Xena (affectionately called Beanie or The Bean)

How does an almost 70 lb. Lab fit in an 11 lb. JRT bed? THIS IS HOW!

See, we aren't all about Border Collies. Xena is coming 11 yrs. old. No one could ask for a nicer dog. She is a Master agility dog/5 time World qualifier. Better yet, she asks for nothing other than an occasional pat on the head or a treat from time to time. She never insists on attention (like the Border Collies), she is never jealous (like the Border Collies), she is a huge fan of hikes in the mountains (like the Border Collies) and she hasn't cost us a dime in Vet bills (very UNLIKE the Border Collies). Hooray for one of the most wonderful Labradors in the world!

Here Comes TROUBLE and her guardian, JET

Trouble, our almost 7 yr. old JRT, is most likely smarter than all of my Border Collies (and I think my BCs are pretty darn smart). I constantly hear that dogs can't reason. HOGWASH. Trouble shows us her reasoning skills on a daily basis. Trouble is a sun worshiper. Every morning she is busy moving kennel pads, dog beds, etc. around the house to find the perfect sun spot to bask in. She is not about to lie on the cold hardwood floors. She also is a coercer. We call her T-REX because she can sit in a begging position and wave her stubby T-Rex legs frantically until you give in and give her what she wants. And, she always gets what she wants :0)

Riorun Jet

I don't think a lady could get as lucky as I was to receive Jet as a first Border Collie. Besides being an extraordinary agility dog, trick dog, and TV star, Jet is a wonderful sheepdog. He comes by it naturally due to his breeding. His sire, Montegal's Roy (deceased now, but not forgotten) was a finals contender/winner in almost all of the biggest trials in the U.S. His mother came from Wales and was of the Eryri linage. Jet was bred by the late Evie Kimberly and sold to me by Patrick Shannahan.
If I asked Jet to stand on his head, he would try. He is the most loving dog to all creatures, great and small. He wouldn't harm a flea. That's just his nature. Even with his gentleness he has lots of stock savvy. Thus far, we have only trialed in 4 USBCHA Open trials. Jet has come in 5th at two of the four trials. Our 4th trial was Great Western and it was Jet's first time doing a dog leg fetch AND his first time shedding "collared" sheep (from two different flocks). He received ZERO off his shed, pen, and single. The course time was 8 min. and he had time to spare. Jet is coming 9 yrs. of age and I am pretty proud of him and our accomplishments. We made it to the open division without having our own sheep and with limited stock work. We just kept plugging away enjoying every bit of the journey and look forward to the years ahead. For all of you novice people and weekend sheepdog hobbyists our story should give you lots of encouragement!

Jet pictured at 8 1/2 yrs. of age. And, he did it all on 3 legs (no....just kidding)

Tribute to a good friend

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUNJjIwlHk8

Walk-Up Yoko (12 mos)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nsQzK-dkU4

I get the most satisfaction from working my dogs by myself. If at first you don't succeed, try, try again. :0) I love starting a puppy and growing with that pup on stock. Whatever weaknesses we have can usually be traced to my handling weakness. I'm not against working with the pros, but truthfully, the enjoyment I receive with just me and my dog working together is unparalleled. Each time we go out on stock we learn a bit more about each other. Would it be faster to just buy a trained dog or have a pro train my dog? Heck yes, but I would miss all the fun of doing it by myself. I like to trial, but the enjoyment isn't from competing. It's the enjoyment of working together making that inch by inch progress. It's the enjoyment of making that journey together.

Ralph Wolf and Sam the Sheepdog

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAYkGZrFxa4

"Bucket List" Life's too short to wake up with regrets....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l429iUfuVa8
Yoko working the little tricksters (goats) pretty much on her own

STOCKDOG WISH: " I want an independent thinker and instinctual worker who WANTS to partner with me but can work on their own."



Keen-Eye Kilt (fondly known as Stink-Eye)

It's hard to get a good photo of Kilt, because she is always on the move. Let me tell you; this bitch has some stamina. She takes a lickin' but keeps on tickin'. We haven't done much on the trial field...only a few PN & Nursery placements. She's just a lot of dog for me to handle. But, Kilt is worth her weight in gold. It doesn't matter how small or how large the job is, this gal can get the job done. And, she gets the job done without any interference from me. I'm sure I just annoy her. She is a brilliant dog with a ton of attitude who likes to work independently. I have seen her pick up sheep in 5 foot high brush on a mountainside at night...by herself. Give her a job and she is one happy sheepdog. She never ceases to "amaze" me. "I'm learning Kilt. I'm not at your speed yet. Maybe when you are a veteran we will be a good team on the trial field." :0)

"SISTERHOOD OF THE WOOF"
Jeanne from Washington, Carolyn from New York, and me from California

Live, Love and laugh...Don't look back unless you're in a double lift!

Our three Border Collies

Starring Kilt in "It's ALL about KILT"