Vashon Island Run Orders

Well, I am off for the next three days to go to the Vashon Island Sheepdog Trial. Ron Green came over and we are car pooling. I am running Rainey and Ron is running Kiki in PN. I am running Roo and Nan and Ron is running Tigr in Open. All the dogs are DeltaBluez dogs. If I can get online, I will post info, otherwise you will have to wait until I get back.

Friday
PRO NOVICE

1. Brian Ricards Belle
2. Martha McHardy Rick
3. Fran MacPherson Mirk
4. Alison Deilke Zen
5. Karen Mohney Maverick
6. Alastair MacLean Glen
7. Bob Hickman CBK Ryder
8. Ron Green Kiki
9. Carolyn Harwell Brynn
10. Benjamin Kercsmar Hoot
11. Norm Rivers Scotia ,
12. Jim Kling Rodeo
13. Brian Ricards Peg
14. Leslie Capik Annie
15. Maggi McClure Rob
16. Joe Haynes Keally
17. Tim Ballard Nell
18. Judy Norris Kasey :
19. Martha McHardy Sylvie
20. Susan Crocker Rani ,
21. Christie True Shep
22. Mindy Mayer Flash
23. Laura Vishoot Chance
24. Dawn Pucci Bran
25. Karen Child Cam
26. Diane Pagel Rainey
27. Patrick Shannahan Abby
28. Becki Maloney Finn
29. Ron Fischer Steve
30. Benjamin Kercsmar Nick
31. Joe Haynes Spot
32. Martha McHardy Ken
33. T. Yamamoto Sweep-NC

NOVICE
1. Shirley Rene Mica :
2. Leslie Capik Rue
3. Jesse Gabelein Max
4. Paulette Smith Ali 
5. Mindy Mayer Shep
6. Vicki Johnson Dax
7. Susan Risner Nevi
8. Kathy Rivers Nova
9. Kylo Murray-Gann Mike
10. Valerie Bernard Fionn
11. Barb Krause Gizmo
12. Sarah Christensen Mica

RANCH
1. Norm Rivers Lana
2. Carolyn Harwell Brynn
3. Susan Meagher Peg
4. Corinne Berg Bea
5. Kathy Rivers Lucy
6. Alison Deilke Sock
7. Judy Norris Britt
8. Jane Hickman Rachel
9. Christie True Shep
10. Ernesta Ballard Floss
11. Jim Kling Rodeo 
12. Jennifer Kriegel Zani
13. Benjamin Kercsmar Hoot
14. Vicki Johnson Dax
15. Mindy Mayer Shep
16. Maggi McClure Ben
17. Judy Norris Abby
18. Kylo Murray-Gann Mike

Saturday

OPEN

1. Corinne Berg Tay
2. Dee Marroni Cap
3. Sue MacDonald Jan
4. Patrick Shannahan Java
5. Monique Feyrecilde Lucy
6. Judy Norris Glee
7. Jim Cooper Zot
8. Diane Pagel Roo
9. Ron Green Tigr
10. Cheryl Munson Flint
11. Elissa Thau Tom
12. Heather Haynes Lad
13. Tierney Graham Brisco
14. Maggi McClure Kep
15. Jim Cooper Amos
16. Lora Withnell Nell
17. Martha McHardy Ceri
18. Donna Donahue Taff
19. Brian Ricards Doc
20. Bob Hickman Trooper
21. Bonnie Block Gull
22. Heidi Hanson Pete
23. JB Brick Scamp
24. Karen Child Rock
25. Wendy Legare Towi
26. Jeff Marroni Carmen
27. George MacDonald Nap
28. Joe Haynes Penny
29. Susan Crocker Rani
30. Laura Vishoot Tucker
31. Sandy Johnson Joe
32. Dick Wilson Raygan
33. Lynne Green Kurt
34. Karen Mohney Grit
35. Ursula Pettyjohn Pete
36. Gael Gann Chili
37. Patrick Shannahan Riggs
38. Dave Imas Cap
39. Linda DeJong Pooka
40. Maggi McClure Lil
41. Elissa Thau Nell
42. Sue MacDonald Jackie
43. Bob Hickman CBK Mojo
44. Jim Cooper Sweep
45. Diane Pagel Nan
46. Donna Donahue Kate
47. Lora Withnell Sally
48. Karen Child Jim
49. Patrick Shannahan Andi
50. Laura Vishoot Brynn

