Aspatria Kennels Blog

On The Road Again

2012-01-30T19:30:00.000-08:00

After a few days work last week in Nanton, the weekend arrived - and I packed up the minipac (Yola the Jack Russell, Piper and Mitch, the Border Collies) into Dora the Explorer and started our short adventure weekend. We ended up (minus Piper, who is currently is being tried at a new place - be good Piper, be very good) at Eagle Creek Livery. A quaint place, nice people and good hospitality - and a great place to start the young dogs. There was an afternoon of working dogs (and me working on getting vaccines into the dogs) and socializing - quite a hard feat. Almost had to break out the Jager to give us that afternoon boost. An old Scotsman was in the group as well, and being recently Robby Burns day, gave us the rendition of "The Ode To The Haggis" - of which I am currently looking for a translator to find out what was said about this fine delicacy (try it Mikey, you'll like it!). I saw Dan (who is a Gin x Don pup I had raised and I recently had a weak moment and let a certain Bowdian get his hands on him), and wished I could have turned back time so I could have said no to this fellow when he asked for Dan. The livery owner showed his Gin pup as well - balancing and such - almost as good as Glen's Alice (I have this urge to throw young lambs out for lil' Becca now and get training done-guess she will settle for cats for now). The newbie couple brought their dogs out as well - and I figure I should leave my young dogs with them to get started. I brought Mitch out - maybe he will grace the field this year - and did some drills - you know, throwing a cane or two and whispering sweet nothings in his ear. The livery owner and his wife let me stay overnight, work Mitch again, and then I made it back to Nanton to work. Before I got to Nanton though, I went to the newbies and worked (or worried) their sheep with Mitch. Man, I wish it was light out longer at night - I would be there after work every night if I could. They are probably thankful it is dark early, so I don't show up on their doorstep! I do know when I get back to sunny Mankota, there will be regular workouts with the dogs - the trial season is not that far away, and there are dogs to be trained. In the meantime, I will watch the 2011 USBCHA Finals DVD that the newbies let me borrow, and I will study very hard so that hopefully a trip to Klamath Falls, Utah will occur in September for the 2012 USBCHA finals.
I just have to find the canes in the snow - if Mitch would only play fetch.

Cast of Players

Livery Owner and Wife - Randy and Val Dye

Scotsman - Abe Marshall

Bowdian - Don Grant

The Newbies - Naomi and Bill Shields

Mitch - as himself

I Think She Has A Split Personality

2012-01-25T14:39:00.000-08:00

How can seven pounds scare a person to the point of peeing one's pants? No, I am not talking about the weight gain over Christmas holidays, but rather Claire (the names have been changed to protect the innocent), the Siamese cross (and she was pissed) cat I dealt with today. Really, it wasn't going to be a big deal, I just needed some pee, that is all. Claire was all nice and unassuming to start with, but when it was decided to give her some subcutaneous fluids, that is when all hell broke loose. Thank God she was declawed, but that didn't stop her from getting her back claws into my hand. "I love my job, I love my job", I said under my breath as I tried to give some needed fluids. It kind of reminded me of The Exorcist - head spinning and such, but at least there was no vomit...yet. She was going to be uncooperative, to put it nicely. "Let's put her back in the kennel to chill out," was my plan of action. One half an hour later she was the picture of perfect, purring and stretched out in pleasure. A butterfly needle was what I had up my sleeve - an ingenious piece of medical equipment - a needle at the end of a long hose so that you don't have to be anywhere close to the crazy end. The fluids were administerd, albeit with a few jumps (from her and from me). Now, I will pray for the pee Gods. If she doesn't give me a gift of urine, I will have to knock her out to get the golden juice. Maybe I will pee in the jar for her, it might be easier.

Having Sheepish Thoughts

2012-01-22T08:58:00.001-08:00

We have been regular sheep farmers around these parts.

The last week, it had been quite cold (putting it mildly), and most of the youngsters saw the world first in the barn. As it got warmer, the big outdoors became their new home.
There is quite a few left to lamb - perhaps they are waiting for nicer days - I know I would appreciate it!

Big old Daddeeoo is quite proud of his harem.

Who's your Daddy?

These days are full of lounging around...

...going to the snack bar.....

....and when you want to call on a friend....

...they come a running.

No matter who they are!

Calling All Urban Shepherds

2012-01-18T20:36:00.000-08:00

When we in the middle of buying our new spread, I had told some trialers out east about it - they thought the idea to have a get away from the hustle and bustle from citylife to the quiet of the rolling prairies was inviting. So.....here's your chance! Chance of an opportunity - throw away your cell phones (well they wouldn't work anyway, there isn't any service) and have a week (or two if you like) and be a shepherd with our sheep(a mosaic of Scottish Blackface, Khatadins, and a hodge podge of other non-descript sheep) - get away from the rat race (no we don't have rats here, even if we are in Saskatchewan) - come to sunny McCord, Saskatchewan (promise it won't be -30 out) and use your dog(s) for intensive grazing. Dogs, exercise (just a mile to the grazing area), sheep - who needs a membership to the gym? Roughly starting May 10th-come for a few days or a few weeks - it's up to you. You can even ride a horse if that tickles your fancy -cowboy hat optional. If you don't have a dog, we'll give you one (and you can train it since I don't seem to have the time). All this and a bag of chips! It may not be the world trial..but it's our world! Only breathing individuals need to register.

Brrr!

2012-01-16T10:01:00.000-08:00

Knowing it was going to be cold overnight, we moved a few ewes ready to pop into the barn. In the night we had 4 more lambs - two born outside (I guess the Scotties were closer than we thought) and two born inside. Little Gertie here, she was the lucky one to be born in the barn, but yet, the -25 C was able to penetrate through the barn and freeze her legs.

So she came in for a short spa stay.

First a nice warm bath to warm up those bones (and hocks, and ankles) and a drink of Chia Colostrum to warm the cockles of the heart.

She was waited on by the spa's seasoned help.
A good stretch and things got moving again.

Gertie, you haven't looked so good!

The watchful help was there to dote on her every need.

All this and a facial! http://youtu.be/QQdyrba-U0E

Tell your friends - the Lamb Inn is a great place to rejuvenate!

Am I Becoming A Hoarder?

2012-01-13T17:52:00.000-08:00

Once in awhile I count the number of mouths that have to be fed on the ponderosa - some have smaller mouths than others, but they all have to be fed. In November we had a grand total of 20 Border Collie pups, 10 Border Collies and 7 Jack Russells. Not sure what I was thinking having litters in the winter, but the litters have since grown up, and some have found their new homes. In the dwindling numbers, I found a home for Jack Russell Tessa (who if you are a regular reader to this blog, went to Jenny Craig this fall and slimmed down to her regular weight), and will have to find a home for Jack Russell Yola (since she has found a liking to chasing, and actually catching my sheep and maiming them - she must go before I maim her). Several of the pups have left, but in the mathematical equation, there are two 4 month old (which makes an 8 month old between the two of them as they start bugging the ewes-lines are now being drawn, which means they are dragging lines), and six 2 month olds (which again equals to 12 months as they find their way out of their jail every day). In a day, we will be 2 less of these little buggers, and waiting for another one for their new home to pick him up, which will leave me three, more manageable tykes to teach their names.

But then there is this midget in the midst of things as well.

I call him Jesus - because when he was born I said, "For Christ Sake!" I certainly don't want the dog catcher of McCord to pay me a visit, although I am sure my native name is being well known throughout the community - Wendy Many Dogs (and on some occasions, Wendy Many F----- Dogs). Perhaps you will see me on an upcoming episode of Hoarders - Buried Alive (by the Jack Russells).

The Lawyers Said I Could Do It

2012-01-06T09:46:00.000-08:00

I got out of the waiver form - and now the secrets can be shared with what happened with Christmas/New Years 2011!

Lets's start with Christmas - there were presents for everyone - but even my dad thought he should get more than what he got - we had to wipe his fingerprints off of the gift he opened that was meant for someone else. CSI Radville - new episodes to seen!

http://youtu.be/LI78N6lTW2w

Even Mindy the dog got into the festivities! http://youtu.be/tFMEtVI2wuw

We had our Christmas dinner at my brother Gary's - and he found out he had mice.... ...lots of them!

Then we bellied up to the buffet to eat all the fixin's. http://youtu.be/vtfRL5JVFNM

I got my pope's nose. Chef Ramsay would be impressed with the presentation.

Then some of us, released the belts and had a nap.

A good day was had by all. The next good day would be the day I could take 7 pups and get them out of my hair! New Year's Eve was to be a puppy party at Louanne and Kyle Twa's. Doris the Explorer was happy to unload the beasts. I had brought Lynn and Dan along for some training. Louanne's Walmart Greeter made everyone welcome.

Then fun in the sun ensued! http://youtu.be/Q86ub2_MtYM

You wouldn't think they were bad at all - the look of innocence!

Then the fun began at Louanne's - a spiffy smorg was in the future. All with fancy silverware that was actually plastic.

And seeing that 2012 would be full of resolutions including better health, some of us started early by taking the 56 herbs found in Jager-not for the weak of heart. Some found to be weaker than others.

The next morning, I packed up the dogs, less the puppies, and made my way back home. As I left, this fellow was at Louanne's, bidding me a farewell. I wonder if the Walmart Greeter met him at the gate.

2012 - It Starts Already!!

2012-01-03T13:24:00.000-08:00

After a joyous introduction to 2012 from Louanne and Kyle's homestead (in which a waiver was signed, in which nothing was to be put on any blog, tweet or facebook message relating to the party-I currently have my lawyers researching whether there is a loophole or two) - 2012 has begun. I started 2012 by getting a few pups off to the airport - not without it's fun moments. There were some forms that had to be signed by the new puppy owners - and of course, no airline will tell you this UNTIL you have driven 8 hours with howling pups and an empty bottle of Tylenol by your side. Luckily, the pups where shipped off to their new destinations (possibly with slight changes to certificates, but the lawyers have sworn me to secrecy), and I quickly packed some more household articles in Dora (the Explorer) and made my way back to sunny Mankota. On my venture there, we (that being Lyn and Piper) stopped at Stormy Winters - thinking that possibly Piper will call one of Stormy's many kennels home. Having never worked Piper before, I was pretty pleased with what he had-stopping, driving and fair flanks -not yet trial ready, but what else do I have to do out here? You see, Louanne had him for about a month , but wasn't exactly what she was looking for - perhaps she was looking for more freckles and something which could digest rocks to cut down on vet costs in the future. Stormy however had just got himself another dog, so Piper was to come the rest of the way to Mankota with me. However, a flat tire was also to be a part of the day. A quick trip (14 miles is quick) after filling up a tire with Stormy's air compressor, and I made it to Vanguard, Saskatchewan. The nice tire man said, "Bad news, this tire is toast, and I don't have a replacement." He phoned the next town who did more tires, but being dinner time, they were closed (the Saskatchewan way). Not wanting to unpack my whole vehicle to get to the spare, he patched the tire, and because he couldn't guarantee it, didn't charge me anything (another Saskatchewan way). I then drove to the next town, Ponteix, to their tire shop - to find they were closed for the afternoon for a funeral (yet another Saskatchewan way). So....I prayed to the tire Gods and drove the hour back home (passing 2 motorists on the road, and forgetting to wave to them), while stopping briefly to order two tires (because I don't want to be stuck in this situation again) at McCord, and got back into the yard with air to spare. I do believe I may want to invest in an air compressor that plugs into the car - and if one doesn't exist, it will be one of those other things I will invent for the friendly folk of Saskatchewan, along with the Wavomatic - at a gas station near you near the Saskatchewan Roughrider paraphanalia (okay, at least within 30 miles, and make sure you stop in before 12 and after 1pm, and if we aren't in, we will be back in 5 minutes because we are at the bank, because they are closed during noon).

2011 - That's A Wrap

2011-12-29T11:15:00.000-08:00

Well, only a few more days, and 2011 will be no more! It was a year of big changes in our lives, packing up (what the heck, we are still packing) and moving to Saskatchewan was (and is) a big endeavour. The other large thing that happened this year was going over to England to compete at the World Trial with Gin - hopefully I can do it again in the future. Now it is time to get used to the fast (as a snail) pace of Mankota/McCord life.

In the short time span I have been here, I have learned that the laws of the land include 1. Never leave home without a full tank of gas,2. Always be ready to wave at the passing motorist because they will be waving at you, whether they know you or not, and 3. Always keep an eye out for the crossing deer - you don't want to make them mad.

I work (at trying to keep busy) at the Mankota Vet Clinic a few days a week, and the other days of the week trying to stand in a vertical position since the wind blows here - a lot. I think I saw one of Louanne Twa's sheep from High River, Alberta blowing by the other day - or maybe it was my own. I do believe my sister thinks I will have a large amount of time on my hands, since for Christmas she had given me a ukulele - watch out I will be playing Tiny Bubbles next year at the dog trials.

A few hounds (the pups are losing their cuteness factor each day they grow) will be loaded up and transported back west to brighten the lives of some people-most notably mine. Louanne is having a New Year's Bash, and some crazy new puppy owners will be there to take these growling, ankle biters off of my hands (Oh, I meant, sweet bundles of fur). Three more will take their passports and go the the USA to raise havoc - I am afraid terrorist attacks will still occur - as long as they have their sharp baby teeth.

Twas About 16 Hours Before Christmas

2011-12-23T13:50:00.000-08:00

Now cuddle up, get your hot chocolate (don't forget the marshmallows), and enjoy the endless classic (which has been changed slightly for this blog).

Twas Sixteen Hours Before Christmas

Twas Sixteen Hours Before Christmas

and all in the yard

were 43 red and white heifers

and an ass named Jenny on guard.

