Well, the final day of the Slash J Trial is over, and am contemplating on slashing my wrists. Actually, for the toughness of the sheep, and the big course, I cannot complain about my dogs. I will complain about my handling though - after all of these years, why would I mix up my flanks, and then swear at Fly for taking the wrong flank? Yes, as Beverly Lambert noted, it was quite a fetch that Fly had made - I was thinking in my head "Away to Me", my whistle in my mouth was going "Come By" and Fly was taking the whistle and wondering "What are you doing you fool" - she is probably going to have an advert for a new handler any day soon. Creed got to his sheep (about 350 yards), perfect outrun, and 3 off of his lift (I am smiling), but then I have found I do have to work on his flanks alot better - still I am happy with him. We didn't get any points this trial, but the Big One starts tomorrow - 800 yard outrun. I may have to buy some Depends for that one so I won't have an accident while blowing. Amanda Milliken and Clive won Day One and won Day Two with Roz - not a small feat - in the end, the sheep became maneaters and would attack the crowd after shedding, after getting to the post, really after no reason. I, however, had my sheep retardent with me - my Jack Russell Tessa (check the website) - she is 9 weeks old, but very mighty. Definitely will have to have her on my lap for the next trial!
Gazes are fixed. As one notes the intensity - one would expect smoke to be coming through the ears as life's unanswered questions are mulled through.
There are several models available - the Lambinator (which also comes with the pruning option for bushes for free), the Mr. Ed Model, and my personal favorite - the Goat Wacker. 
The sheep were tough - the first day, getting into the mid 60's would guarantee a payout. I was having a pretty good run with Fly, and getting things in order around the post, and the three amigos ran off and caused a disqualification - this sport is most humbling.
After the Slash J Trial was over, we travelled a few miles to The Big One. A 800 yard outrun, and out of the 62 dogs, there were probably 10 that couldn't find the sheep. The Nursery was about 500 yards, and was happy with my dogs - Creed had did a pretty good outrun, but then at the second panels, the sheep decided to head for the hills.
Renee LaBree did a good job hosting the trial - the first day was a little hairy for her - she had wanted to start at 6 am, but the sheep had different ideas - it took a couple of hours to get them to the setout pen and pen them. We got a 10 point pen with those girls.
Not sure what type of bird it was, but a ground nest was found near the handler's post. We put a chair close to it, so we could leave the family alone.
The next trial we will be going to is Chris Jobe's trial - a nursery trial - then there is a couple of arena trials, and then the Triple Crown. We got home yesterday, and half expected Noah's Ark to be waiting for all the rain that has fallen. The prune look may be in this year.