SUNDAY
Open

1. Karen Child Jim
2. Joe Haynes Penny
3. Maggi McClure Kep
4. Dave Imas Cap
5. Cheryl Munson Flint
6. Laura Vishoot Brynn
7. Wendy Legare Towe
8. Jim Cooper Sweep
9. Elissa Thau Nell
10. Martha McHardy Ceri
11. Patrick Shannahan Riggs
12. Monique Feyrecilde Lucy
13. Karen Mohney Grit
14. Heidi Hanson Pete
15. Lora Withnell Sally
16. Sue MacDonald Jackie
17. Bob Hickman CBK Mojo
18. Susan Crocker Rani
19. Corinne Berg Tay
20. Dee Marroni Cap
21. George MacDonald Nap
22. Ron Green Tigr
23. Jim Cooper Amos
24. Patrick Shannahan Andi
25. Heather Haynes Lad
26. Tierney Graham Brisco
27. Diane Pagel Roo
28. Sandy Johnson Joe
29. Ursula Pettyjohn Pete
30. Donna Donahue Taff
31. Judy Norris Glee
32. Brian Ricards Doc
33. Jeff Marroni Carmen
34. Bonnie Block Gull
35. Dick Wilson Raygan
36. Linda DeJong Pooka
37. Gael Gann Chili
38. JB Brick Scamp
39. Elissa Thau Tom
40. Bob Hickman Trooper
41. Lora Withnell Nell
42. Laura Vishoot Tucker
43. Karen Child Rock
44. Sue MacDonald Jan
45. Maggi McClure Lil
46. Jim Cooper Zot
47. Donna Donahue Kate
48. Diane Pagel Nan
49. Patrick Shannahan Java

 

Is this a sheepdog or a lamb?

A lamb rescued after birth and brought up with a springer spaniel is convinced he is a dog.

Six-month-old Jack fetches sticks, wears a collar and a lead, jumps up on his hind legs - and even tries to bark. Jack does not even recognise his own kind and tries to herd other sheep when he is in a field with them, reports The Sun.

Owners Alison Sinstadt, 48, and partner Simon Sherwin, 50, were stunned when Jack befriended their nine-year-old springer spaniel Jessie. Ms Sinstadt, who farms at Market Drayton, Shropshire, said: "He makes this strange half baa, half woof noise which everyone finds hilarious.

"Jack doesn't even recognise sheep as his own kind as he tries to herd them up when he's in a field with them."

Article

Rose

Rose is a sweet pup that I got from Christine Koval. Her dam is Sid and her sire is Alasdair's Nap. Sid is Hattie x Rook. Rose will be a year old in December. Kathleen raised Rose for me until recently and now I have her back to start the puppy training on her. Kathleen put great puppy manners on her and got her a good start on sheep. This is the first time I took her in the round pen. She is very keen and feisty. I like that in a pup.

She is a charming pup that learns quickly.  We adore her.

Rainey Learning how to shed down to a single.

Rainey learning how to shed down to a single ewe. This is the second time she has done this. She loves to shed and tries very hard. She is a quick and willing partner. It's not perfect but we are both trying to work as a team.

I really enjoy working with her. She tries to please and sometimes I get her to be bad. Which is good as she tries to be perfect, I want her to try to be bad so she can learn from her mistakes.

A Beautiful Run by James McGee and Becca

World Sheepdog Championships 2011, Irish winner Becca and James McGee

TA Elicja (Lisa)

A couple of months ago, I got a new Arabian. I loved this horse since she was a weaning but the timing was never right to buy her. She was sold and I was bummed. But fate as would have it, she came available for purchase and I took this sign and got her. She is from Toskhara Arabians. Her sire is Kordelas and dam is Etrea.

Lisa has had over six months of training on her, some reining, dressage, and western pleasure. For those of you that think I am going to do Dressage, think again. I will leave that for Kathy Davis. I mainly do trail riding now and at cow dog trials, I ride a horse since that is part of the requirement.

Yesterday, Audrey and I went for a ride. She rode Lisa and I rode Emmy. It was nice to go for a ride and it was a lovely day. We went for over two hours and just had a blast. It was nice to do a non-dog event too!

We plan to go on more ride and next time I will be on her. Audrey will be on Emma, the ex show Arab (hunter, etc)  I can't wait!

Lisa comes from pure Polish lines (both parents were imported). Her sire used to race in Poland. Her sibling are in Endurance, Dressage, Reining and other events. They have sound minds and excellent structure.

This is not me but her trainer.

If you want a great Arabian, get one from Dick and Christine Reed.

Life is grand!

What is your ritual with your Border Collie?

I was snuggling with Tess the other night and realized that we have developed many rituals over the years together. Then I thought about the rituals that I have with my other Border Collies. I realized that I have a ritual with each one before we step out on the trial field.

When I was running Tess and just before we stepped on the trial field, we would do a country western dance. Usually it was to "Big and Rich." We would laugh and get in sync for our run. Our eyes would mesh and we would smile at each other.

Nan would bounce up and down on the way to the gate and I would sing to her "Nan, Banana, you are so Beautiful" and she would bark.  She would act so goofy that one would never know she was a serious dog. She totally ignores the sheep, people, everything as she is so intent on jumping up and down and barking. Once we walk through the gate, she get serious.