The sheep were escaping,

as fast as they could,

from any hole in the fence,

no matter how small they would.

The Borders were all barking,

and some making a tunnel,

it would be only minutes,

until they were out of their kennel.

Chris in his long underwear,

and I in my nightie,

had just settled down,

to watch some CBC.

Coronation Street was just over,

and Two And A Half Men was on,

I flicked the channel to see,

OLN talking about a fawn.

"How fitting," I thought,

watching the blurb about the deer

But the barking outside was worse,

So outside I went to place some fear.

The dogs they were crazy,

trying to get to the stock.

"That's enough you guys!"

I yelled as I did walk.

To the kennels I strode,

with my ears burning red.

"If I get my hands on you,

you will wish you were dead!"

When out of the corner

of my eye did I see,

a streak of something gray

running quickly to flee.

I knew right at that moment,

it was not my eye's trick

It was a big coyote,

God I wish I had a shooting stick!

He quickly glanced at me

with a glare in his eye

took one look at my hairy legs,

and turned tail and cried.

As he ran off to the north,

in the direction of McCord,

I yelled out after him

"I hope you get hit with a Ford!"

Merry Christmas All!

New Year Babies That Couldn't Wait

2011-12-18T08:27:00.000-08:00

Shadow, has a new shadow following her these days.

Once in a while, we have some new folk arrive in these parts that we didn't expect...

...and Frosty was one of unexpected visitors.

Oh, and we can't forget about these boys as well.

It won't take long for Frosty and his friends to grow - just look what 8 weeks did to this little one.

Perhaps in 2 years she will be in nursery. But for the time being, all of these young ones are in the nursery, playing grownup games.

http://youtu.be/lZ1xyDhpF0E

Home, Home On The Range

2011-12-16T09:50:00.000-08:00

Let's sing together now...

Home, home on the range....

Where puppies glug milk all the day...
Where one sees a flock...

..and a dog looking like Spock...

...and others wanting to chase them away.

She's Alive

2011-12-05T20:57:00.000-08:00

There has a small hiatus since last blog, and after the local mortuary called asking what should be on my tombstone, I decided I had better let everyone know that I am alive.

Now, where did we leave off?

I do recall we were on our way to Agribition. It has turned to be a mini family reunion over the years, with my sisters coming to cheer Chris and myself at the competition.

Not sure why they looked so happy, Saskatchewan Roughriders did NOTHING this year.

Even my nephew Timmy and my great-nephew came to watch (and for the life of me, I can't remember his name-Alzheimer's, meeting people for the first time every day!)
The sheep were proven to be tough - grips were allowed, and most dogs gripped. Some dogs flossed their teeth more than others. I was pretty happy with both Gin and Floss. They moved the woolly beasts with few problems. Floss however will have remedial classes this winter regarding flanks.

Chris showed his great aptitude in mixing up his flanks, and getting frustrated with Jill when she took the flanks he had asked for.

Poor Jill - perhaps Chris should have remedial classes in flanks.

Two clear rounds had to be done to get into the finals. Gin finished 6th both rounds, and overall came in second. Kayleen Forsyth, Jared Epp, Peter Gonnet and Dale Montgomery (the King as he was noted) would be the other top handlers going to the finals during the evening's rodeo.

Someone (Jared) ticked off the rodeo clown. Beware of the blue goop.

Gin and I ran second last, and managed to beat Peter and Taff by 1 second.

Alas, the pixie dust was forgotten, and Dale Montgomery and Ben (with help with his teeth) managed to beat us by 15 seconds.

The Western Canadian Agribition of 2011 would go down in history again. The King continues his reign.

As the Queen of Mankota, we will be back. Possibly a dethroning will occur next year.

Time will tell.

Address Change

2011-11-20T14:16:00.000-08:00

Well, it is has been about a week at the ponderosa - home is now (minus a lot of household stuff) Mankota, Saskatchewan. Chris has been down here since middle of May, and my busy summer of trialing and working allowed me only a few days at the new place.

Now, it is time for move in. Alas, my household items are still 7 hours away, and still have to be packed up and moved. All I want for Christmas is to make this house a home!

So for those who are planning to come visit - here is a quick overview of the new place.

The kitchen is quite large, and open. I won't have to do any painting - partly because 1. I don't mind the color scheme and 2. I hate painting.

The sitting room. Doubt if I will be sitting a lot. The only thing I would like done would be to rip up the carpet that is in the hallway and put laminate down. I may be asking my FAVORITE brother-in-law Ken to come down to help with that project.
I do have my old fashioned tub. It is to be deemed my personal spa in the R.M. of Mankota. All that is missing is candles...and bubble bath....and essence. Guess I will just use the shower for now.

The view to the front yard. Yes, there are trees, and a small garden to be planted next spring.

The backyard looks out to ...the back.

The little red barn now houses all the dogs for the moment. Yet another plan is for a proper kennel for the hounds. So much yet to do.

Wide open spaces...and I do mean wide!

Stop by and visit and stay for awhile. But maybe wait until I get a few more dishes...and a table...and chairs. Maybe bring a sleeping bag too.

I Should Have Stuck To The Tea

2011-11-12T08:08:00.001-08:00

***Note-names have been changed to protect the innocent.

After leaving Penny Casters, I made my way back to Beiseker to start the packing job. I succeeded in hauling a Dora (the Explorer) load of clothes to the Salvation Army - there will be a large selection of clothing that has shoulder pads in the Airdrie Salvation Army now. When I left last night, it sure didn't look as if I had made a dent in the packing department, but I did manage to go through the drawers of a desk or two. It is amazing what you keep over the years. I found that I had the habit of keeping letters - pre-email days. I guess I didn't have to be reminded that I was 25 years old about 20 years ago, and the well wishes of a long and happy marriage have been occurring. I should have kept those love letters though - but they are in the burning barrel (of love) now.

I packed as much into Dora (that would include 17 dogs, okay 14 of them are pups), and made my way out east. I stopped by about half way, and popped in to Doris's*. Doris's * housemate Delila* was about to have a cup of tea and go to bed, but a bottle of Crown Royal was consumed instead. As the night progressed, this was brought out.....

....and now you know why names have been changed. I had smelled it as a teenager, and never had smoked it in the past. I am not sure if pot gets better with age, as wine does, but this 20 year old pot went back into the closet to age further.

In the morning, Delila* said, "I should have stuck to the tea."

I couldn't agree with her more.

Edmonton Northlands 2011

2011-11-09T06:49:00.000-08:00

Northlands in Edmonton is one of the last trials of the season. Everyone was in full force. Some people even tried to bribe the judge (me) with some icecream. After I had called Abe's dog Cap off for gripping, I feared for my life since he was staying at Penny Caster's as well that night. Never underestimate a Scotsman.

Penny Caster borrowed Corey Perry's dog.

I think in Penny's mind she was thinking, "Go ahead, make my day."
Stormy winters had not been in the forcast, but yet, here in Edmonton, Stormy Winters (and Kate) had arrived.

After the second go round in the morning, all the ten finalists waited until the evening to find out who would be the big weiner.

Louanne (who got both of her dogs in) and I watched the ranch horse competion and sale.

When that was done, we sat and watched people. The crowd was quite large, and being the week for the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association's finals, everyone dug out their best hat out of the closet.

There were look alike couples.

I thought Prince Williams was in attendance.

There was the bold...

...and the beautiful.

The finals was just prior to the finals of the Ranch Rodeo. The stands were packed (yes, really they were packed, this picture was from the earlier performances - do you think I really had time to judge and take pictures??? )

In the end, Thad Buckler and Nic took the big cheque home.

Louanne and I stayed to watch some of the Ranch Rodeo finals.

The teams of four has to various timed events, including, cattle sorting, branding, and wild cow milking. Yes, it was wild.

At intermission, a person won a free bull.

Sacks of nuts everywhere.

Louanne and I came home to Penny's soon after this. It was getting too nuts for us.

2011 Northlands is now in the history books.

When Mother Nature Calls, She Yells

2011-11-08T22:00:00.000-08:00

After I had left Lisa Wright's pad, I made my way to Penny Caster's place. Now, she was the hostess with the mostest - mostest dogs in her place. Abe Marshall, Randy Dye, Louanne Twa and Chris Jobe all stayed at her place for Northlands. I had brought my gypsy crew, Gin and her pups, Lyn and Floss - who was expecting any day. Total count of dogs, 22....and not a dog licence in sight.

I got up bright and early, ready to judge the final day at Northlands (I had cleaned my glasses specifically for this), and before I set out, I put the dogs out in the back yard.

Well - the fire department almost had to be called.

Floss, in her motherly wisdom, decided to crawl under Penny's garden shed in the back, which sat only about 8 inches from the fence. No amount of pleading would bring her out. Penny crawled between the fence, and was able to get close to the hole to hold onto Floss's collar, but she couldn't pull her out. I am not sure how I did it, but I squeezed down beside the hole, and tried to pull Floss out. She was stuck. Stuck like glue. And I was feeling stuck as well, and willing myself not to hyperventilate because of the claustrophobia setting in. Well, Penny flew in the house, Chris Jobe was ready to come out in her bra (oh my burning eyes), and people were ready to knock down the fence beside the garden shed to get Floss out.

I managed to dig out the back fill of dirt she had pushed behind her with my free hand, and I dragged her out before 911 was dialed.

Whew.

Into the locked crate, in my locked vehicle she went, and during Northlands she had her 6 pups.This could have been the picture on the front page of the Edmonton Sun, but I will settle for it in this blog.

My Nomadic Ways

2011-11-07T07:37:00.000-08:00

After I finished in Wetaskawin, I packed up the dogs (in which increased exponentially since Gin decided to have 9 pups during that night), and headed off to Lloyminster for their arena trial. I had originally entered both Floss and Gin in the competition, and gave Gin the decision to do it if she liked. Well, really, it was like asking a duck if it liked water. In the end, I didn't get either dog in the finals, but it was close. On the way out of Lloydminster, I stopped to have dinner with the big weiners (Thad Buckler and Jerry Kubatoff) and then stayed overnight in Vagreville - the home of the big Easter Egg (of which I don't have a picture - sorry).

My next journey was off to Mayerthorpe to judge the ASDA finals - but what was I to do in the meantime. A moment of a-ha, and I contacted Lisa Wright - and off to Athabasca my gypsy caravan was to go.

I got up to Lisa's with minimal problems (okay, a quick phone call was made to clarify some directions) and we waited for Princess Louanne Twa to come up that afternoon. We did a little dog training, and then it was Girls Night Out (or Girls Night In more appropriately).

I really do wish I had some pictures from that night - let your imagination fill in the pictures. Wine bottles, a big screen TV, and a good movie. The movie took 4 hours to watch, and Louanne did not like the feel of eggs in her mouth the next day. Yes, a successful evening was had.

The next day was going to be dog training day.

Bill Shields was there...
...and his wife Naomi.

They are still in the early stages of training together. It is a well known fact that training with their spouses do not last for long-we'll listen from advice from other people, but definitely not from our spouses. Just ask me.

Lisa worked on a dog named Finn who was owned by Jen - hopefully one day Jen will come to the dark side and join the border collie world.

Louanne was able to get her sorry carcass out of bed and at least watch the training. Notice the dark sunglasses.

It was a nice day to spend outside with the dogs and put them through their paces.

The next day was our trip to Mayerthorpe for the ASDA finals. It was warmer outside than it was inside. It helped me keep me awake.

I had a bird's eye view to judge the trial. By this time, Louanne could whistle without her head exploding - the longest hangover ever in the history of dog trialing.

Some people hogged the heat sources.

Warming the cockles of your heart. And your toes as well.

After the trial was over (congrats to Carol Nelson and Jess for winning, my postal address is Box 39, McCord, Saskatchewan if you want to send me the bribery check that was agreed upon), I went back to Lisa to check on the new mom and mom to be.

Travis (Lisa's better half) stayed behind and kindly watched my dogs for me.

Gin watched her clan quite well.

We brought Floss in as well, waiting for her pups.

In the end, Floss did not have any pups overnight - perhaps a bumpy ride will be in order for her to have pups. A trip to Edmonton to judge Farm Fair is to be done, and the gypsy caravan will be packed with the dogs to stay at Penny Caster for the trials' duration.

The bed and breakfast at Lisa's and Travis's come highly recommended.

Five stars out of five.

An End To An Era

2011-11-03T12:54:00.000-07:00

So this morning I left the clinic I had called my second home for 4 years. If people can wake up in the morning, and find themselves not minding going to work, it isn't really work, it is just a good way to spend your life.

So this blog is dedicated to those workmates.

Theresa R - the Techceptionist - able to keep the vets in line (Oh, and by the way Theresa can you attach that file - no just kidding). Thank you for the Coronation Street memorabilia book, I can't wait to sit down with it.

Erin - the Clipper Nazi who left me a bottle of Hemostam - the drug which will cure anything. Mankota will have nothing to worry about.

Amy - the computer guru...and apparently shot guru (porn stars do not taste good, there is a sour aftertaste to them -fuzzy navels, I could get used to them) .

Carolein - the mobile ladder - who will I ask to get the bottles from the top shelf now?

Rosie - the calm, nothing gets her rattled tech. Able to find a vein in even the worst leg.

Wendy-the whirlwind - able to complete any job in front of her. Cut down on the coffee :)

Rae - the person who does everything with a smile - that is because she is imagining evil things to do.

Kristen- the quiet one who can pull a quick one on you - I hope you didn't fill your Depends when I got you to help me put away the dead body (aka Shawna - see below - you can fill in the blanks).

Shawna - the golfing buddy and prankster and Saskatchewan Roughrider's number 2 fan (I saw a licence plate saying they were number 1)

The vets - Theresa, Katie and Kim - have fun and don't sweat the small stuff. Hell, don't sweat the big stuff either.
And from the pet store side....

