, hospitality and grace of that good family has made a difference in my life. Never have I been treated with more warmth, and acceptance than when I was in their company. It was suggested that while there, I should pretend I'm a
Strang. Too big a stretch for little 'ol me. The best I could do was pretend to act like one, and, try as I might, I fell way short of the mark. I'm very blessed indeed to call Mike, Kit, Bridget, Laurie and Scott my friends. Scott's wife, Judy, and Kit's brother and sister-in-law, Tam and Sue had to put up with me too. Many thanks.

Finality

No matter which dog trial I go to, and how long or short I'm gone, it always finishes with the laundry. Somehow it's very satisfying to get it all cleaned, folded and put away. Between my ears, doing the laundry, mothballing the trailer and getting the dogs settled is how I prepare for the next one. I've almost got it done. Speaking of which, when is the next trial? What have you done for me lately you shaggy mutts? When are we leaving?


Terminal Dust

First Snow of the Year

Referred to by many as "terminal dust," I took Carbondale's first snowfall as a sign from God for me to go home. I'm writing this from Mountainair, New Mexico, and I'm on my way. Stopping to look at a puppy, I've taken the southern route, and gone about 10 hours out of my way, but it's cheaper than shipping him.

Yesterday was bittersweet for me. After just short of 3 months living in the RV, I'm ready for home, but I left behind a lot of awfully nice people, animals, and places that I came to love dearly over the summer. Carbondale, and the Roaring Fork Valley have a sparkle and glow that will linger with me for some time, or until I pull into my drive and experience finality.

I pulled out past sheepdog central, where I stopped and gave an abreviated goodbye to Max, Sonia, Kit, Ellen, and of course, Bridget. I'm not good at goodbyes, and it's only "so long," as I'll see them again sooner than later. Tears would be shed, so I kept it brief and hit the road with an addition to the dog roster, and a total of 6 on board. I've taken Hank to train for 3 months, and headed out to add dog #7, the pup I mentioned.

Going Home

The last job I helped with this summer was loading the trial sheep. Bridget started them down the lane early, then, together with good dogs Treat and Rosie, Ellen, Bridget, the truckers and I drove them through sorting pens and onto the truck. After Meeker, Ellen's sister, and Meeker Trial Director, Maym Cunningham, was quoted as saying, "the day after a big trial is like having a really bad hangover." That sentiment exactly reflects my feelings while loading those girls onto the truck. I imagine Bridget was glad to see them come, and glad to see them go. She was in charge of them all week long.

It's been a whale of a summer, and it's not over yet. I have about another 800 miles or so, which I'll spend a couple days covering. Hub and Allison are here in Mountainair with me. I'll be looking at their pup shortly, then heading out once again. My plan is to be home by Thursday, when the real work begins. I'll need some time to recover from this once-in-a-lifetime summer and settle in back home.

Spirit of Volunteerism

Sonia, Tom Hoeber and Ellen Nieslanik

I don't know the number of volunteers recruited to make our National Finals go around, but it's many. There are a myriad of jobs that I would never have dreamed needed doing until I saw them being done by generous, smiling souls this year in Carbondale. I will manage to credit only a few of them here.



Andrew (very funny) and LuLu



Linda, Terry and Lisbeth, Hand's camp, vendors, hand's camp

There are over 900 head of sheep on the ranch for the trial and practice fields. Watering, feeding, moving, setting, arranging, organizing and returning them is a massive undertaking and has gone as smoothly as you could ever hope for. Bridget is in charge of the sheep, and, with the help of Coleen and her talented Kelpies, they're all present, accounted for and on their feet.



Sheepdog central, Francis Raley, Barb Ross and Hub Holmes. Where's Tolly?

 If you've ever wondered who is responsible for all the paper work and how it gets done, your answer is Francis Raley from Crawford Texas. How is the finals reconciled, the scores kept straight, the entries accounted for, the rules kept track of, scores posted to the website, and so much more? Francis Raley and at the finals, she does it with help from Barb and Tolly. She's on her own for the rest of the year. Hub collaborates with Francis throughout, but he is our fearless leader and is really good at his unpaid job. Just for the record, Francis has been the HA Secretary officially and unofficially since 1985, when she also provided the field, the sheep, and cooked the hand's dinner for that year's finals. There would have been no finals in 1985 without her, and from my view, things haven't changed much.