Roo love to fetch so before his run, I toss for him. It takes the edge off him and we just have our solo time together. He really keys on me and as a result he stays keyed on me during his run. The few times that I haven't done this, he has been a bear to run.

Rainey is the newest member to the team. right now, a few runs before her, I take her out and we sit and watch the runs. I ask her, "Do you see your sheep" and when her eyes lock on the set out, I tell her, "Good girl". I also put her in my lap and kiss her tiny snout and she lays her head on my shoulder. She closes her eyes and takes a short nap. It's a good feeling, one of trust and love.

So what ritual do you do with your Border Collie, Kelpie, Aussie (or what breed go you have) dog before your run?

Sheep for sale

Since the price of hay has gone way up being a normal person budget, I have decided to reduce my flock. I already downsized quite a bit and still need to sell a few more ewes. What I have for sale is three registered Clun Forest ewes, a Stopshire/Clun ewe mix and maybe later more grown ewes. The sheep are in the scrapies program and we are in our fourth year. All have been wormed and hoof trimmed. I have selected for twinning, ease of birth, good mothering and low maintenance. They are hardy ewes and have survived in harsh marsh pasture. They have been worked by Border Collies, Aussies, Kelpies and ACD. All are sensible and also used to LGD, horses and llamas.

If you are interested, send me an email.

Great video by Denver Post on the USBCHA Finals

Whoever did this video clip, did an awesome job. Kudos !!

Grand Old Dog

It was a couple of weeks ago when I was at the Labor Day weekend Trial. I brought Tess along as my lap warmer and pillow thief.....which, I might she did both jobs quite well. She also went to the handler's dinner and was fed by most of the handlers.  They all saw her shaved sides and pitiful eyes and knew of her story, so she milked it for all it was worth. All of them have had a favorite old dog and their hearts warmed to the old beggar and they were generous with their dinner with her. Even the diehards broke down and one even gave her the dinner plate to polish off.

Tess was loose under the handler's tent for most of the day on the Novice and Ranch runs. As the sheep needed to be exhausted, she would half rise, somehow hoping she could do it. But alas, after five or so runs, she put her head down on the ground  as she knew she would not be called for that job. As handlers went to the post, she looked up at their eyes, hoping she would be called but it was not to be. Again, she put her head on the ground in despair.

I went up to the judges area to take some photos and asked a handler to hang on to Tess. She waited until she could sneak away and ignored everyone as they tried to call her back. She slowly worked her way to be behind me in hopes of going to the post. Joe the judge saw her sad eyes and threw her some chips and she ate them and then looked at the post, the sheep and the handler. She gave a heavy sigh and nudged me, as if to ask, "Is it my turn yet?"

I patted her soft head, finished taking the photographs and called her off. Her shoulders drooped and she trotted behind me, occasionally glancing over her shoulder, should they need her assistance. They didn't.

We sat under the tent and she watched run after run and watched the sheep get exhausted and would give me a Woeful Look. It was heartbreaking and hurt my heart deeply. I walked over to Judy and had a talk with her.

The flock needed to be moved from holding pen to setout. I stood up and softly called to Tess, "Tess, let's go....do you see your sheep?"

Tess leaped up like a rocket and began to scan the field. The sheep were down in a gully, back in the woods in a pen. We walked down the gully and Tess was scanning right to left. She spied them then froze. "Away" I whispered, expecting her to trot but she broke into a full gallop, wispy dust funnels left behind as she raced down the path.

The sheep spilled out of the pen, like sand from a bucket, wavering right and left, many colors blending in and tall ears turning to pinpoint the dog that was behind them. Her paws dug into the dusty path, her tail turned like a rudder as she broke to one side to cover one runaway. She tucked the wayward ewe in and the flock raced up the gully to the field.

Bright colors spilling out of a black hole.

Tess, with her ears back to me, coming behind the sheep to drive them to the setout. I was running to catch up to this but was left behind. Tess knew what to do.

 She covers to the side so they do not go down another gully.

 It was a blazing hot and dusty day.

You can see her shaved side. But she was in full working mode and showed no signs of being injured.

Tess was not showing any sign of her age or injury.   She was taking my verbal commands on the fly and was keeping the sheep in line.

Look how happy she is. She is totally happy! The spark is in her eyes and the spring is in her step. She is joyful and full of life.

You would never know she is over 13 years old and recovering from an horrific accident. She is one tough dog with a huge heart.

I finally caught up with her. I can see that she is happy. It brought joy to my heart and tears to my eyes. 

 She is keeping up with the running flock and acting like she was two years old again.

Look how far she is reaching out. 

 You can see the lovely leather collar made by Linda Johnson as a gift for her. A lot of people admired her beautiful collar and it suits her well.

Another reaching out photo. Tess was having to work fast to keep the flock on course and going in the right direction.