...Judy (and her husband Al), it has truly been a pleasure.

Fiona - the boss vet. Thank goodness your a nice individual - throughout the years, everyone thought I was Fiona, and I couldn't think how hard it would have been if they had thought she was a terrible lady and mistook me for her.

John (the other boss vet) - I will send this blog as a memo to you. Please sign it when you receive it.

Hopefully we will see each other in the not too long future!

I Think I Have Paxton Hicks

2011-11-02T10:52:00.000-07:00

Paxton Valley was the last field trial in 2011 for us. I took Gin and Floss (leaving Creed behind since I gave him to Chris) and brought Syd (who was going to go off to Pennsylvania) and Lynn (who just came along for the ride).

I drove out with Christine Jobe. We stopped midway in our trip, when mother nature was yelling at us.

This was the view out of the outhouse - the blue reminds me of my face as I held my breath to answer mother nature's call.

We got to Holly's trial field, and Bambi stopped for a portrait.

The Paxton Valley Trial was attended by the die hards of the sport. Last trial of the season, winter can be long when it comes to field trials.

Lisa Wright in her fashionable outerwear running Kate.

Corey Perry was the illustrious judge.

Jerry was out with the illustrious Jed.

The Alberta contingency got together, being Thanksgiving, and we gathered and gave thanks.

We filled ourselves with gouda. Very gouda cheese.

Some of us bitched...

...and wined.

We relaxed and had our thanksgiving dinner - Jerry's Sloup (a cross between soup and stew).

Then we had our dessert - pumpkin pie.

Not gluten free - but it can be worked around.

A gouda time was had by all.

Don't let it fool you, Louanne was not drinking tea, she was drinking fermented grape juice. This was to take her mind off of Meg, who had decided to eat 3 pounds of rocks. A bountiful harvest.

We all felt whipped at the end of the day.

And then we whipped out of the trial after it was done.

Yet another fun time was had, with good friends and good dogs.

It was a gouda time.

Through The Eyes Of A Four Year Old

2011-11-01T13:12:00.000-07:00

As I was going through my pictures, I came along these ones that Hanna took. I thought I would dedicate this blog to Hanna, my 4 year old niece.

She had decided this was the year that Gin was her dog, and that she would run her at a couple of trials. She was proud to tell me she taught every Gin knew, even not to listen.
She is the type of kid that will talk to anyone. No matter how scary they are....

...or how nice.

These girls were at Shaunovan Classic.

The infamous floating gate.

Bev and Norm had a great ride for Hanna.

She was proud of her bling, bling hat she won at the EID Classic.

She even got a picture of me running her dog Gin.

Her great-uncle Joe came to watch her.

She was like the paparazzi.

She even could do a self portrait.

When we move to Mankota, I will truly miss her. Perhaps I can pack her into a box.

Mini Holiday After The Worlds

2011-10-30T10:43:00.000-07:00

After the Worlds, I drove Penny to the train station so she could finish with her travel plans. I filled up the car and continued with my plans. I was talking to a fellow from Yorkshire about dogs, so I decided I would travel that way before I headed of to my destination in Wales.

It was a misty day of driving, but the Pennes were something else.

I got to Holmfirth, and found the farm. No dog deals could be done this day, but had a good visit nonetheless.

After the visit in the Pennes, Gin and I headed our way to Wales to meet up with Calvin Jones. I was to take him to Heathrow in a couple of days so that he could do a clinic in Saskatchewan (which didn't materialize in the end) and to judge the ASDA finals (which got cancelled at the last minute). I ended up driving all night to get to Wales. That day, Calvin with his son Rod in tow (which looks nothing like him, but more like the mailman since he is much taller) tied some loose ends so that Calvin could leave for his extended holiday.

Calvin drove me around that day. I held my breath alot.

We went over the mountain several times during the day, doing various jobs.

We went to the farm where he kept his hounds. They had a few sheep.

They also had a few pigs.

Calvin took his hounds and loaded them up to be taken to a farm closer so that his family could look after them.

Load up!

Please buckle up and keep your hands inside.

So over the mountain we went (yet again).

I was beginning to think the sun was a wive's tale in the UK.

And this is what we saw on the other side of the mountain.

We got everything set up, and after supper, we headed off to Heathrow. Yes, driving all night again (truly not recommended). I got Calvin at the right terminal, and he was off to Canada.

I then made my way down to Devon to see Janet Kittow and her family - they were my host family 20 (plus) years ago when I was on and international exchange program.

On that first trip, I was actually able to go to Stonehenge and touch the stones. Those were the days my friends.

As I got closer and closer to Honiton, I was trying very hard to remember the way back to Hayne's Farm - Janet knew I was coming, but when was the question. Corn mazes have nothing to compare with the country roads in Devon. Hedges everywhere, no straight roads and roads that are only big enough for 1 vehicle (or 5 cow abreast, depending on the time of day). I was lost for about 2 hours, but then I found Catherine's Wheel - the pub I had frequented at many years ago. It was a short winding road from the pub and I found the Kittows.

There was time for visiting, but still the chores had to be done.

Funny, I can remember when I fed the calves it was by single pails.....I guess things change.

The milking parlour.

The cows would take a short jaunt down the road to their field.

No matter how young, everyone has a job to do.

Rules of the Devon roadways - cows always have the right of way.

And the gate is closed ....with 2000 pound tensile strength bailer twine...just like in McCord, Saskatchewan!

Marie (Janet's daughter) came down with Buddy and we walked the dogs.

Finally a sunny day in England!!

We checked the heifers.

We took another hike (well actually it was from the pasture to the car).

The day before my plane back home, we went to Collumpton - had to get a vet's certificate to get Gin back on the plane.

With all papers in hand, I left early the next day for my plane. Good think I left early, I got lost getting back out, and it was nip and tuck by the time I arrived at the airport.

In the end, no papers were asked for Gin, although I had forgotten to phone the airline to let them know she was coming along. First I can't get her into the country, then I can't get her out of the country.. In the end, we got home. The World Trial is now just a memory, but a very good one.

The World Trial - Double Lift Day

2011-10-30T09:44:00.000-07:00

The skies were a little more clear the next day, but one could get away from the fact that the ground was saturated. These plonkers were one of many who had to have Mr. John Deere help them out of a mess.

These guys were worm hunting.

The final day were filled with top notch handlers and their dogs....who would win?

Would it be Kevin Evans and Mirk?

Denis Birchall and Bill?

It was really any one's game.

Serge van der Zweep and Eve prayed before their run.

People like Cristine Clarkson made sure the days event went without a hitch.

All the runs were videotaped. There were some speculations throughout the day, and some favorites came to the post - but in the end, it was any one's game. Serge and Eve were the front runners for most of the day.

Some spectators had a better viewing advantage than others.

Micheal Gallagher and Cap tried to come on top again. By the end of the day, he would settle for third place.

Tom Lawrenson and Clyde was fourth overall.

Lyle Lad and her dog Shep was the only woman handler in the finals.

Unfortunately a grip at the shed would end their run.

Tommy Wilson and Sly was in the same boat, which sunk in the shedding ring as well.

The skulls and crossbones flag marked the end of Tommy's run.

James McGee and Becca would ultimately be the ones to show all others.

His run was to be placed down in the annals of history. Or least on BBC 4's video tapes.

James would have to be interviewed by Mr. Mutton Chops himself.

The day ended with all the countries being asked to partake in the ceremonies.

James McGee and Becca - the best in the world!

After the crowning of the champion, it was homeward bound for all. A quick wash of the boots was in order for many.

In the end, the real heroes were the tractor drivers.

Look out - 2014 World Trial will be here before you know it. Will I be tempted to come back? Darn right I will!!

The Semifinals For Some, Spectating For Others

2011-10-28T14:40:00.000-07:00

So after it was all done, all competitors came to the tent to evaluate their scores. For the outrun, lift and fetch Gin had 6 (per judge) off (thinking about it now, I shouldn't have said anything to Gin on the outrun, and she would have done it right by herself), a big 15 off of the drive, 3 off of the first shed, 4 off of the pen (yes had a wee bit of trouble) and 5 off of the last shed for a total of 77. At least I can say I finished, did not DQ or have to retire. The rest of the days of the World Trial would be of me and Penny Caster watching from the sidelines.

And the sidelines were wet. The grandstands were not able to have covering due to a huge windstorm as they were setting up the venue. Penny and I had to stand and watch the fun had by the semifinalists.

Singing in the rain.

Slipping in the mud.

I was sure glad I had packed my Muckboots along.

Within the venues, it was like a lake.

That didn't stop the shoppers though.

The true die hard fans of sheepdog trialing came to watch the semifinals.

Everyday there was television broadcast of trial on BBC. The big thing was whether Aled Owen would pull a hat trick. By the end of the day, he, along with 25 others, would have to be just happy with the semifinals.

Luckily Penny and I found these umbrellas in the place we were staying at - and they came in very useful.

If it had been warmer, I probably would have ventured to the bar, but the Hold My Lager Tour was to remain quite dry, in terms of drinking that is.

There was other things to watch as well, such as lure coursing.

The birds of prey were out, praying to get off their perches.

The venue would have been great, if the weather would have cooperated.

Going to the loos were quite slushy.

Thank God for the metal plank way they had laid down, without it, there would have been a world cup downhill mudding course on at the same time.

This beetle car was most popular, selling the fancy coffees.

But the show went on, and the semifinalists went through their paces for the crowd.

The theme of the day was good rain gear and...

....good attitudes.

Let Me Qualify The Qualifying Runs

2011-10-28T12:02:00.000-07:00

For the most part, the qualifying runs were ran in the rain. Only the first day was a sunny day, after that the skies opened up, and dumped on our parade. Penny Caster was my personal groupie, and watched the trail with me as well. Mostly from the warmth of the car.

We watched Aled Owen from our vehicle. Why should we all get wet in the rain?

Marylou and Dayna was the first Canadian to run. She had a pretty fair run with what she was dealt with. She was one of the lucky ones to run in the sun.

Canadian teammate Jennifer and Bea was cheered on as well.

Jennifer and Bea didn't quite finish it all, but she had a decent run nonetheless.

On field three there were the likes of Kevin Evans. Standing room only to watch the top handlers.

The trial was well organized, setout and clearing the field were done expediently. Help came in all sizes.

Jennifer and her entourage.

Tommy and Sly was another one of the lucky ones that got to run in the sun.

Tommy finished with his pen and shed, and made it through to the semifinals.

I waited for the rest of the dogs to finish - I was 5th to the last to run on the last day of qualifying, and I would know what I would have to do to get into the semifinals. A 190 would do it (95/110). I know I could do it if I could set my mind to it.

After all the troubles sending Gin on the left this summer, I really wanted to send to the right...but, it was a left sided field. I gulped, told her to listen, and I sent her to the left. She went, and she went nicely.

The girls came quite nicely around the post. We got to the post, only 6 points off to my feet. Sheep were settled, we could do this!!

In my mind I was saying - Holy Crap, are we having a not too bad run...then Gin heard the infamous whistle from the other field which she of course took, and I could hear the "Tink, Tink" as the points dropped away.

We finished our drive, me thinking, "I have come all this way, and I am going to finish this thing!" Our first shed was done....

.....the pen was done.......and the shed was complete....and so was my fun in (not) the sun at the World Trial.

Penny and I went to a pub for supper that night.

Fish and chips were on MY menu.

I then proceeded to drink my sorrows away.

It killed my pain....

....just a little.

Not the Gay Pride Parade

2011-10-28T11:26:00.000-07:00

One of the big things for the World Trial was the parade. All the competitors loaded up into buses and headed their way down to Penrith.

The Canadians were in full force. MaryLou was parade marshall (well, not really, but it looked as if she was barking orders). Kathy Keats was flag bearer since she was tallest.
Jennifer Larivee and I made up the rest of the crew. I had a yellow jacket so that I could be found. A yellow corn between the roses.

We walked through the town of Penrith, the streets being closed down for our homage.

There were spectators from around the world. I was ready for Ben Mulroney from Entertainment Canada to come out to interview us. But alas, he was not there.

The bobbies were in full force to direct traffic.

I and Gin helped him stop the traffic.

It felt like we were in a mile long parade.

This was the band that toured us through the town.

After the parade, I went back to have a meal on roast hog.

On the left side of the picture you can see part of the orchestra that played while we ate.

One more sleep, and the World Trial would begin!!!

Let's Backtrack

2011-10-28T09:23:00.000-07:00

Okay, we will once again go back in time and a review of the World Trial trip.

Before going to the trial, I was able to get Gin working some sheep in Yorkshire. Notice the sunshine - that was to be a distant memory in just a few days.

I was really confident in that Gin could handle any sheep that was to be given to her in couple of days.
After working Clarkson's sheep (the people I stayed with when I first arrived in England), Gin and I made our way to one more farm trial prior to our trip to Cumbria and the World Trial.

Brick walls everywhere - there is even a college to teach people how to put up brick walls.

Micheal Gallagher and Cap (2010 Supreme Champion) was at this trial along the coast as well, sharpening his already sharp skills.

This trial field was used by many of the World competitors that day. I learned a little Dutch that day.

We drove one last time to Yorkshire, counting the hours (okay, I counted the hours, Gin just slept) until the World Trial festivities.

The next chapter of this saga will be soon.