Allison and Hub Holmes



Kit Strang, our most gracious and generous hostess

Norm Close judging the open field

I don't know all involved in the Hand's hospitality tent, Cathy Baliu for sure, but it is well stocked with every delectable thing. I have eaten breakfast and lunch there every day, and was even served once after one of my disappointing runs. Miss Geri from NM said; "you sit right there, and I'll take care of it." That's the spirit I mention in the title of this post. It's fun to be here even in the face of disappointment, for me any way. Judging is a thankless, tedious and monotonous job. Norm Close, Warren Mick, Frank Cashen and Peter Gonnett have traveled thousands of miles in each case to sort the runs. They're doing a great job, and don't let anyone convince you differently.

Kristi and Sonia

The Vanna Board

There are men and women running around everywhere doing every little thing. We have electricians, phone answerers, judging scribes, Kristi is running the horse business, Sonia exhausting and watering stock. There are score runners, set out crew, folks in golf carts ferrying spectators and hands alike, and Lord, lets not forget the parking crew. Thanks Bernie! I don't know who hatched the "Vanna Board" idea, but beautiful women parading scores almost immediately after each run adds the touch of levity that every finals should include. This is dog-trialing, not life and death no matter how serious some people take it. The "Vanna" girls are fun.

My national finals is over this year, my dogs are put up, my disappointment assuaged, and my smile firmly in place. My dogs ran well to get here, and I campaigned as hard as I could all year. This was decidedly not my year for the finals. That's OK... "that's dog-trialing" as they say. I'm remembering what my dogs did right, I'm carrying a lot of great memories, and I'm already making plans for next year.

Wrapping Up the Beginning

Hand's Meeting, Meeker Finals

Confused by the title of this post? I didn't know how else to combine the Double lift finals at Meeker with day 1 of the National Finals. If you do, please let me know. Yesterday was a big day for me. I ran Mirk in the 6th spot of the double lift, hooked up my trailer and pulled out immediately after the awards ceremony that I was absolutely blessed to take part in. I headed for Carbondale and the National Finals.

Currently, it's 8pm, and I'm sitting in front of a laundromat-liquor store doing my laundry after a full day of running the practice pens on Strang Ranch. I've been up since 5:30am, and my day was light compared to Bridget and Ellen. Their laundry is likely still sitting in a moldering heap somewhere.

The double lift. I'll make this short and sweet. I need international shedding lessons, a lot of them, and quickly. I looked like a monkey f'ing a football out there, and my score of 87 reflected that. As for Mirk, well, he needs to study up on a right-hand look back. I talked with a friend before my run about the possibility it would be problematic, and he suggested that I "pummel him back there." That's exactly what it felt like, and the points were flying off. Hey look, I made it through the prelims, semis and most of the double lift course minus the shed, pen finish. After 4 years of running my dog with little and no success, believe me when I tell you; "I'm OK with that." What a road it's been with my Mirkie!

Price-less volunteers

Look at my old-man working his heart out at the ripe old age of soon to be12 years old. In the close quarters of the practice set out pens, he was my best dog for the job, and worked beautifully all day long. Love that dog. Price and I were in charge up there with the help of some tireless, good-natured volunteers, Leslie and Jill. Thanks Women!

So people started arriving yesterday on Strang Ranch, and together with 850hd of trial sheep, 85hd of practice sheep, vendors, HA Directors, judges, and the like, we kicked things off in style. The grounds are beautiful, the hand's camp seems to be working, and everyone appears pretty happy. But then it's not even day 1 officially yet. Running starts tomorrow on the open field at 8am...or maybe it's 8:30. I'm short, and I was on the outside of a big circle of competitors that made up Hub Holmes handler's meeting. Anyway, I'll get there early just in case.

My Buddy, Octavio, mowing the shed ring

I run Mirk 19th tomorrow, and I'm counting on him not to have peaked at Meeker. He got the day off, a big breakfast, and the extra-large crate with the soft cushion. He'll be rested anyway. Honestly, I haven't even looked to see when I run Star, but it has to be either Wednesday or Thursday, with the nursery final on Friday. The open is a big course. It's not the biggest outrun I've seen at a finals, but it is every bit of the biggest drive I've seen, and the field itself looks grand.

Hub's handler's meeting

Uh-oh, the Econo-wash is closing soon, I'm running low on battery, and this excruciatingly slow I-net connection is making me crazy, so I'll write more when I have time. Yeah...that's going to happen. And, here's some random shots from today to tide you over. Cheers all. I'll report back later.

Beautiful volunteers at the practice pens

Volunteer lunch at the big house

Allen Hickenbottom and ??? Help me out here.

Joann Zoerb with Dick and Cheryl Williams