Soon it was all done.She raced into my arms at the end and licked my tears off my face. I kissed her  grizzled muzzled and looked into her clouded eyes. I told her that it was a job well done. Tess was happy and her eyes glowed with delight. Her tail wagged and she snuggled with me.  There was a spring in her walk and she carried herself with pride.  It was a grand ending to the day for a grand old dog. She is a Grand Old Dog.

Photos: Carolyn  Harwell Look Back Photography

Trial Write of "Couldn't Go"

Write up by Sue MacDonald of the "Couldn't Go Trial" this last weekend.

*************************************************************************************

Here are the results from our "Coudn't Go", "Didn't Go" or as some were calling it, "Wasn't Invited" SDT.

Weather started out good on Saturday, but by the time the first couple of dogs got done on the field, the rain started. It rained off and on all day, and then most of the night! Drizzle most of Sunday, but neither day was cold!

Saturday was judged by Diane Pagel and a good job of it she did! We started with novice novice and then ran up in class to ranch, PN and then open.

Pretty normal courses for novice and ranch, but Pro Novice had to do the 'chute around the pen' obstacle. Everybody got three sheep for these classes.

Open had an added zig zag to the fetch and then the 'chute around the pen' obstacle and shed, using 4 sheep.

We were able to run a lot of N/C runs and handlers were encouraged to use their time to work on trouble spots, after all this was a winter training trial!

So Novice Novice had two handlers, 60 points possible and 3 minutes to do the course.

1. Susan Risner and Nevi 0-0-1-1 58

2. Debbie Dunne and Spyder 0-0-1-1 58

Umm, a tie and not just a tie, but an exact tie! So we had a run off

Final results

1. Debbie Dunne and Spyder

2. Susan Risner and Nevi Nice job both of you!!

Ranch had a few more players with 80 points possible and 4 minutes to get the job done.

1. Cindy Baker and Kael 0-1-6-6-1 66

2. Sue MacDonald and Repete 2-1-1-13-0 63

3. Ernesta Ballard and Floss 0-1-11-10-0 58

4. Kathy Rivers and Lucy 2-1-6-15-3 53

5. T Yamamoto and Taw 7-1-13-9-1 49

6. Vicki Romero and Jess 0-0-8- RT

7. Penny Ohanjanian and Druid RT

8. Sue MacDonald and Avie 3-2- DQ

Right on into the Pro Novice Class with MORE teams and 100 points possible and 6 minutes to do the course (O, L, F, D, chute, pen)

1. Jorgen Persson and Bender 0-0-7-8-1-0 84 WOW!!!

2. Cindy Baker and Finn 0-0-6-11-0-2 81

3. Fran Macpherson and OK Jud 2-1-10-12-0-1 74 Did so well she entered him for Sunday too!

4. Fran Macpherson and Mirk 0-2-7-9-10-1 71

5. Cindy Baker and Brill 0-0-3-9-10-10- 68

6. Nora Linbo and Nick 0-0-6-6-10-10 68

7. Vicki Romero and Blitz 4-1-13-8-4-3 67 Way to go

Vicki, or should that be Blitz!?!?

8. Kathleen Torkelson and Emma 0-3-12-17-0-5 63

9. Brian Ricards and Belle 7-1-7-12-4-7 62

10. Norm Rivers and Scotia 0-0-18-20-1-5 56 might add that Norm ran a n/c open run and got a 77!!!

11. JB Brick and Dodge 2-1-9-20-10-3 55

12. Kathleen Torkelson and Gael 14-0-25-20-10-10 31 Very first trial run!

13. Ron Fischer and Steve 0-0-5 DQ it started out as a beautiful drive..... last leg... blues...

14. Vicki Romero and Skye maybe should be renamed runaway Skye! 0-2-16 rt

So now lunch is over and we head into the open class, 110 points possible, zig zag fetch and wrap around chute around the pen (Fran Macpherson idea and a good one!! 7 minutes to get it done... might have been a bit tight for most runs, but do able if you pushed!

1. Donna Donahue and Kate 0-0-5-9-0-1-0 95 and earning 3.4 points towards the finals in Kalamath Falls next year!

2. Linda DeJong and Pooka 0-1-7-10-1-0-0 91

3. Bonnie Block and Gull 0-0-7-11-4-0-0 91 Wooo Whooo!! 1.4 points

4. Jorgen Persson and Merckx 0-1-8-13-0-2-0 88

5. Jim Cooper and Sweep 1-4-7-9-4-0-0 86

6. Jim Cooper and Amos 3-1-11-10-0-1-0 84

7. Penny Ohanjanian and Quill 2-0-2-7-0-10-10 79 Nice!! Didn't  get the chute or pen or WOW!

8. Penny Ohanjanian and Moss 0-0-7-8-0-10-10 75

9. Sue MacDonald and Jan 0-0-6-7-3-10-10 74

10. Jim Cooper and Zot 1-0-9-5-3-10-10 72

11. Sue MacDonald and Jackie 3-1-6-14-6-10-10 60

12. Donna Donahue and Taff 3-3-12-23-6-0-3 60

13. JB Brick and Scamp 2-2-17-20-10-10-10 39

14. Brian Ricards and Doc 0-0-8-12 RT

15. T Yamamoto and Sweep the Broom 0-1-12 RT

16. George MacDonald and Nap 1- RT

17. Hope Harris and Tigr 1-0-9-DQ

Thank you to all the sheep setters today. You were all awesome!!! Also to the kitchen help, who included our judge of the day Diane Pagel!  Woman of many jobs!