Memories Of My Past

2011-10-27T09:01:00.000-07:00

October is winding down quickly, and soon it will be Halloween. Halloween candy has become a staple of everyone's diet at the clinic. As I reminisce about my youth (yes dearies, my creaking bones and my old age spots remind me I am not young like I thought I was), I remember how Halloween was like. Halloween was a time in which we all dressed up the same - a costume covered by the snowsuit since it was so frigging cold out. Of course there was that one year in which a bed sheet with two holes were cut out and I went as a ghost -I remember that it would keep shifting around and the eyes would shift to the back. A lot of walking into walls that night, and it wasn't because I was trying to be a ghost, it was because I couldn't see a damn thing. I remember we usually had to sing at the neighbors to get our treats. Not sure why, maybe it was a Saskatchewan ritual. There was no Walmarts to get the 1.2 kg bag of candy - we made popcorn balls, and gave apples out. Now days, these would be thrown out because there might be needles or blades in them. "Vandalism" consisted of someone soaping windows on the night. Fair enough, it would be hard to soap windows these days because most soap is in a pump bottle. Maybe loofahs would help out.
I also remember that this time would be the time for fall fairs - it was a huge town affair. The young kids would send in short poems, and would be judge on their writing skills. I never won that - my writing was always messy - probably was the reason why I became a doctor. There were entries for cooking (yes, I baked a few cookies in my time), entries for art (I drew a lot when I a kid), and of course, the best laying chicken. I appreciate now what my mother had done - she was the one who brought everything to town - the artwork, the potato and carrots that looked like animals, the chickens that she would have had to chase down to load up for their visit to town. After school, we would go to the farm fair, and all of our projects would be in full view of the town. We would collect our ribbons, our chickens, and our winnings (two dollar bills back then) and brag to mom and dad about how well we did.
The good old days - doesn't matter how old a person is, we all have them. They are only as good as what your memory allows them to be.

Slowly Moving To Saskatchewan

2011-10-05T08:22:00.000-07:00

So our move to Saskatchewan has been slow - our cows have been there longer than I have. I think I have slept a total of a week there, my cats a week more, and Chris since June. The last trip I made down, I had brought my cats, and a trailer load of dog kennels and the ducks. I made the ducks at home with their new pen, and set up the dog kennels - finally they will have runs - hopefully one day there will be a building associated with them, but for the time being good old Saskatchewan straw dog houses will have to do.

I thought that with the move and the slow pace of Saskatchewan live, there would be less stories to tell - that is not going to be the case. I had gone to South Dakota to judge a couple of trials, and the flight was going to be a day after the trial was over. Changing the flight would mean costing more than the original flight, and it thankfully worked out that I could come back with Stormy Winters. He brought me to their house in Neville, Saskatchewan and after Chris and I had supper, we went home. I was welcomed by the mewing of one of my cats, who had decided she was small enough to crawl into a hole that was meant for a dryer duct. All that stuck out was her head, and she couldn't get any further. It was like a mini calving with the legs back. It took a little time, but I yanked on Potsy, pulling her front legs out of the hole at the same time with her head. I was about to pour some lubrication on her, but finally she popped out - the hole is now covered.

It hasn't taken long for the neighbours to discover there are new residents on the place. Day one the big bag of cat food was eaten, day two all the ducks except a few feathers were left. On the third day, they thought the duck feed was good as well. Yes, the bandits have arrived. I do believe my Jack Russells and I will go coon hunting soon - that will have to wait until I finally come back to reside at our new place, which should be in early November. Up to that time, there will be a trip to Paxton Valley for a dog trial, a trip to Wetaskawin to work (and actually for a well deserved rest). Hope the weather will stay good for moving - what the heck am I thinking - I will have a better chance winning the lottery than expecting November to be nice! However, October has been quite balmy. I guess time (which is quickly going by) will tell.

She's Back....Well, Almost

2011-09-29T17:42:00.000-07:00

Yes, she is back...the world traveller and her handler. It was almost not to be that case though. First of all, I spent a little time "sightseeing" on the country roads. Yup, I would wonder if I could find myself out of a paper bag sometimes. We dropped of the car, and after noting that it wasn't my fault that it rained in Britain, and that the car being a little dirty was not that big of a deal, Gin and I got to the airport. I went to check Gin in and then found out I had forgotten to phone the airline for a spot for her. This is the point where I got a little emotional....yes, I cried...I admit it...bawled like a baby. After the service lady told me, " It'll be all right love", things did get rosier. Things worked out, and Gin could get on the plane. They told me to let her have a walk first, and then come back about 1 hour prior to the flight back home. This I did, and after 20 minutes, Gin was through security and I made myself to the gate - I believe it was Z 1000. I looked at where it was to be, and it said "20 minute walk". Crap, seeing I was about 30 minutes from the plane taking off, I hoofed it to the end of the airport. I was one of the last ones on, but I got on. Good bye UK, it was a blast!! Hope to come again soon.
Nine hours later, and not really sleeping, the eagle landed. The plan was to get Calvin and drive to Saskatchewan for the clinic that was planned. Seven hours drive, it would be okay. By the time we set out to go, it was 7 pm (which was 2 am in my jet lag world). But the trip was not to be. I was supposed to bring the truck and trailer, but it was dead to the world. Even boosting it and trying to pull start it did not work. It was decided to cancel the clinic, and leave Calvin in Alberta, and the next day would be spent trying to fix the truck. To top it all off, there was no water in our house. When it rains it pours I guess. In the end, someone (no one is saying who though) left a light on in the truck, and only a little diesel left in the truck. Finally, I could get to Saskatchewan....the next morning. I packed up the dogs, the ducks, my cats, the large dog kennels and made it to Saskatchewan. The following day we set up the kennels (outdoor runs) and looked at the new pups (June the border collie had 6 pups), as well, I castrated a horse, and moved some sheep. After I had moved the sheep with the trailer, I had parked it by the large liner, and misjudged the turn and took out a light on the trailer. Oh well, no worse than when Chris the next day backed the truck into a power pole. Yes, 21 sections of open land, and he backs into a pole. Perhaps glasses are in order.
The next morning, Chris took me to the airport in Regina and I made my trip down to South Dakota for Jaimie Spring's trial. I have counted my trips this year, and by the time I get home, I will have been up in the air this year 11 times...maybe I should get a frequent flyer card or something. After Jaimie's trial, the crew will go to Laura Hick's for her trial on the reserve. Indian summer has hit, and it will be in the 90's this weekend. I do believe cold beer is in order. When I get back to Saskatchewan, Chris will take me, Gin, Creed, Floss and Syd to Chris Jobe's, and we will trek it to Holly Brunner in BC for her trial for the Thanksgiving weekend for her trial. No rest for the wicked....but I didn't think I was that wicked!!

The Hold My Lager Tour Comes To A Close

2011-09-22T12:27:00.000-07:00

So the trip to England was a success for some, not so for others. My success was that I was able to do the roundabouts eventually without other motorists flipping me the royal bird or honking at me. Gin did well in my mind, she did as she was told and she listened....to all whistles, even to the ones not blown by me. I still have no doubt that she could have done that double lift, so no worries, Gin won't be that old in three years (okay, she will be turning 11), and there should be another dog ready to run as well, so....World's look out! The Lager Tour will occur once again!!

So after the trial was over, and everyone took their prizes home (congrats to everyone who were in the finals and to the big weiners), I took Penny Caster, who was my designated groupie for the tour to the train, and then went to Yorkshire again to see a dog. Once again, no dog sale could be done, and then made may way that afternoon to Wales....yes, this little car I rented has not cooled down at all. I did travel all night long to get to Calvin Jones, since he was going to be placed on the plane the next day to get to Canada for a clinic. I rolled into Amanford about 7 am, and didn't meet up with Calvin until 10 am. The day was spent getting Calvin ready for his trip, tending to his dogs and horses, driving over the mountain several times, and ended the day eating with his family at an Indian restaurant. Then we went back to his place, and he packed up and then we set out to Gatwick to get him to the plane for his 9 am flight. Once again, an all nighter was done, and we got to the airport in time. I then turned around and drove to Devon to see the family I had stayed with 22 years ago for an agricultural exchange program. I got to the area by 1 o'clock, and then it took another couple of hours to find the farm again...things change I suppose, but what did help me is to find that pub I knew very well years ago and then the memories all came flooding back, and I found Hayne Farm and the Kittows. It was a very short trip, and should have banked a few more days with my English family, but quality time was spent. Calves were fed, cows were milked, a walk with the dogs were done, a trip to Wellington was done (to get a fit to fly certificate for Gin, and by God, they better ask for it), a horse was checked for a lump, the cows were brought from the field (with Gin's help), visiting with all the family and friends were done, and beer was drank....and this was done in a mere 36 hours. Off I and Gin will be to the airport by 7am for our 1 pm flight, hopefully I will find the right road to get onto the highway...if Canada doesn't see me and Gin by 3 pm tomorrow, we may be still in Devon trying to find our way out of the country lanes.

A Video Is Worth How Many Words?

2011-09-12T15:30:00.000-07:00

So they say a picture is worth a thousand words, here is a few videos of Yorkshire to fill 10.000 words. Sit back, enjoy, and keep your hat on!

The Lager Flows

2011-09-12T14:23:00.000-07:00

So this morning, Bobby and his granddaughter loaded a few lambs to go to market. A double decker bus for these girls.

With some persuasion, they got on.
Then the bottom crew got on.

I went to the auction mart in Skipton and was going to wait for the sale to start.

As I waited, I read the bulletin board.

Then this one caught my eye - a pup related to Jim Cropper's Sid!

Change of plans, I phoned the numbers. The first call got through to the wife, who thought I was a crank call, and she told me off and hung up on me. "Quit gibbering!" she told me. I called her back and convinced her I was no gibbering idiot. I talked to her husband, and told me there was an auction at Hawes, and that he wasn't available until the afternoon. I asked the tour guide (me), and the days events changed.

I took off to Hawes, which was about 1 1/2 hours away.

To get to Hawes, a drive over the Yorkshire Dales was in order.

There was a lot of wind and rain during the trip.

Higher up in elevation, the dales became evident.

The full force of the wind could be felt. I was expecting to see sheep blown across the road.

I did find these smart girls, hunkered down to protect themselves from the gales in the dales.

They weren't bothered by me at all.

This barn was miles away from any existing farms.

You could tell that it was still in use likely for lambing.

Finally, Hawes was found and I went directly to the auction mart. As I got out of the car, a wind blew my red CANADA hat off my head, and it blew under a truck and stock trailer...I waved the guy through, and, yes, it got run over. Perhaps I will call it my lucky hat, since it is now stained with sheep turds.

This was a two day sale for gimmer mules - those are this year cross bred ewe lambs for breeding this fall.

Everyone from miles around came for this sale. Some to buy, and some to kick tires. Prices averaged 115 pounds per ewe, one group went over 200 quid apiece. Apparently, the more speckles on their face, the better they are. I learned a lot from the locals.

After a bit, I phoned a man about a dog and went and saw it. Unfortunately, the pup had two blue eyes, and there was no deal to be made. He told me he was the breeder of Max who J. Cropper was running. I wish I had a picture of this man...he had a stunning 1 tooth in his head, but that did not take away from his gracious nature. I spent about an hour with him, talking dogs and sheep.

I went back to Hawes, and went to the Wensleydale Cheese Museum. The monks had made cheese in the medieval times.

The stone basin with the holes allowed the whey to drain away, and the water trough beside it was carved out of stone.

These stones were over 300 years old......

....and they were used to squeeze the cheese to get all the moisture out.

These were familiar to me, having grown up on a farm which milked cows.

Cream separators was something I remembered as well. I think I am too young to be in a museum!

After buying a load of cheese, perhaps I will find a friend with wine to devour it, I headed of to Thirsk, the place where James Herriot worked in the 1940's as a vet, and wrote All Creatures Great And Small. On my way there, a tree had blown across the road. I jumped out and helped the other motorists to break the branches away. The fellow on the right was obviously born in Great Britain.

On the way, Bolton Castle was passed.

I got to Thirsk, and made my way down town to James Herriot's Surgery.

Like all vets, this one too was not in. Missed by one half hour.

I guess he was out in more ways than one. Perhaps a trip back to Thirsk will be in order.

There was this lovely church in Thirsk...I, being a heathen, as I am told, did not attend.

My day ended with a lovely supper. Who would think a breast of chicken wrapped up in bacon would taste so good? Sounds like a Homer Simpson meal!

And for your viewing pleasure....some of the ride. Please fasten your seat belts!

Hold My Lager And Watch This

2011-09-11T14:54:00.000-07:00

So the tour begins! May want to read the previous blog to remember the excitement of teh first leg of travel. This was John, the 90 year old traveller. He had mentioned that he should have a cane, but he was too stubborn. If we can all live our lives to the fullest like he has, we will all be better people. Perhaps I should think about my liver so this can occur.

Our first stop was this place. All papers in the right order...not! Stupid vet (me), forgot the Rabies Vaccination Certificate. I persuaded with my bubbly personality that I would guarantee the papers to be faxed. I am still looking over my shoulder waiting for a bobby to arrest me.
Six hours later, Gin was out of the clink, and we were set for our first leg of our UK tour.

I took some quick driving lessons to maneuver about the turnabouts. The National Lampoon Vacation movie comes to mind.

We stopped out of Nottingham the first night, and after a brief rest, we got to Yorkshire. We moved off of the M1 to take some pictures of the landscape of Yorkshire.

Happy cows in the fields of Yorkshire. Need that milk for our teas!

Where the rural life meets the urban life-the two are quite entwined.

When we finally got to our destination - Bondcroft Farm in Embsay, North Yorkshire, I found out that if I had come the day prior, as I had planned, I could have gone to a farm trial. After I kicked myself in my backside, plans were made to go out for a bite. Mushy peas and all. Bobby and Christine Clarkson were actually the first people to introduce myself to dog trialing, after having bought Fly's father Mitch 16 years ago. Bobby is my inside information regarding the World Trial fields, in which he is helping with. If only I could understand him.

