The "Hot" Word...

I have talked about this before with much vigor and it’s even a “Hot” topic with Border Collie owners.   It’s something that each of us have experienced many times, but put yourself in my shoes and follow me around the farm.

I have a lot of things that need to be done especially around the fall of the year, and the only time that is worse is the springtime when everything is getting started and there are many chores to do and now, even the daylight time is getting shorter.

It always starts the same, I wake up and plan my day depending on the weather and how cold it is.  It has been a lot cooler this year and we already had some snow on the ground which has even pressed my time just a little closer.  After breakfast and after I have dressed, I go out and feed the dogs, they are SO excited because they want to get out as fast as they can so they can run and play.  This is always a challenge, but it always starts the same.

After they hastily eat, it’s time to open their kennel door for the mad dash.  If one dog is first to get out, then they wait and bark inside the kennel for someone else so you can race together.  This will happen for about 4 dogs and as the 5^th dog is let out, it’s time for all of them to run through the door at the same time, which is impossible, but they try, and yes, they really do try to fit all 5 dogs through the small door.  What a bottleneck but as it clears, the rest come running and try to catch up which they do.  Of course the whole time everyone is barking and yelping and I even had someone here when this happened and they ask…”Do they do this every time”  and I answered, “of course, they do”.   But that’s not the Hot” topic.

"Do you know what I'm thinking?"

“Ball” is the “Hot” word.  Nearly everyone that I talk to will say the same thing, “My Border Collie” is obsessed with a ball and I will always answer the same way, “Mine too”, but give it some thought, I have 8 that are obsessed with a ball. And it’s hard to get things done because of it.  So follow me through the day as they jump and skip, wanting to play.  

Maybe because we start early...

If I'm really busy, I will ignore them (can't be done) but they always “bring” me things to play with.  As we walk or work, mysteriously a tennis ball will show up at my feet and 8 Border Collie faces look at the ball, and then at me, and then back at the ball, wanting me to pick it up and I sometimes walk by the ball but again, it’s by my feet and so on.   The're very persistent...

Clancy learned this from Tucker

At times, they will go and find as many as 6 or 8 balls after I hide the first one that they discovered in the weeds or leaves, trying until one works and I will get tired and just throw it, if only they could bring me a dollar.  Just today, Abbie brought me “part” of a ball.  It had one side out, but in her mind, it’s a ball, something that should be thrown. 

If all fails, she will bring me a stick.  As I said I know your dog is obsessed with a ball but 8?  

Even Molly....

God bless them, I feel so sorry and will pick up the ball and throw it and off we go, trying to work and throwing…The cycle continues but I wouldn't have it any other way...It's a Border Collie thing...Ken

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The "Test"

If you have been reading anything on Facebook or saw it mentioned on this blog, you know we are getting a couple of our dogs certified as therapy dogs.  Clancy the “dog of dogs” and Dutchess the famous “party” girl. 

Web Definition

A therapy dog is a dog trained to provide affection and comfort to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and to people with learning difficulties. Therapy dogs come in all sizes and breeds. ...

As most of you know, I was blessed to have a visit with a therapy dog while in the hospital a few months ago.  I had already started my therapy dog training just a few weeks earlier and it was such a comfort to be able to hold and hug a beautiful four legged creature during my hospital stay.

It was actually Elaine’s decision to become a therapy dog handler years ago when she witnessed a therapy dog visit the nursing home her mother was temporarily in.   She saw how the patients’ eyes just lit up and a smile immediately shone on their faces and how some even laughed and spoke baby talk to the dog. It made such an impression on her, she began to dream about the possibilities of how she could do this with one of our dogs.  The more she thought about it, the more she realized she had the perfect dog…Clancy…, she knew he was the one…

Clancy has met hundreds of people and dogs here at the farm and even out at festivals in the area or trips to town.  He has played with kids, kittens, dogs and has had every puppy that has been born here at the farm craw all over him.  He just takes it and usually closes his eyes and tries to relax or sleeps, such a tender soul.  When Clancy was our stud dog, we always allowed him in the house for our meet and greet with the prospective buyers and as always, once he entered the house, he climbed upon the sofa and gave kisses or went to sleep in the visitors lap.  Many readers can attest to this very fact the first time they came to our house to meet us and our dogs.

 The stage was set… and after classes and a lot of training of the dogs and Elaine and I were ready to take the evaluation and test.  This was a piece of cake because we knew if anyone failed their part, it would be Elaine or I, Clancy was great, Dutchess was along for the ride.  One of the training instructors even told us after she gave Clancy a big hug and a kiss at one of our classes, “You…will make a wonderful therapy dog” as she looked into his eyes and he licked the tip of her nose.

Elaine was first, the evaluations are away from the public for a variety of reasons and we waited outside the room.  “No sweat” I said, he’s doing fine and when the test was nearly done, it was stopped, one of the evaluators came out to us and said Clancy had failed.  I don’t know why she came out except to warn us of Elaine’s appearance and emotions.  When Elaine did come out, she asked for the car keys and she and Clancy went to the car so she could pull herself together and as she turned, I saw her wipe a tear from her eye.  To say the least, I was shocked.  Clancy knew everything and would make a great partner, but what happened?

My exam was next and to say the least, I was concerned and worried.  I didn't know what to expect and had to admit that if Clancy couldn't pass, was their any hope for Dutchess and me.  There were nearly 8 to 10 people in the room that were there to evaluate Dutchess and me.  Sometimes more than one or the whole group participated in the teting.  When dogs test, they are taken through many pretend "situations" that could be experenced in a nusing home or hospitl envirenment just to make sure they are fit to serve in this capisity.