On to Sunday and we now have Donna Donahue judging and again a nice job.Thank you! She and her husband Jim, set up a very interesting course for open. A dog leg from one side of the field to the other then hook the sheep back to center to hit the fetch gates and then on to the handlers post. right hand drive today and they left in the shed and 'chute pen' obstacle. Total points up for grabs 110!

1. Penny Ohanjanian and Moss 1-0-3-9-0-0-2 95 earning 3.6 points. It was very nice to meet you Penny. Hope you had fun!

2. Sue MacDonald and Jan 2-1-6-6-1-0-0 94 earning 2.6 points

3. Jim Cooper and Amos 2-4-5-13-0-0-0 86 earning 1.6 points

4. Brian Ricards and Doc 0-2-9-14-0-3-0 82 earning .6 points

5. Jim Cooper and Zot 2-1-5-10-10-3-0 79 earning nothing...

6. George MacDonald and Nap 1-4-6-17-3-3-0 76 With the FASTEST OLFD, I have ever seen and only missed one drive gate, barely!

7. Jim Cooper and Sweep 1-4-8-18-6-0-0 73

8. Penny Ohanjanian and Quill 4-1-4-6-10-10-10 65

9. Chris Soderstrom and Tarn 4-1-6-8-10-10-10 61

10. Diane Pagel and Nan 1-3-4-16-10-10-10 56

11. JB Brick and Scamp 3-2--5-16-10-10-10 54

12. Linda DeJong and Pooka 3-4-9-14-8-10-10 52

13. Diane Pagel and Roo 1-4-15-9-10-10-10 51

14. Hope Harris and Tigr 3-5-13-18-0-10-10 51

15. Sue MacDonald and Jackie 3-4-9-20-10-10-10 44 she didn't like that zig zag stuff!

16. Jorgen Persson and Merckx 0-2-7-13-RT

17. Bonnie Block and Gull 0-0-7-DQ

18. T Yamamoto and Sweep the Broom 2-7-DQ

So after a short lunch we went right in to Pro Novice Open runs were 9 minutes and we had a lot of N/C runs so we needed to get going!

PN again had 100 points possible (OLFDChute and pen)

1. Diane Pagel and Rainy 3-0-1-8-0-0 88 she was the first team on the field and held the lead to the end!

2. Jorgen Persson and Bender 0-2-14-3-0-0 81

3. Cindy Baker and Kael 4-3-1-13-0-0 79

4. Fran Macpherson and OK Jud 3-3-8-11-0-0 75 Ok Jud did OK!!

5. Fran Macpherson and Mirk 2-1-13-11-0-0 73

6. Chris Soderstrom and Rankin 5-2-8-9-10-10 56

7. Kathleen Torkelson and Emma 3-4-17-28-0-0 48

8. JB Brick and Dodge 6-6-14-30-10-10 24

9. Kathleen Torkelson and Gael 6-1-12 RT

10. Vicki Romero and Blitz 6-3-12 RT
11. Vicki Romero and Skye 1-8-17 RT

12. Ron Fischer and Steve 0-1-5 DQ we need numbers  Steve.... numbers...!!!

Ok now to the Ranch class with 80 points possible

1. Ernesta and Floss 3-3-10-6-0 58

2. Kathy Rivers and Lucy 3-2-5- RT

3. Sue MacDonald and Avie 18-7-DQ

4. T Yamamoto and Taw 3-DQ

5. Vicki Romero and Jess RT

6. Chris Sodersrtom and Playa RT

Right into novice, folks are wanting to get home! 60 points possible

1. Susan Risner and Nevi 1-1-2-6 50

2. Debbie Dunne and Spyder 5-7-12-6 30

3. Kathy Rivers and Nova 15- RT

Thank you everyone! Thank you to our judges, Diane and Donna, our score keeper Linda DeJong and all the folks that set sheep! Another great week end. We had fun, hope you all did too! See you again on Oct. 9th!