After a quick sleep, we got up and went just outside of the World Trial site to a farm trial. Five pounds was a small price to pay for the fun had. Meeting the local triallers was part of it as well, and some foreigners were there as well, including the Germans and the Finnish. And of course, the Canadians.

If you look in the middle there is half a wall present on the field. The dogs, if sent left, would sometimes get lost in the corner, and have to be redirected. If sent to the right, they may get lost behind the slight ledge that was present. I just hoped I would not make a fool of myself. Tom Longton was the judge of the day.

Here is a closer view of the field. Oh my, oh my, what is a Canadian to do?

Bobby was one of the first to run, after signing in. A mixture of Swaledale and Herdwick were the flavour of the day. Mint sauce was sought for the pen, which was difficult in the morning.

So after a few runs after Bobby, it was Gin and my turn at the post.

And we sent to the left, and she went by the wall, and with a whistle was on the correct side of the girls. Coming down the fetch was tricky, but Gin seemed to handle them not too bad. They actually walked up the fetch line.

We hit the fetch panels (or hurdles as they are called).

They turned around the post not too shabbily.

We hit the first panels (scraping the panels I might add) and had a decent crossdrive, but at the second drive panel, they had placed them in front of a water hazard. I missed them completely and brought them through again...chaching, chaching went the points.

Next was the drive to the pen.

The squirts squirted several times before they were finally penned...9 points off.

We got the single in the non-shedding ring, ten minutes of fun was had!

Marylou Campbell and Kathy Keats had come out to the trial as well. Marylou had a nervous pee prior to her run.

Perhaps I will think about this manouver, since Dyna had quite a nice run.

Unlike Gin, Dyna was working quite nicely during her heat cycle. Thank God Gin is done her cycle, it appears her brains have returned.

Katie Cropper and her dog Scrim was also there. Having never met her before, she is quite personable.

We didn't stay the whole day, the rain actually fell in sheets. I think about the clothes I have brought, and may have to find some more jumpers. No shorts for this trip that is for sure. At least I remembered my boots.

We got back to Bondcroft, and thought I should take some candid photos.

A view across the valley.

A look up to the farmsite.

The Gypsy pony.....

....and his mate.

Yes little dears, we will play with you in the next following days. Tomorrow to market, to market, to buy a fat pig (or sell a fat lamb)....home again, home again, jiggity jig (jam in this case).

They Do Everything On The Left Side

2011-09-10T04:05:00.000-07:00

Okay, here we are, the first full day in England...can't count when I landed, since that was a full day at the Animal Reception Centre getting Gin out! Before I left, I had a conversation with Nancy Obernier regarding the upcoming adventures on my trip. I commented that when it comes to me, something was bound to happen. I should keep my mouth shut. First of all, the trip to the airport was a cause to make an ulcer or two. Leanne Huber took me to the airport, but first we had to drop Gin off at cargo. In the last month since I was at the Calgary Airport, they have closed roads, so the 5 minute drive it should have been to cargo turned out to be 20 minutes (so much for being on time). Of course, there is rushhour traffic to contend with as well. Where is my Tums?? Okay, so we get to Air Canada Cargo, I jump out to tell them that we are there, Leanne gets Gin ready to come out, I go in...they tell me we are at the wrong place, I run out, I yell "Start the car!!", and we get to the right place. I mentioned to the person in charge how difficult it was to get to them now, and he said they were on an island. Much like Exile Island, but I didn't see any challenges they could do to get out. Probably a good thing, the fellow had a picture of a pink bra posted above his computer..maybe it was going to be part of the challenge (okay, it was in recognition of breast cancer - some people shave their heads, some wear pink bras...maybe I will get a bra next time). Gin was dropped off, required papers left, and we made it to the airport.
The flight was pretty much full, and I sat beside an interesting person from Oregon. John was his name, and he was 90 years old. He reminded me of my dad...well, only his age did. John still flies an airplane - yes, I did say FLY, (my dad will never go on a plane), he talked my ear off regarding his 5 wives (first one died of colon cancer, second one was in the military and liked her drink too much, third one died of cancer as well, fourth one he divorced, and the fifth one he just left in the hospital in Oregon with fluid removed from her lungs - she had said she better go on this particular trip). John said his family beat the Mayflower by 3 years, and he showed me pictures of his history...him being in the airforce, his children (one which is in Devon, England, and who developed that commercial with the duck for Alflac...who knew??), and his wives. He had only recently retired (at 85) from being an engineer for building big ships. Midway in the flight, he had tried to put his batteries in his hearing aid, and got one backwards, and it got stuck. I tried to help him, but he was insistent that he do it himself, since he felt if it got wrecked only he could be blamed. We asked for a sharp pointy object to remove the battery...the airline stewardess just laughed, they aren't even allowed to have nail files themselves. Finally, a lady in the next row gave him a bobby pin (watch this for the next thing to be removed by security), and he got the battery taken out and replaced correctly.
We landed, and I made sure John got to his rental car (I would think someone would help my dad if he was travelling on his own, which of course will NEVER happen, but just the same...)and then struck out on my own. I got to the rental car company (National) and in checking in, they asked me around to their computer to retrieve some information. As I was doing this, this large American lady said to me that she was going to check on the car she just rented. I noted that even though I was wearing a green Saskatchewan Roughriders shirt, I was not an employee for National Rental Car. You would have thought my red hat that said "Canada" would have tipped her off. I offered her a sign and finished getting my own car.
As I drove off of the lot, I got directions to the Animal Reception Centre to pick up Gin. Three minutes later I was back on the lot (should have made the second left). Finally, I found the centre, and then I waited for Gin. Everyone seemed to have got their dog except for me...with good reason. I was told there was something amiss with the paperwork. Now, I did the paperwork myself, read the websites several times and didn't miss a thing...so I thought. Apparently the rabies titre is not the only thing you need, but the actual vaccination certificate is needed as well. I told the powers at be that I was the vet that vaccinated her, and promised that I would get a faxed copy of the papers to them. So, 5 hours later, I had Gin taken out (she was really glad to see me) and we set out to Yorkshire, where we would be hanging out before the World Trial. Roundabouts...I have better figure them out soon. All I needed was to get on the M1 going to the north, but hit it going south (into London) and being rush hour, it took forever to get going the right way. When I finally found a place where I could turn onto the M1, I cut off another motorist, and got flipped the royal bird...left handed of course. Sorry chap.
We drove until I got tired (1 am in England, 4 pm in Canada...funny, my internal clock gets tired in the afternoon as well back home) and stopped outside of Nottingham. Would like to see Robin Hood's country, but I am bound and determined to get to Embsay (outside of Skipton, Yorkshire) today...should only take about 2 hours if I travel the right way.

Soldier Hollow - The End For Some With A Bang

2011-09-04T20:45:00.001-07:00

Well it was a great experience...certainly hope I can get invited again soon! The crowds of people, the atmosphere, the field...all fabulous. I was talked off of the ledge due to our poor showing, but that is the way it is. I recognize the error of my ways, and possibly by the time we are over the pond in the late week the ducks will be in a row when we run at the Worlds.
As it stands, I was pretty proud of Creed, he got to the top today without a lot of whistling. I lied him down (but actually I think he was taking a dump in the tall grass, and I didn't want the judge to know), then I slowly walked him up. Then BANG, the sheep exploded (they must have got bit by a wasp, couldn't have been Creed) and they came screaming down (or was that me). Straight lines, why can't we be artistic with our runs? We got the sheep turned at the pen, and Fast Edna made a break and leaped over the exhaust gate, and with that our run was done. Exhilarating! Short but sweet. Go big or go home. Guess I am going home.

Hold My Beer Tour..Chapter One

2011-09-04T04:01:00.000-07:00

Well it feels like more than two weeks ago that the Shaunavon trial was on. Host Jaimie VanRyn pulled off yet another great trial with the support of the community.

In Saskatchewan small towns, if you make it big, your name goes up in lights, or plywood.

Triallers were of all ages, Joey and Joy came out again to compete in the Novice.

Hannah brought "her" dog Gin and ran her as well. She had told me she had taught Gin not to listen...she has done quite a fine job at that.

A stand was available so that we could see out on the field.

The old standbys were there. George and Kate, and ran for the two days before he had to go pick up his expectant wife Claudia from the airport in Calgary.

George showed us how to do it right, and ended up winning the overall.

Louanne and Meg looking up the field.

Louanne's midget border collie, Joe.

The Peanut Gallery.

Towards the end of the trial, a mini tornado came up during Jaimie's run, and a tent chased Max as he was doing the drive.
Ian Zoerb helped my nephews and neice pick up the carnage.
Faansi, as well as judging the trial, was the official photographer of the trial. Do not hire him, he cuts heads off of photos.
This was all I got out of the trial, thanks to Jaimie and her thoughtfulness.
This is proof that Gin can shed, and after we left Shaunavon, we all packed up to head for the Maple Creek Classic. As memory serves me correctly, I was hopeful of good things to come.

Stay tuned for the next chapter of the Hold My Beer Tour Experience.

Okay, I Am Tired Of Humble Pie

2011-09-03T20:22:00.000-07:00

Let's see, Shaunavon, Maple Creek, the Canadians and now Soldier Hollow...all a bust for Gin and me. Sure makes one want to jump on a plane next week and compete in the Worlds that is for sure. Perhaps jumping out of the plane is more my my frame of mind. Possibly it is the pixie dust I have...expired last year at Virginia. I think a bunch of it got in Gin's ears today....Stop, what is stop? Come Bye? Never heard of that before. I am chalking it up to her being in heat...got to have some excuse. At least she did not cross over, have to look at something promising. Creed went out and found his sheep with some redirects from me, and he tried, so that is all I can ask from him. He does get another run tomorrow...but there is no horse shoe big enough in the world to help him get into the double lift. Good news is that there is complimentary beer for the handlers...high class! I understand why it is there...for those of us who want to drown our sorrows. Sorry Soldier Hollow, there is not enough beer in the world to drown these sorrows.

However, one shining lining in the clouds, the Canadians are really doing well. Scott Glen and Maid, Jenny Glen and Lad, Amanda Milliken and Rozz, and Denis Gellings and Jan are in the finals right now, with more good Canadian dogs to run tomorrow to hopefully get in. I will be there with my pompoms cheering them on. After all, that is what it is all about, cheering on those who do well, right?

Soldier Hollow - A Hollowing Experience

2011-09-02T20:51:00.000-07:00

Okay, so we (being Gin, Creed and I) got to Soldier Hollow with a small amount of problem - I do GPS the old fashioned way, that is, I read maps. I know, I know, get with the times...but sometimes I think reading maps is a lost art. Who would have thought Salt Lake City was large enough to have 5 lanes of traffic. No finger raising was done to me, no honking...so I guess it wasn't that bad. I wanted to stop at Bountiful and visit the Blackwell family, but there were too many in the directory.
I checked into the motel owned by Mac, and went out to find the field trial the next day. Holy smolies...challenging course. Apparently trees were removed for the fetch, cause there is nothing worse than sheep running up a pine tree...many points can be lost. I found out I was going to run Gin in 15th spot the next day, so I quickly found the practice field, and reminded her what a comeby outrun was, and what a stop was. Creed was put through the paces as well...what the heck, he may suprise me! I had lunch with the two ladies running the field and then went quickly back to the trial field to find my marker trees. Easy Smeasy, I know where the drive line is! A good night's sleep, and a handler's meeting and the first day was on it's way. Wilda and Grace came up on top early, and was getting excited for my run.
I sent Gin out, hoping of no excessively wide outrun, or crossover on her left side (has to be her in heat brain melting her neurons these days)and she went out without a hitch. She even stopped up on top when I whistled. Then I thought I would be fancy and whistle her around a bit, which she took. When am I going to learn to shut my mouth...I think she would have got them through the panels if I had left her alone. In any regards, the sheep were brought down, many points taken off and the drive started. Okay, pull the old britches and do something. Sheep were going fairly well to the first drive and then...bingo, the no hear zone hit, and panels were missed again. Okay, let's find that drive...wait, they are about 2 trees too high, bring them down....now they are too low, send them up. Oh for f---- sake, now I can't see the trees for the forest (or is that the sheep for the trees)! Oh, here they are, and....yup, miss those panels as well. Okay, the third leg of the drive should be easy....not. Where is that hole in the earth that you need to swallow you up sometimes. Shedding...let's just take the front two, the judge will figure that out. Run to the pen quickly....Ta Da...a little bobble, but they are penned. Yippee...a spectacular score of 58!!! No wonder drinking comes easy for me.
Heck, if trialing dogs were easy, everyone would do it. The night was ended with going into town with Scott, Jenny, Louanne, George and Claudia at the Cafe Pizzeria who was a major sponsor. I had my gluten free pizza and a beer (which is not gluten free) and will end the night itching myself to sleep. Tomorrow Creed runs 15th and Gin is 35th. Let the fun continue!

