2010 Postings

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February 2010

Adopting a Border Collie

Date: Sunday February 28, 2010

The wounds may still be fresh, but the hole in my heart needs some filling up. I have begun in earnest to look for a new border collie. Uninterested in purchasing from a breeder my search has led me to 2 organizations. One is out of New York State called Glen Highland Farm. The other is centrailized in Connecticut, but foster homes reside all over new england. Both have amazing websites. I know the search can take some time. I am filling out my applications and begin the daily search of their web sites for available rescues.

Border Collies are unique creatures and require homes that can provide them with lots of exrecise and mental stimulation. That is why so many end up in rescue. Why not bring one of those luck dogs here? My BC trainer friend Gabe Merrill has already indicated she would lvoe to teach me how to train the next dog to her. She is a well known Border Collie trainer for field trialing. I feel honored that she would take me and a new dog on.

There will be no replacing you dear friend

Date: Tuesday February 16, 2010

Kate was a dedicated farm hand and family companion. She came to our farm for her retirement after years of travelling the US as a field trials competitor. Moving sheep through gates, into circles and back again. The alpacas were a different kind of critter for her. Sometimes they challenged her motives, but her dead pan stare and strong will moved those critters where we wanted them to go.

One of Farmer Steve's fondest moments was when Dr. Nicole came for a visit. The boys were in their paddock and it was raining cats and dogs. Dr. Nicole stood in the doorway of the barn, looked at the boys as she zipped up her coat. As she reached for the gate latch, Farmer Steve said, No. You stay dry until I move them. "C'mere Kate". Kate came bounding out of the house. Lept off the porch with such grace. Slithered under the paddock gate into the boys area. Farmer Steve positioned himslef in the run-in shed and began to call out commands to Kate. Not that she needed them. She knew how to fetch and always got it right. Within moments all five boys were corralled in the run-in shed. Dr. Nicole merely got wet moving from one paca to the next.

For me, Kate was more than a farm hand. Yes, every morning as I did chores she was there to watch open gates or guard the barn doors to keep those hungry marauders out. I miss her bark of excitement as she bounded up toward the alpacas every time we went outside. Her call that she was ready to work. By the time she came to our farm, it was less work and more of a hobby for her. A way for an old dog to still use her brain. During the day, as I work from home, Kate wuld be snuzzled up in her bed next to my desk. Periodically getting up and resting her head on my leg waiting for some scratches. If I ignored her the paw would come up to get my attention.

This farm will not be the same without her. As soon as the winter frost is gone, we will place her on the top of the first hill. Where she can watch over all of us and tend her flock forever. We loved you kiddo!