Sept 18, "Couldn't Go Trial" results

Donna Donahue got to judge the second day of the trial and she did a fine job. She endured the rain, wind and cold all day and judged Open, PN, Ranch and Novice. Kathleen, Hope and I stayed in a hotel and cranked the heat up, turned on the laptop to watch the Nationals Finals and had Ice Cream We had the company of our dogs and had a good night sleep. Since the trial didn't start until 9, we had a relaxing morning. Roo was second up and it began to rain on my run. The fetch was a dog leg, that was quite severe, pass through a tree and rock, through a set of panel then whip way over to the right for the last set of panels. I must not have had my coffee yet as I didn't hear about the third panels on the fetch. Roo went our smartly, stopped short as told, walked in sweetly, did the two top panels dead and as did as I told him and brought the sheep to my feet, therefore bypassing the third panel. I can't fault him as he did as told and controlled the sheep well but we lost most of our fetch points. He had a nice, steady drive, getting all of his panel and we almost had the shed but timed out. We did not get the chute or pen as they were after the shed. I was very happy on how well he worked and tried hard. I wasn't happy with my brain cramp as that cost us dearly.

Nan was my last Open run. She ran out nice, lifted off the line as told, got the severe dog lead dead on and on the drive the sheep scooted past the panels at the last moment and we had little bobbles. She was too close to the sheep for the shed and I had it set up, called her through but she had not turned to take control as time ran out, However, I was pleased with her run and willingness. My scores did not reflect the work but I was pleased how well they tried and how we teamed up. I have a few minor adjustments to make but making my whistles, whisper soft has helped as it makes the dogs really stop and bend their ear to me to hear what I am telling them. Wendy LaGare pointed this out to me and it paid off....so much thanks to her on that.

Penny O from Canada has a sweet run with Moss and it was top quality. She is a very nice person and even brought her mother, Valerie along to the trial. They are the nicest people...and we hope to see them again. She has just a charming, bubbling personality and is very humble.

Sue and Jan ran a great run to snag second place. She had a tremendous run the day before but took a bit to to the shed. Both runs were very nice and a joy to watch. She had one of the best drives on both days!

Rainey was my last run and it was raining as we went it. It finally eased up and I told her to look. She scanned the field and her body shook so I knew she saw the sheep. I sent her on the away side like I did my Open dogs and she ran out deep and wide. She was slow to walk up so I whistled her and one sheep refused to leave the grain bin. She walked in slow and got the ewe to move but was cautious. Her fetch was dean on and she took every flank like a dream. The turn at the post was tight as it butted up the pen and a lot of the sheep ran around and hung out at the pen for the first leg. I walked the sheep slow for the turn, lined them up for the drive, then quickly flanked her so she scraped along the pen to start the drive. All that close stall work paid off as she snugged along the sheep and pen for a clean turn and began to march them up the field. The first leg was a long hard drive up a hill and just before the panel, I had to fast flank her as she was slowing down so that was a few point loss but she got moving again. She had a tight turn, went high for a few steps, then had a nice cross drive. A little bobble here and there but not much and a nice tight turn and straight line to the chute. I have never done any chute work with her so I was figuring out my game plan as I was walking to the chute. She tucked them in and got them through and popped them in the pen smartly. I was very happy with her run and she got 88 out of 100 points. She was a game little dog that did everything that I asked of her. She is not pushy like Roo or Nan but is very biddable. She is getting more push in her with farm work and has been a real joy to run. She is opposite of Roo and Nan so I have to switch my gears when I run her.

Right after my run, we left to get home as Hope had to drive back to Spokane. It was a great, fun filled weekend and I had tons of fun. Sue and George go all out for their trials and we appreciate it.

Caption Contest Winner - Windswept Farms

Tess picked the winner of the Caption Contest. The winner is "Windswept Farms"

Please email me and we will send you your prizes! Thanks to everyone who entered the contest.

LINK

If Windswept Farm does not contact us in a week, Then Tess will do another draw.

Sept 17, "Couldn't Go Trial" results

Today, I judged the "Couldn't Go Trial" hosted by Sue and George MacDonald.  It was for us who decided to stay home and man the fort while other folks went to the Finals. I was the Judge and it was great watching some outstanding runs. The weather was rainy ands windy at times but for Open, it finally quit raining and was only chilly. Hot lunches were provided by Sue and George. The Sheep were a mix of Scotties and Coopsworth.

Novice had three sheep. Both runs tied for first place and they had a run off. Debbie won the run off. This was the best Novice class that I have ever judged. Debbie runs a blue merle Aussie and he rated the stock quite well. Susan ran a nice Border Collie that was clean flanks and good work ethics. Both runs were a joy to watch!

Ranch had a drive and then a small cross drive and to the pen. Cindy handled Kael for a stunning run. I think Sue was running Repete for the first time and he had outstanding outwork.

PN had a nice long drive then a L chute followed by the pen. The sheep had to be set just right to go through the chute. The drive was a real challenge and the sheep tested the dogs on the last leg.  I think this was Jorgen's second trial with Bender and he did quite well, winning the class. Cindy and Finn laid down a smooth run to place second and the outwork was sweet. Fran decided to pick up third and fourth with nice controlled runs, with Cindy and Brill hot on their heels for fifth! Nora and Nick had a nice quiet run to fasten down the sixth place.