Hold My American Beer And Watch This

2011-08-31T11:49:00.000-07:00

I had planned the tour to the USA to start Monday after the Canadian Border Collie Association and Western Canadian Championships. After I had dropped off the blood samples at a Cranbrook veterinary clinic, I made my way down to the states....I was going to meander through a part of the states I had yet to explore. I crossed at a station where I was the lucky one to get stopped. I waited inside hoping they wouldn't find the vaccine that I had left over, or the needles. They waved me though, and I thought they probably looked at the state of Dora and thought they didn't have enough time to spare to rummage through it. I stopped at Eureka for a fill up, and then got a call from the vet clinic. "You need a Customs number to ship the blood over." Well, I knew I had done it before without any such number, and asked if they had ever sent blood to the States before. The answer was no, and a bunch of apologies and I got the feeling I wasn't going to get any help whatsoever. "I'll come back for the blood", was my response. So, 10 minutes after crossing the border, I was crossing the border again. "How long were you in the States?" "Ten minutes, I forgot something in Cranbrook." I don't think he heard me, since he asked if I had any major vehicle repair while I was in the States. I wanted to say "No, you idiot." but I thought better of it. In any case, I got back into Canada and back to Cranbrook to get the blood back, and then phoned the clinic in Wetaskawin and found the proper courier to use. I phoned them (FedEx), to find a drop off point, and answered the invisible lady on the other end of the phone. "Would you like to find a location close to where you are calling from?" Since it is a Calgary based phone, I was expecting the answer from Eunice(which I call all pretend prompt people on the end of business phones) to be somewhere in Calgary. "Cranbrook, British Columbia." was her answer. As I screamed into the phone since I was by that time 3 hours from Cranbrook, Eunice prompted, "That is not the correct answer, please try again." Oh, I tried again. "AAARRRRGGGGHHHHHH!!" Funny, I had the same response from Eunice again.

In the end, I found a drop off place in Calgary, and after the morning of cleaning out my Dora so the border patrol wouldn't have a second chance of finding contraband articles, I set out for the Soldier Hollow trip. I stopped at Naomi and Bill Shields to work the dogs after I had dropped off the blood in Calgary....during rush hour. What a misnomer. By the time I had worked on the quirks in the dogs, it was 8:30, and I set out for the south. I drove until I ran out of gas (me, not Dora). After a few hours of sleep, I started out again. Hopefully we will find another library that will have a computer, and the ongoing beer saga will continue.

Hold My Beer And Watch This Tour

2011-08-28T20:33:00.000-07:00

Okay, I have to put up a blog or people may think I have succumbed to the wild and woolly ways of sheep dog trialing. I am afraid I am too knackered to put all the photos up....be patient my pretties....they will be up soon. So use your imagination, and I will give you blow by blow account of the week of dog trialing.
Picture this.... Shaunovan, Saskatchewan.....flat field.....platform for one to look down the field...Stormy Winters on a platform....need I say more. Okay, nothing bad happened, but it had the potential of a catastrophe erupting. Jamie VanRyn hosted a great trial, and I had fun. I also discovered that Gin will try to crossover on my left side when I send her. No worries, I would fix her at the next trial heading west. I had a little more fun at the Maple Creek Sheepdog Classic...Chris's mom wasn't there so I could start my Hold My Beer And Watch This Tour. Faansi Basson was the judge for both of these trials...quick witted, but not as quick as I (quickest witt in the west). Now Maple Creek trial is a tough course, BIG hill and there is a cliff or two a dog may topple over. An afternoon get together with the Sommers, Gonnets (pronounced Gonay...who knew?), Jay (I forget his last name), Faansie and Ellmarie, Stormy Winters, Dale Montgomery and Wayne Roberts was done, and I crossed one more thing off my bucket list...chewing snuff. It was Wintergreen Mint.....very refreshing, and a great way to produce a cheap drunk! Ran the old hounds, and the young ones were not that bad...once in awhile. I thought I would send Gin on the left, and after asking Faansie to hold my beer, proceeded to watch my dog do the widest outrun I have ever seen her done. In spite of this, we tied for first and Norm Sommers and Lexie won the prize due to his outfield work.
Dale Montgomery was the overall winner with Zip (with Gin and I a close second) for the accumulated prize. Chris packed up his horses and his dogs, and I packed up my dogs (sidenote: we had left the terriers and some young border collies to be looked after by the neighbors teenage daughter while we were away...so we were travelling light) and headed of to Chris Jobe's for the night for some quick tuning up and visiting. Some quick training was done, and the rest of the night involved some light hearted conversation with Chris Jobe, Faansie and Ellmarie Basson...and a 24 pack of Alberta Draft Beer. The killer was the coffee and Baileys...well actually Baileys and coffee.
The next day we packed up, and we headed off to Cranbrook for the Canadian and Western Canadian Championships. I immediately obtained a visit to the policeman's ball in the form of a speeding ticket about 20 minutes into the trip. I and Chris trickled in about 5:30 and had supper with Ray (the owner of PineButte Ranch) and Hugh, his right hand man. The going was tough the first day, but managed to tie for 1oth position in the open with Gin. I sent her to the right and had a Oh My God Will You Not Run So Wide outrun, but cleaned up the rest of the run. All I had to do was to do another run and I would be able to play again. However, this was not to be the case. I ran her from my right, and she had another orbiting outrun, but this time I couldn't pull up my britches and keep the rest of the points. We missed getting in by 10 points. Hell, it may as well as been 100 points. That day was to prove to be a testing day, I had mucked up a run with Gin, had pulled Floss out of nursery due to a limping leg , and got bit by a dog . Would have sent a sane man over the edge. Nope, not me....I just drank the pain away.
I helped set out on top with Chris so he could run as well. When the days were done, we usually ended up going to bed late after talking to Faansi and Ellmarie about their lives in South Africa. I think Chris wants to go find himself a jackal now.
So the last day, the big wigs got to do the double lift...with the likes of Scott and Jenny Glen, Jean and Denis Gellings, Amanda Milliken, Bevery Lambert, Gayle Cochlan, Randy Dye, George (soon to be Daddy) Stambulic, Ian Zoerb and Lisa Wright. The big Weener of the day was Scott and his dog Don and Denis Gellings and Jan. Scott collected a few more awards (including from the night prior when Reba won the nursery), but Don got the biggest reward. Possibly in 64 more days there will be a litter of pups from Gin.
So with my swollen arm I conclude the Canadian portion of the Hold My Beer And Watch This Tour...keep watch for the American tour as a trip to Utah is in the near future to Soldier Hollow.

Why Is Trialing So Exhausting

2011-08-28T20:32:00.000-07:00

Could it be the early mornings? Perhaps the hours of driving to get to the trial. Nope, I know, it is the vast quantity of beverage consumed and a not so perfect liver needed to filter it. Wonder if I could find one on Kijiji.

My Sheepish Friends.

2011-08-18T06:23:00.000-07:00

So before I went on the worldwind of trips (Shaunovan Classic, Maple Creek Sheepdog classic, the Canadian and Western Canadian Championships, Soldier Hollow and the Worlds), there was a few jobs to do with the girls before we said our farewells.

The girls were packed into the barn, and then were given their Caseous Lymphadenitis vaccine. This is a disease that causes pussy lumps (there is no mewing involved for those who are unfamiliar with sheep).

Jenny the Donkey was none to happy about the arrangement. She really wanted to stay with her sheepish relatives.

The Watch Donkey watched as her sheep were dealt with.

Some people don't believe that a donkey can look after flocks - well, this year, we have not lost any lambs or sheep to the coyotes. Perhaps they don't like her singing and stay away. She sings in alto, alto loud and annoying to some.....but music to my ears!

Pinch Me...I Forgot Pincher Creek!!

2011-08-12T14:38:00.000-07:00

Let us step back in time, to the Friday following the Stampede in Calgary. I took the day off from work so once again I could play with the dogs and have some time with my niece and nephew. Shawn Wells phoned some people up and invited us down to Pincher Creek, Alberta for a trial. The first go round would be on sheep, and then the second go round (for the top 5) would go on cattle.

I packed up Joey and his dog Joy and Hanna and went on Thursday night and slept at a motel - a little holiday in the eyes of the little ones.

As you can see, the stands were full of spectators. Shawn and his dog Jeff were the first ones to go.

Bill Reid and his dog also went through the paces.

Shawna Burton brought her dog Kate.
Dale Montgomery also came out with his Spot and Ben. Once again he showed he is the master of the pen. God I wish someone would stop inviting him to trials.

Dale and Ben showed their prowess in doing the arena trial.

Joey and Joy did their thing. Dale, watch out. One day this fellow will knock you off your pedestal!

Hannah made sure she had her dog trialling stick with her.

Hanna and Joey then borrowed my camera and took some candid shots.

Creed had a watchful eye on the proceedings.

Joey did some close up work of Gin...who needs a professional photographer...Joey will work for Jube Jubes.

The early morning trial time proved to be wearing on some of the competitors.

After the sheep arena, then the 5 top dogs went forward. It was Dale and his two dogs Ben and Spot, Shawna Burton and Kate, and me and Creed and Gin.

For the cattle arena sudden death, the stands filled up three-fold. Gin moved the doggies well. There was some splitting up during the run, and all obstacles weren't done by Gin.

Shawna and Kate went through the paces.

Dale and Spot showed the rest of us how to do it. In the end Dale won both 1st and 2nd, Kate won 3rd and Gin and Creed rounded off the top. Of course, they only paid to 3 spots, but it was fun nonetheless. One day Dale.....one day.

On our way home, we spotted some tee pees. I thought there was a pow wow on the reserve, so the kids and I took an unauthorized travel down a road. We found a yard on the reserve with a porche and a new camper (hard Canadian taxpayers monies at work), but we never did find the road to the tee pees. Found a road to the casino however.

Knowing how well Hannah and Joey can do the hula hoop, I thought I could drop them off at the reserve to pick up some dancing tips....they didn't think it was a good idea.

We ended up stopping in Nanton, Alberta for the best ice cream ever (highly recommended). I dropped my two fares off at their home, and then I went up to Wetaskawin up to work that night. I believe there was a total of 6 hours driving that day.....singing to Sugarland most of the way...no money won...but memories made. Totally worth the trip.

Wild, Wet and Wooly Trialing!

2011-08-12T07:56:00.000-07:00

After the Bow Classic Trial, we packed up (most of the dogs went with Chris to Mankota) and headed for home. Hanna informed me that she will be going to the next dog trial, and Matthew said he would be coming as well to Shaunavon - either to help set again or just to watch (may be another trialer in the midst!) Warren Mick stayed overnight at our place in Beiseker (sorry Warren for not being the hostess with the mostest). I kind of left Warren to his own devices as I got ready for the trip out to Ontario. We were taken to the airport, and Warren helped me get all my paraphernalia to the checkout counter.

I got Gin and Creed on the plane (Creed's first flight), and collected them at the other end in Ottawa. As I was waiting, who do I run into (almost literally) is Ken and Erin Price, flying in from Dawson Creek. They were to get their rented wheels outside of the airport, so we (being frugal) packed up everything (4 crates, 3 people and all the luggage) into my rental Sierra (good choice) and I dropped them off to get their van. We were supposed to drive out together, but they got lost somewhere, and I got into Kingston about 2 hours later. I had supper with the Hale family - my family away from home. This has turned out to be our mini-family reunion every year - me sacking out at their place, and barely seeing each other since it is all about dog trialing!

Creed and Gin settled in well at the Hale residence. This is the picture of their well kept lawn in Napanee, Ontario. Early next day the trial started, and I there early like everyone else, walking the lines.

These flowers were right on line for the crossdrive. An easy crossdrive to get (not!)

As you can see, the field was full of the flowers, gone was the backstop from the field, so some of the sheep ran quickly back to the setout. Ken and Creed were one of the early runners that day. The young Micheal Gallagher was the judge for the first two days, asking for a shed, pen and single. I ran later with my Creed (no I did not steal the name from Ken) in the afternoon. For being his 2nd open trial, he did pretty good - got a score, not letters!! For not getting a pen and single, I thought a 51 was not too bad.

The next day, I brought out Laura Hale and found this wild bird in the trial field.

Christine Koval christened the bird Isabella that night - after Carol Guy got personal and sexed the bird. No, it wasn't R rated activity.
Later that day, I sat with my class and watched the trial from the sidelines.

Creed was very stressed about the entire thing.

Creed ran pretty good both times, getting a score in the 50's, completing his sheds, but not getting the pens. I think I will bring him back again. Micheal's father Aiden judged the next two days, only wanting a shed and a pen out of the dogs.

I ran Gin (no pictures of that run), and got a 58 the first go round. It remained to be seen what would get into the double lift, and I predicted it to be about 144. A stellar run would have to be done to get into Sunday's festivities.

So that Friday night, I stayed over to watch the movie "Babe" which was going to be shown at dusk outside. Funny, I never did see the movie. There was a large dinner party held outside Viki Kidd's camper, there was a goose involved, a lady (tongue in cheek) named Linda Tesdahl (oh, my burning ears) and a lot of Sangria, and a lot of me telling them to turn down the movie. Robin French had the pleasure of me sleeping on her couch. My allergies acted up (please God, please tell me I am not allergic to Sangria) during the night, and I was up during the middle of the night, scratching away. Robin thought I was one of the dogs, and she whistled to keep them quiet. I thought she was running dogs in her sleep.

The next day was one of the biggest days for spectators (about 2200 people came on Saturday). A horse and wagon was used to bring the spectators from their cars to the action on the field. The action on the field was almost stopped due to nobody telling this driver not to drive on the trial field!

As Saturday progressed, the crowds got bigger, taking in all the action involved.

I ran towards the end of the day, knowing I had to have a 90 plus score to get into the double lift. I set up Gin on the left side, she saw the sheep, and I let her go........and she proceeded to try to crossover 7 feet in front of me (cha-ching, cha-ching goes the points). A quick flank and she went on the correct side.
By that time of the day, the girls were all fed up with the dogs, I don't think Gin helped any on the top, they came down fast, and missed the fetched panels. Maybe the judge wouldn't notice - I think he wore glasses.

The girls ran like they were in the Preakness. The crossdrive was quickly done and they ended up in the bush.

Aiden came down and told me to get my sorry excuse for a dog off the field (the bush was out of bounds). I wonder if I had hugged the post whether I could have stayed longer....I was having soooo much fun with that run!

That night, all runs completed, the famous handlers supper was done. This year's entertainment brought class in the form of opera singers.

I am not sure what they were singing about, but they sure had a set of lungs...approximately a C cup I believe.