Open was a tough course. The fetch was off to the left and the dog had to push the sheep between a rock and tree (first set of panels) , then do a 30 degree turn to the right, then through a second set of panels and then down to the dogs. Some dogs did this quite well, Penny O from Canada laying down a two points loss on her superb fetch and other dogs didn't believe their handlers and did not do the dog leg fetch. It was tough to do. The first leg of the drive was long and one point the sheep and dog would be in a deep ravine, the sound echoed and the dogs would push the sheep to the right side of the panel and miss it. The last leg was a tight turn to the chute. The shed had to be competed before the chute and pen. At the chute, the handler could not cross over the tied gate to help push the sheep into the chute so the dog had to line them up just right and push them.  Then as the sheep cane out, they had to wing quickly to pen the sheep. It was the same for the PN class but the PN handlers could move anywhere while hanging on the rope.

Linda and Pooka were the first one up and laid down a sweet run that held for most of the day until Donna and Kate wrestled first place away from her. Kate is the aunt of Pooka! Tess is the mom of Kate and both dogs handled the sheep very nicely. Bonnie got a good handle on Gull and keep him calm and got third place. Her hard work with Gull is paying off! she had one of the nicest chute and pens of the day.

Penny O from Canada had sweet run but timed out as her sheep were coming out of the chute on both of her runs. Her run with Quill was a joy to watch with very smooth lines and good workmanship. Jorgen and Jim Cooper had some nice runs with excellent chute and pen work.

It was a fine day for a sheepdog trial and thanks to everyone who can out to run. We all had a good time and Donna Donahue will be judging the Sunday run.

Sept 17-18 Trial run order

Sue and George Sheepdog Trial. On Saturday we will start with novice novice, go into ranch, PN, Nursery (if we get one more entry) and then open.  Diane Pagel will be our judge for this day.  First dog on the field at 9 a.m. sharp! 

Novice

1. Kathy Rivers Nova
2. Debbie Dunne Spyder

Ranch
1. Cindy Baker Kael
2. Kathy Rivers Lucy
3. Ernesta Ballard Floss
4. Vicki Romero Jess
5. Sue Mac Repete
6. John Harwell Beth
7. Norm Rivers Lana N/C

Pro Novice
1. Nora Linbo Nick
2. Cindy Baker Brill
3. Kathleen T Emma
4. JB Brick Dodge
5. Ron Fischer Steve
6. Carolynn H Brynn
7. Norm Rivers Scotia
8. Vicki Romero Skye
9. Fran Mac Mirk
10. Brian Ricards Belle
11. Kathleen T Gael
12. Cindy Baker Kael
13. Vicki Romero Blitz
14. Fran Mac OK Jud
15. Cindy Baker Finn

Nursery
1. Ron Green KiKi
2. Jorgen Perrson Bender
3. Carolynn H Brynn
4. Ron Green Charo
5. ???? Gotta have one to run the class!

Open
1. Linda DeJong Pooka
2. JB Brick Scamp
3. Penny O Moss
4. Jim Cooper Sweep
5. Sue Mac Jackie
6. Donna D Kate
7. Bonnie B Gull
8. Brian R Doc
9. Jorgen P Merckx
10. George M Nap
11. Jim Cooper Zot
12. Hope Harris Tigr
13. Donna D ?
14. T Yamamoto Sweep the Broom
15. Penny O Quill
16, Sue Mac Jan
17. Jim Cooper ?
18. Nora L Joe N/C

Sunday will be judged by Donna Donahue and again we'll start at 9 a.m., but we will start with open and run down through the classes. Judge for Sunday will be Donna Donahue.

Open
1. Bonnie B Gull
2. Diane P Roo
3. Jim Cooper Zot
4. T Yamamoto Sweep the Broom
5. George Mac Nap
6. Sue Mac Jan
7. Chris S Tarn
8. Brian R Doc
9. JB Brick Scamp
10. Jo Roach Slider
11. Penny O Quill
12. Linda D Pooka
13. Hope H Tigr
14. Jim C ?
15. Diane P Nan
16. Jorgen P Merckx
17. Sue Mac Jackie
18. Penny O Moss
19. Jim C Sweep
20. Cindy B Brill N/C
21. Cindy B Finn N/C

Pro Novice
1. Norm Rivers Scotia
2. Brian R Belle
3. Diane P Rainey
4. Cindy B Kael
5. Chris S Rankin
6. Kathleen T Gael
7. Fran Mac Mirk
8. Vicki R Blitz
9. Ron F Steve
10. JB Brick Dodge
11. Jo Roach Steam
12. Carolynn H Brynn
13. Kathleen T Emma
14. Vicki R Skye
Nursery
1. Ron G Charo
2. Carolynn H Brynn
3. Jorgen P Bender
4. Sue Mac Avie
5. Ron G Ki Ki
Ranch
1. Chris S Playa
2. Vicki R Jess
3. John H Beth
4. Ernesta B Floss
5. Kathy R Lucy
6. Sue Mac Avie
7. Norm R Lana N/C
Novice
1. Debbie D Spyder
2. Susan R Nevi
3. Kathy R Nova