And for some class in this blog....enjoy this musical interlude.

So the supper was done, and most people went home to lay there little heads on their pillows. Some of us remained and had a wee little party into the wee little hours. Aiden talked about his 17 hand horse at home, and we found this 17 hand steed in the back (17 hands in term of leprechaun measurements). I had planned to go home to Napanee, but someone had spiked the wine and I was in no shape to drive, however, I was in great party shape. I apologize to all if I said anything out of line...but then, suck it up princesses, if you can't party it up then go home to your mommas!! I am in training for the World Trial you know!!

Amanda started off the Double Lift the next day, and led most of the day with Rozz and a score of 144.

The judges were introduced to the crowd.

The City of Kingston gave the Gallaghers jackets for the occasion.

Besides watching the trial, there were the other sights to see as well, including the Birds of Prey. The police was in full force to keep the crowds in line.

The police dogs were out as well. Bite him George!

And the drug sniffing dog found the marijuana...medical grade of course.
I, being not in the double lift, helped out setting. There was a set that had a lame ewe, and a 20 point shed later, the ewe was replaced and a new one placed in its spot.

Jeanine Van der Mere and Jade (aka Jake) in the shedding ring - the dark horse!!

There wasn't any room on the walls of Amanda's house for pictures anyways!

My hero...still looking for an autograph Jeanine! Come on, throw me a bone...anything!

Well, 2011 Kingston Sheepdog Trial put in the history books again. Another fine time had by all. WestJet, look out, booking again for next year!

Now it is a short work period, my next few days will be vet related, then the next trial will be in Shaunavon and Maple Creek, Saskatchewan (the homeland), and then the Canadian/Western Canadian Championships in Cranbrook. Old Dora the Explorer, you had better be ready!!

Wild And Wooly Trialing!

2011-08-11T08:01:00.001-07:00

Finally the blog for The Bow River Classic! I had worked like I was in a sweatshop for the past few months so I could have my down time with the dogs. So I left work, and then the next day, I packed up the dogs (9 border collies, and 7 jack russells) and my niece Hannah and her brothers Mathew and Joey in Dora the Explorer. I really wished I took a picture of our circus - I told Mathew it was like a big puzzle - to get all the dogs in and the kids and the kennels packed in, since Chris was going to take the dogs back to Mankota so I could do my next leg of my travels from Bassano.

We got to Bassano and found Ian and JoAnn Zoerb, Warren Mick (the judge) and Leeanne Huber at the local watering hole having supper. I and the kids were quickly asked to leave the premises - even when I noted the kids were just midgets - nonetheless children and liquor are not allowed in the same vicinity.

We got settled in our hotel room, and the mornings started early.

The dogs liked stretching their legs in the large lot that was outside the hotel.

The first day of trialing went off well, not sure where my camera was, but no pictures of that day. We (Chris and I) ended up putting the kids to bed that night-leaving their older brother in charge, and then having a nightcap with Stormy and his wife Pat, Jerry (the chef) and his better half Billie, Leanne (the super scribe) and Grant Armstrong - the owner of the trial field. Jack Daniels was also in attendance for the evening.

The next morning, Grant Armstrong flew in with Warren Mick to the trial field.

He then took Mathew and flew him to the set out pen where Mathew spent all weekend working the sheep.

Grant took him for a quick tour before he landed at the set out.

Chris made sure the first set was on the field by 7 am - taking his job very seriously. The horses we brought were broke to another thing - planes.

Partying was too much for some.

Chris and I did most of the setting, Mathew worked the pens. Thad Buckler, Peter Gonnet and Louanne Twa did a little cowboying as well during the weekend.

Joey took some of the pictures - I had run Creed (in his first open trial) and Floss during the weekend. Surprisingly, Creed did not too badly -completing the sheds I asked of him. Cripes, I may have another open dog in the making after all!

I even got to the pen with Floss - finishing 3rd in the nursery! Will wonders never cease.

No crossing over for Floss this weekend - she wouldn't dare!

Joey and Joy did their trialing as well - and got some competition from Hannah and Gin (who she says is her dog now).

Joey showed the rest of the handlers how a proper drive should be.

The team came very close in penning the old goats.

It was a scorching hot weekend, but visiting was still done. Jerry and Billie made a spectacular meal for us on Friday night -but we are still waiting for the corn.

I helped with the set out with Chris as well. No double lift for me and Gin, so it was an opportunity to bring the young dogs out to work off a horse.

The view from up top. Joanne and Mik working (at least I think that was Mik).

Milton and Bud helped to take the collars off the sheep - out of the 14 double lift dogs - I think there was only 1 that didn't complete the shed - says a lot for the western handlers!!

Scott and Maid won first, and his Don came in second.

Ian and JoAnn were the best hosts, and Warren did a great job judging.

The highlight for Joey was getting to ride with Grant in his plane (next to winning his cap for Junior Handler of course).

Then I got to ride in the plane (a winning raffle ticket!!) What a way to end the weekend!!

Grant Armstrong the pilot.

He took me for a tour over the countryside.

I am not sure how much he had drank - lots of times the plane wasn't level.

I asked where the barf bags were, but there were none to be had!

We flew over the Bassano Dam and searched for floaters - none were to be seen. A few fishermen unfortunately seem to end down stream every year.

One would have never known the scenery. Good way to check the cows.

Start of the badlands.

And the first time in this blogs history - video!! You have my blessing to live vicariously though me!!

Calling Jenny Craig

2011-07-23T17:17:00.001-07:00

So back in April, I decided I should downsize some of my terriers. Tessa went to a home in Edmonton. The lady (I use that term loosely) never paid, first it was she lost her job, then her boyfriend and her were moving to a new place and couldn't take her. Then she could take her, but she needed time to pay. I, being very understanding, said she could pay in installments. My patience wore very thin when she emailed from Utah on a holiday. How could she pay for a holiday if she couldn't pay for a dog. Long story short, I got her back....but I am very disappointed.

Tessa jumped out of the car, remembering me, but I can barely recognize her.

I told her she was like a 450 pound man - morbidly obese. Everyone knows the shape of my terriers, and fat is not in their vocabulary or on their body. I told her I fed her 1 cup once a day, she fed her twice a day. Tessa will NOT say no to food.
Guess it is a weight loss program now. When you see me at the next trial, she will be the terrier bringing up the rear. Or the one stuck in a hole, and I do mean literally.

As The Wool Turns

2011-07-22T19:38:00.000-07:00

Well it has been a couple of weeks now, but it almost seems like yesterday that we were at the Stampede for the World Stockdog Championship.

The woolly girls were all ready to give the handlers the run of their lives.
This was Creed's first year in the competition, and thought I would throw him in. If truth be told, the position would have been for Fly, but I don't think you are allowed to bring a megaphone in the competition so your deaf dog can hear.

Gin was one of the first ones to run, and one of the first pens.

The time was 2:28, good enough for 6th on that first run. Competition was stiff.

There were the likes of Randy Dye and Tuck (which happens to be Creed's half brother). Tuck thought he was still in the setout mode - thinking he had to grab them to make them move.

Jimmy Walker was down with his two dogs, Angie and Mitch. As an aside, both of Jimmy's dogs were in the Triple Crown Event - taking in arena trials and the Wild Rose Classic field trial. Jimmy, like myself, believe that these dogs can do it all and be competitive in all. Jimmy proved it last year when his Mitch won the Triple Crown and $1500. It was to be seen who would be the 2011 winner.

Most of the pictures taken during the Stampede was done by 8 year old nephew Joey, who took this picture of Kristi Oikawa and Rex. He may have a career in the making.

My twin sister Holly was down as well.

Chris was able to remove himself from the ponderosa down in Mankota and run Jill and June. He had a pretty fair first run with Jill, but forgot to take his valium for his second run.Then there was the Ewe Box. Christine Jobe (my new best friend), found us a cozy spot, with refreshments to watch the evening's performance. Then there was the performance in the Ewe Box itself.

I've got friends in low places, and even in the bathrooms.

The night is sort of a blur, I think there was something bad in the refreshments we had available.

There is many pictures to prove that it must have been a good time.

I do remember my designated driver (Joey) drank my coke and rye by mistake(?). We gave him a stiff coffee after and he was able to drive Chris and myself home.

We did see other things besides the dog trial - cattle penning, heavy horse hitch, men flying through the air by a big cannon, and this chick with the worst sense of fashion ever. Some may remember her - it appeared she had sat in a vat of bleach, and ate the backside of her pants out and only thing showing were her bright pink panties. (Sorry boys, I didn't take a picture of that sight!)

When the two runs were done, the lucky people and their dogs going forward included Louanne Twa with Meg and Isla, Dale Montgomery with Ben and Zip, Valerie Kerik and Win, Diana Gauthier and Skor and Kip, Dave Claypool and Glen, Chris Jobe and Fly, Jimmy Walker and Mitch, Lee Lumb and Chica, Lisa Wright and Hope, Milton Scott and Bud and myself and Gin.

One of the happy winners that night was Jill Brodie - winning the Sponsors Choice trailer.

Now we will see a yellow truck pulling this baby around!

This year they made us do a grand entrance - all that was missing was the smoke!

Smithbilt hats were the sponsors this year - all of us receiving new hats (now I have two new hats!)

Milton Scott should have the award for most times getting into the finals....I think he is happy he got a new hat and not a new jacket.

Louanne seemed to be calm-or perhaps she was praying to the sheep gods.

The sheep were wily, and difficult to pen.

Many of us had good times to the pen, and may have won it if we could have got the darn things in!

Denae Frew and Bram did their best, as did the rest of us.

Diana Gauthier was one of the first to pen, and be on the leader board.

When the dust settled, Dave Claypool and Glen was Reserve....

......and Dale Montgomery and Ben was the Champion.

The other winner that night was Gin for the Triple Crown Event (and Creed won the Nursery portion of the Triple Crown) - it came down to the wire between Jimmy Walker's Mitch and Gin. Another successful year was accomplished...running dogs, running around and running up a tab. The Calgary Stampede has become our mini holiday every year, meeting old friends and having a great time.

Can't wait until next year!!!

Prelude to As The Wool Turns

2011-07-19T13:39:00.001-07:00

Soon the shenanigans from the greatest outdoor show on earth (or rather the greatest fun had in the ewe box) will be here. However, before that reporting is done, I must do ramblings from the vet world. I have been working in a small clinic the past few days as the owner went on a well deserved holiday. We as vets wait for that one case that we know will come every year. Mydriasis. Yes, sounds like a foreign disease doesn't it? Only thing foreign about it was the client who owned the patient. Maggots, yes, maggots. Little rice particles moving as fast as they can to the depths of dead tissue (anyone for Chinese food tonight?) A clip job done, and a little salt poured on the 16 year old dog, and he felt as good as new....gone is that tingling sensation.
Being a general practitioner, you see and do many things. Yesterday was a retained placenta in a mare (always a favorite - love those foals), a few spays, a few vaccinations, cows with sore eyes, horses that have wounds, cats that have hairballs...these are a few of my favorite things (you can break into song at anytime now).
Sometimes it isn't always glory...this morning was a sad morning...two (different owners) old horses had to be put down. The old grey mare, she ain't what she used to be. The owner surprised me, being very matter of fact about things. She said that was one of the better euthanasias done (which leads one to ask, what is an unsatisfactory outcome..the animal living?) However, the other euthanasia was much more emotional for all involved. Fred was over 30 years old, and his joints just couldn't do it any longer. His pasture mate - a 27 year- old Thoroughbred, couldn't understand why her friend was being led away, frantically calling him and racing up and down the fence line as several other horses munched on their hay. Fred passed away peacefully, and we let his surviving friend into the pasture. I truly believe animals have feelings, and it was proven this morning as that old gal came up and sniffed Fred, and then stood by his side quietly, ignoring the lush grass all around. And the humans cried.

These Boots Were Made For Walking....

2011-07-17T17:17:00.000-07:00

...at the Wildrose Classic. This was a first trial hosted by Don Grant and his family, and it was going to be the one in history for the muddiest. It started with a great bang after a hail storm on the night prior to the trial - of which I was not in attendance...thank God. But, the storm allowed us all to show off our fashionable footwear.

The ever popular Muckboots were everywhere.

They come in all colors as well. In this family, it helps prevent people from mixing up each others boots.
For those people wanting hide from the others, they brought out their camo-boots.

Of course, there were the old standbys...I remember when I was 6 my first pair of boots were this kind. Shiny black and red ones.

They now come in different colors now, tan...

.....and green soles.

The red ones outnumbered the rest.

Then there were the ones that were quite more fashionable. Reminds me of That 70's Show. I feel like a brownie.Expect a cover spread in next month's Vogue...or perhaps Working Border Collie.

I promise I will shave my legs for the photo shoot Bruce Fogt.

Being the first trial in Alberta this year, it was time to reminisce with old friends.

The sun did come out momentarily throughout the weekend.

Being the social butterfly I am, it was hard to spread my time evenly between all friends.

The ghost ewe showed her presence fleetingly during the trial. Perhaps she will be found next year.

When it got too cold outside, Jaimie VanRyn and I kept warm, and hydrated in the warmth of Dora (the Explorer).

I ensured that my drink was the healthiest possible. The nectar of the fruit flowed freely.

Jaimie and I rocked to the tunes of Sugarland. I also showed her my prowess in drumming. A skill I never knew I had.

Of course, we couldn't go home that night (due to the mud of course, please tell that to my mother). Chris Jobe graciously put us up in her trailer. Chris got up 5 am to graze the sheep, and at 5:10 I heard her trying to get her truck out...the purr of the diesel led me back to sleep. At 5:55 I awoke the the sound of the diesel again, albeit a lot quieter. I thought to myself, "Did Chris get stuck again?" Then I realized that growling of the motor was actually Sleeping Beauty (aka Jamie VanRyn) in the bed beside me.

The next day was a warmer day. Fly did her runs from the sidelines.

Many of us went up and helped set out. By the second day all glitches were worked out, and the sets were brought out quickly.

Don and Randy discussed how well the trial was going, and how much fun it will be to do the next year.

Looking west from the setout, I am sure Don was not looking forward in pulling everyone out of the field.

I ran Floss, Creed and Gin on the weekend. Floss did not do spectacular - forgetting her flanks, cutting her flanks, and not doing her flanks. Back to the drawing board with her. Creed did quite well. Of course I can say this, since I did not get any pictures of him.

Gin did her best, and got 3rd overall (behind this Scott Glen fellow and his dogs). However, Gin did beat Don (yes, whipped his sorry ass) on the second day. (Sorry Scott, I get to say this so rarely, I have to announce it to the world. I will expect an ass whipping at the next trial. The ass of course being me!)

After the trial we all packed up, I packed up my new dog (well really it is old...his name is Dan, and in a year's time he will be the spitting image of Gin...and with his attitude I also will be spitting up blood from the ulcer he will cause me.)

Don Grant had to pull each and everyone of us out. We didn't get home until 12 am....time enough for a quick 4 hour sleep so we could pack up again to head to Calgary to the Stampede.

Red Bull, the reason trial people are in the vertical position. I may sell them next year the first morning of Stampede. I could make a killing.

Stay tuned for the ongoing saga of .....As The Wool Turns.

I'm Just Saying...

2011-07-12T10:28:00.000-07:00

...I feel like a semi has driven me over. Over the past years, we had held a few trials before Stampede, and was worn out from the early morning drives, late night finishes, and the socializing required for the events. I would have thought it would have been better this year - since we weren't hosting anything, we would be well rested right? Wrong!!! I have come to the realization that it is likely the socialization which is the culprit. Jaimie VanRyn, I blame you for the headache I got the next day at the Wildrose Classic. I do believe the wine that was drunk had turned into vinegar. No, wait...the wine was consumed in the Ewe box in the Saddledome. Chris Jobe - I will never trust you again. My mother will be very disappointed in the road you have made me follow. Shame on you!! On second thought, I will blame Les the bartender at Stampede. You all better sit down and relax as I recall the escapades over the last few days. I had asked a bartender at the Saddledome for a drink, he came around the bar and asked, "What can I get for you Sir?" Now, I did cut my hair, but I do still wear a size C bra! Maybe his real name was Leslie - (s)he had earrings on. After he had apologized, Chris (husband, not Jobe) and Jaimie VanRyn watched the end of the cattlepenning. Then Andy, the security guard (which I was very leery of, he had beady eyes - or at least that was the way they looked through my eyes) informed us that the area was going to be closed. Not wanting to go empty handed, I asked Chris to get me my final (at least I thought that at the time) drink. He came back and told me dear old Les said the bar was closed. I jumped up (rye allows me to do amazing feats) and asked Les if this was true. I said he had hurt my feelings by calling me Sir and he should apologize accordingly. I was about to walk away and he whispered for me to come back - he made a special rye and coke for me on the house. Les is now my favorite bartender...I will look him up next year for sure.
By this time, Security Andy said the area was closed and they would have to escort us out. I quickly drank my drink, and we were whisked away to the elevator...and I was concerned. The elevator said capacity was 10, but I was sure I saw 12 people...but then again, I had been drinking for quite some time at that point. We got settled in the bleachers to watch the rest of the dogs run, and then Chris Jobe came to me, Chris, Jaimie and Pat Winters, asking us if we trusted her. Of course we did! We then ended up in a private box to watch the dog trial from...all supplied with wine....and a private bathroom!!! We called it the Ewe Box, and soon we were filled with a few more old ewes over the course of the evening, a few more sire rams were added as well. We decided Randy Dye would be the ram for the yearling ewes, and Chris (husband) would be the herd sire due to his thick neck.
A few glasses of bubbly was done, a few trips to the special bathroom was done, and I was almost done. Joey my nephew came back from riding the rides with Towles grandson and watched the rest of the trial from the comforts of the Ewe Box. By the end of the evening, we had found quite a number of friends in low places, and the whiskey (well really wine) flowed and the beer chased my blues away....and that was okay!
After the trial was done, we were about to back to the barns, but a sudden downpour erupted. What was one to do? Take solice in the comforts of another rye and coke. The final order was done...a beer for Chris, a rye and Coke for me and a Coke for Joey. By the end of my rye and coke, I was wondering why it had tasted so weak. I then asked Joey if his Coke had another flavor in it.
It did, and it wasn't vanilla ice cream.
There went our designated driver.
I am now his favorite aunt.
I'm just saying....I had alot of fun this weekend!
After I have a good restful sleep this night, I promise I will have some pictures to show. Quite likely there will be ones that bribes can be sought.

Canada Day Weekend

2011-07-03T10:12:00.000-07:00

The Canada Day weekend started with the parade in Trochu. Joey, Hannah and I made it just in time to see the town mayor in his official suit.

We watched the parade, and Joey collected the proceedings of the parade.

The parade marshalls were in attendance.

The load of candy was worth it. The weekend was well on its start to be a blast!

The 2nd Annual Trochu Dog Trial was done in a skating rink on mats - next year promises to be in a dirt arena. There was slipping and sliding, and checks against the boards. Penalties were given out, and time behind the penalty box was done. I didn't get any pictures of the trial - I helped to announce. Joey had a bad set of sheep and Joy couldn't move them. My Creed had the only pen which allowed him to win first for the Open. The top 6 went ahead, and Corey and one of his many dogs (can't remember if it was Ben, Callie or Jill) won first, and I won 2nd with Gin. Creed decided to grip - so there you go. Jimmy Walker with his dogs Mitch and Angie won third and fourth.

After the trial, the kids and I quickly did the fair portion and then went home.

So being Canada Day, the kids and I waited until dusk to take in some fireworks. We drove into town with Joey and Hannah's sister Ashley and her boyfriend Jason to take in some lights. As we were driving to Irricana, we saw some fireworks in the distance - so we sped up so we wouldn't miss the show. We drove around Irricana about 10 minutes (not a big town), and decided we had missed everything. As we jumped out of the truck, Jason heard the booms of the fireworks - we ran out to the road to catch the lights - albeit 4 miles from town.

OOOHHHH!

AAAAHHHHHH!!!!

Then when Irricana was done their show, we looked over our left shoulder to take in Strathmore's lights (20 minutes away).

Happy Birthday Canada!!!!

After a fast sleepover, the kids and I went to Olds to the Old Dogs and Ewe Tricks trial. Yes, the ewes had many tricks up their fleeces, and penning wasn't to be one of them.

There was good dog work nonetheless. Jimmy Walker's Mitch (who at this moment is leading the Triple Crown event), moved the old cronies without biting. Mitch is, by the way, 2011 USBCHA National Cowdog Champion. I am sure, the dog thought he didn't have to travel all the way from Texas to get attitude from the Mountainview Colony sheep! Joey and Joy was in the novice class. They did well the first round and got right to the pen. They did their best, but a pen was not to be.

It definitely was not without the lack of trying.

Hannah then asked me if she paid me $5, could she take my dog and run. What could I do? We paid our entry fees, and Hannah and Gin (with me in tow) did her first dog run. The first run we almost got the sheep in, and after that, Hannah was hooked. Another five dollars was promised, and we went in again. During that run, Hannah spotted the big bouncy house, and asked if we could go into that after. I said we were in a middle of a run, and we should finish. Yup, no stage fright there.

Gin did well in the first round - up to the pen - where she had a ewe go after her. What could she do but to bite the old goat!

In the second round we had a blistering pace, but still could not pen. This better change by Stampede time!

Creed did pretty well, got to the pen the first go round.

But the second go round he did not fare as well - he lost his marbles so to speak - couldn't remember his flanks. This is much like his half sister Flossy - who totally flipped me the bird. And for that, she gets no pictures - maybe one on the for sale page perhaps.

The finalists to go forward to win the big one in Olds included George Walker and Lass, Corey Perry and the trio (Ben, Callie and Jill), Jimmy Walker and Mitch and Jill Brodie and Ryder.

George was the first one to go, and the first one to pen in the finals.
Corey and the others did his best to follow George's example.

In the end, it was Lassie, the Kelpie, to beat everyone. Kelpie prices are now going to be at an all time high.

After the dog trial, the rest of the day continued on - there was a heavy horse show. The teams and their wagons all shone.

Many hours go into to spiff these rigs up.

The finale was the pony chuckwagons. The thundering hooves of 36" and less powerful steeds.

Midget drivers are being sought.

And the winner, by a (little) nose!

After the day was over, the kids and I got back home, with a quick trip to Dairy Queen. There were a couple of snores on the way back to the farm. Dog chores had to be done, and Hanna was in there like a dirty shirt (of which she now had).

The best part of the weekend?

Was the the parade?

Was it the dog trials?

Was it the races?

I would have to say it was on the way home, when Hanna said, "Auntie, ...I love you."

Bless her heart!!

The Perfect Unit

2011-06-27T19:33:00.000-07:00

Now, this title could fit many potential units - dollars, cents, beer cans. But this has to do with men's......truck and trailers. There seems to be a movement among the dog trialers - turning in their recreational trailers for the three horse kind. A stock trailer would be able to put up with the abuse of the trialer - many thousands of highway miles, driving over many hundreds of miles of pastures, and many get togethers (and depending on who you are, that may be hundreds a year, or only twice a year - and that is when the better half comes in to either winterize it or get it ready for the season).

For those still looking for the perfect unit - here it is - the Redneck Trailer!

Guaranteed you will never get stuck in any mud and the ditches will be like little mole hills. You just might find it hard to park under a tree.

Planning For The Worlds

2011-06-26T20:28:00.000-07:00

Days are flying by, and September will be here before we know it. The World Trial! I tell this to Gin daily, but she doesn't seemed too bothered by it. Along with myself going, Jennifer L'Arrivee, Kathy Keats and Mary Lou Campbell will be driving on the wrong side of the road as well. It is a shame there wasn't one more person going to allow Canada to have a team, but it wasn't meant to be. Nonetheless, we will act like a full team. Before the competition starts in Cumbria, there will be a parade, and nations are to be dressed in their national outfits. Pray tell, what is Canada's national outfit? Perhaps the Royal Canadian Mounted Police - but my hips are too big already and those pants would just not do. Maybe the McKenzie Brothers - nope - there are four of us, and I don't like sharing beer, even if it is Canadian and not Budweiser . Maybe we can pretend we just got off a boat and we are looking for refugee status - how Canadian is that? I know, we are multicultural, perhaps we could dress up as Mr. Dressup, Red Green, The Friendly Giant and the Canadian Tire Scrooge guy and throw Canadian Tire money at the crowd!

What do you think of that , eh?

The Battle Fought

2011-06-25T18:57:00.000-07:00

After a short battle with cancer, Keith Williamson passed away on June 25, 2011. He was a dedicated soul in the background of the World Stockdog Championship during the Calgary Stampede. He took pride in making sure the sheep for the competitors were fair, visiting the flock weeks before the trial itself, and sorting them out. He was out there early every morning, making sure the sheep were looked after. Keith was the type of man who would help at any trial, delivering his pen, pushing sheep out, whatever had to be done. Keith would come out occasionally to dog trials and compete, and often he would just come out to watch and to visit. Keith was the first recipient of the Volunteer of the Year Award from the Alberta Stock Dog Association. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife Liz and family. You will never be forgotten Keith.

What Were The Sisters Thinking??

2011-06-24T17:19:00.001-07:00

So there is a house of Roman Catholic nuns that come to the vet clinic with their animals, mostly cats. We call all of our clients, reminding of their upcoming yearly vaccinations, and this one particular cat from the house of the lord was needing their vaccine. The call was answered, "Hello, the is the vet clinic calling, just to remind you that your cat needs vaccinations." "Which cat is it that needs vaccination?" was the reply. With hesitation, the poor tech stated, "Oh, it looks as if Rabbi needs to be done." A concerned nun on the other side of the phone commented, "Oh, no, no, no, it is pronounced Robee!"

Hope they didn't mind the Star of David for a tattoo. (Okay, just kidding - I now feel the heat of a strike of lightening)

And they say work can't be enjoyable.

Tiger Woods, Eat Your Heart Out!

2011-06-22T12:09:00.000-07:00

Well, after a hiatus, I went golfing with Shawna and Erin from work last night - ladies night!!. It is a good reason to go and have a good walk, do some bush whacking, and get close with nature - you know, riverbanks, streams and tall bush. Being about the 4th time ever golfing, and having found Mr. Daly's golf clubs, I am proud to say, some of the holes were less than 2 times par. So my handicap, I believe, is myself and my sore shoulder this morning. I unfortunately lost all my pink balls that I had won previously (maybe they will repackage them and give them as a draw prize next week). Only once did I have to yell "Fore (God's sake, get out of the way)" to Shawna - she was Tiger Woodsing it on the green and lying down for a perfect putt, about 8 feet away. I, being farther away from the hole, tried to make the hole....Shawna had to move quickly, or she would have lost an eye. You know what they say, it isn't fun until someone loses an eye!!

After a nightcap, and after we won our prizes (me a free round, and Shawna the longest putt award - poor Erin only won the empty Barcardi bottles-better luck next time!), I found the perfect driver cover for any dog trialer.......

...the ewe cover, for those with Baaaad rounds. All I need is to find a border collie head, and I will be decked out. I guess I will have to get a season's pass for Mankota Golf Course. A few gopher holes and some surveyor's markers, and a golf course it will be!!