Famous Dave's Mac 'n' Cheese

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons butter, plus 1/4 cup (1/2 stick), divided
3 tablespoons flour
2 cups milk
3/4 cup half-and-half
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons barbecue sauce
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
4 ounces aged white cheddar cheese, shredded
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 ½ cups sweet corn niblets
2 jalapeños, finely chopped
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1 pound jumbo elbow macaroni, cooked and drained
8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, cubed
8 ounces colby cheese, cubed
1/2 cup cracker crumbs
1/2 cup panko (Japanese-style) breadcrumbs
1/4 cup unseasoned breadcrumbs


Directions:
1. Heat the oven to 350 degrees.
2. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large, heavy-bottom pot over medium heat. Whisk the flour into the butter until thoroughly combined to form a roux. Slowly whisk in the milk, then the half-and-half. Whisk in the mustard, barbecue sauce, salt and pepper.
3. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook, whisking constantly, 8 to 10 minutes to develop the flavors. Whisk in the white cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. Stir in the corn, jalapeños and parsley, then remove from heat.
4. Stir in the cooked macaroni, then the cubed sharp cheddar and colby cheeses. Spoon the macaroni and cheese into a buttered 13-by-9-inch baking dish.
5. Melt the remaining one-quarter cup of butter in a small sauce pan. In a medium bowl, combine the cracker, panko and unseasoned breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Sprinkle the crumb mixture over the macaroni and cheese.
6. Bake the mac 'n' cheese until bubbly and browned on top, about 40 minutes.

Thanks to Heather Nadelman!

Heather provided a webpage so you can see all of the results for the USBCHA Nationals Finals as well the the World Trials!! Much thanks to Heather Nadelman for this effort.

LINK

Lavon Calzacorta and Tess at LaCamas Double Lift

Lavon....what can I say about him. Perhaps the fact he introduced me to Crown Royal Reserve? Or maybe, the fact, we set sheep at Dirt Blowing Trial with the two Tess's and were the only crew to set the sheep without  the use of a trailer? Or perhaps that Lavon is a very sweet and down to earth person, who talks the time to talk to everyone and be generous with his help. Yep, that is Lavon. Of course, I *might* be a little biased...oh, heck a *lot* biased since he has a dog named Tess.

Lavon at the post waiting for his faithful Tess to bringing the sheep. She got both packets quite easily and was a champ and handled them well.

The first leg of the drive. Nice and tidy. 

 Everyone was taking a break.

 Tess had her bathing suit on so went in for a dip.

Lavon let Tess take her time to cool off.

 Once she was cooled off, she got right back to work.

 Time for the International Shed. They worked quietly and patiently through this process.

 Slowly whittling away down to the last few.

 Oh, wait, One, two, three, four and five collared sheep. Way to go!

 Off to the pen. Lavon was very patient and they almost had it but the time ran out.

In the end, it was great work and they won the Double Lift. It was a great run to watch.

I also took photos of Cheryl and Patrick but they did not turn out. Hope you enjoyed the photo series of LaCamas!



Terry Pelky and Dash at LaCamas Double Lift

Terry Pelky and Dash made the drive from California to be in this trial. She had the crowd rooting for her...how can you not root for a good person! She was very patient with Dash and I don't know if this was Dash's first Double Lift or not?

 Waiting for Dash to show up with the sheep.

Check out  the little black ears to the left.

 Holding the draw quite well.

Dash was a game little dog who tried but Terry retired on the second outrun  They got a huge round of applause from the audience..



2011 USBCHA Nationals Sheepdog DVD contest

Enter to win! 

Instruction here : INSTRUCTIONS

How to sign up for the streaming video! VIDEO

Lee Lumb and Chica at LaCamas Double Lift

I have known Lee as long as I have been trialing. She is a truly a classy lady. She has a kind word for anyone and never complains. She is quick with a smile and give you a compliment.  Chica is a dog that I first saw as a Nursery dog and always have loved her. She is a honest hardworking dog and I always cheer for her.

 At the post. What a nice looking team

Lee is looking for what...spare change, grass hoppers??....she is not looking for her sheep as Chica has that well under control.

 And so Chica puts the two packets together and brings them down the line.

 Coming on strong.

Nice turn at the post.

 March along, little ladies.

 Nice, tidy first leg of the drive.

 She reminds me of Tess....no wonder I love this dog. She ran her heart out for Lee.

Go Chica, Go!

Such as honest dog. She ran out of time in the shedding ring but placed 5th. Way to go!