Before the class started, knowing I was Elaine’s husband, they shared with me what happened in the test with Clancy and Elaine.  They said the test was nearly complete when  a “neutral” dog was brought to within a couple of feet of Clancy so they could witness his reaction to the dog, of course hoping there would not be one…but it didn’t quite happen the way we all wanted it to.  Clancy took the Border Collie stance and as they were circling Elaine with the neutral dog, Clancy backed up to Elaine, touching her leg and as they circled, he circled too, not making a move or changing expression, except to circle and protect Elaine from what he took as an aggressive act toward her from the “neutral” dog.  The evaluator immediately stopped the test. This was taken as unacceptable behavior on Clancy’s part and they quite firmly stated to Elaine that he would never be able to serve as a therapy dog with their organization.

Elaine is still a certified dog handler and our new goal is to train one of our other dogs to be her partner so she can go with me and Dutchess, who incidentally came within one point of getting the highest rating.  Go figure…

My heart aches so much for Elaine and Clancy, because I know what he is. I know how awesome he is with people and what Elaine feels in her heart.  I have sat a hundred times across from a couple sitting on our couch who wanted a puppy and wanted it to be just like Clancy. Some have even wanted to purchase him, but I always tell them “Sorry, he’s not for sale” as he lays his head in their lap giving them his love and affection.  Clancy will always be our therapy dog and the only down side to that is most of his love and attention will stay here at the farm and not shared with a deserving person whose life he can cheer up, but all in all, we’ll take his love except for when he comes inside to visit and to share the couch with a couple looking for a puppy.  

Ken

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Just a thought…

As most of you know, I don’t write the blog until the last minute for Sunday morning.  It is now Saturday night and nearly 9:20 PM and I have just sat down to write about the dogs and “what happened this week”.  I sometimes ponder about what I will write about because it was a slow week or I will have enough stories for a month from that same week.  As I sit at the keyboard, I thought back to when I put the dogs in their kennel tonight.  

Just this very night as I said “Let’s go eat”, everyone mechanically goes to their own kennel door and stands and waits for me to open the gate if it’s closed, but if it’s open they will proceed into their own kennel and wait for me.  Tonight, Doc was first and as I looked into his eyes, he seemed so content and I took both hands and stroked his face and while I was doing it, he closed his eyes and seemed to drift into a dream world.  He seemed so content, and so was I.  It was a dream for both of us. 

Molly was next and when I opened her door, as always she wilted to the floor on her bed and as her eyes followed me, just the very tip of her tail wags and anticipates when I will rub her head, which I do. 

Meg just flops down and waits for her food.  She is the smallest dog that makes so much commotion of any dog I have ever seen when she lies down but will watch me for instructions.

The twins, Annie and Gabby are about the same to each other, except, Gabby is the very last to go in, and always needs a little extra coaxing because she wants every last minute to stay out and play, she never gives it up willingly and always walks to the kennel with her head down to the ground, but she lets me know she is not happy.

Abbie goes right in and always looks weathered because she played so much and is usually limping or has scratches here and there, but those eyes will pierce your soul and you can't help rubbing her head and like her mother as just the very tip of her tail will start to wiggle for me.

Clancy and Dutchess don't have to go in because early Sunday morning, we are heading up to Indianapolis for some dog work and they are going inside, just so we can keep an “eye” on them and they don’t get dirty or into mischief.  As I sit and watch everyone eat tonight, each one has their own routine and after they eat, they will usually make a “nest” and settle in for the night. 

Tonight, we have two guest border collies too, Keely is from Molly and Clancy and looks a little bigger than Abbie and they even look like twins.  Tuki a guest we are watching and trying to get a little socializing in before her sheep training.  Even both of them know the routine and will submit to the rules and are such a pleasure to be around because they are good dogs and only want to share their love, which they do.

Now... the hard part.  Who gets to come in tonight?  Sometime the decision is easy.  Who is wet or dirty and who came in last night is sometimes a deciding factor, but tonight everyone is dry and clean.  Once, when Elaine had to make the decision, all 8 of them came in and there was no room for me to sleep and I just gave them my part of the bed.   She just didn't want to make a decision, but tonight it is Abbie, my little misfit confidante, it was the eyes that decided and the very small wiggle of her tail, nothing else.

There are many times I wish I only had one dog because I don’t like making decisions and there are times I wish I had a hundred dogs and a room and bed big enough for all of them.  If you only have one or two, count your blessings, most chairs and beds are big enough for all of you but in my case it’s a little different and I must share.

As I say goodnight tonight, I look at all the sad faces, sing them a song and close the door, but they never know I peek in the window just to see them once again and only wish there was room…

Even now and at times I will lie down on the driveway and let all of them have their turn kissing, licking and showering me with the only love they know and I will be in heaven. With every litter of pups we have ever had, this was our routine and if you're an owner of one of ours, just lie down and see what you are missing.

Someday soon, and as time marches on, I will lay in the "big meadow" and all of my dogs will meet me and there will be room and time enough for the fun and love we have to share before we cross together…Hopefully, God will have Frisbees.   Ken

Heaven is the place of final and complete happiness that God has prepared for us...and if animals are necessary to make us happy, then you can be sure God will have them there.  "Reverend Billy Graham

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The Misfit Dog

I remember it so well, “We will never keep another dog” and it was because had so many at the time…three.  “We can't keep her, and that’s final” Remember men, if you say this, I promise you, you will eat these words…and I did...

When our little Abby was sold, she was sold to a family that had three kids and  they were not in control, and now they were taking on a puppy.  It took 4 hours to pick a dog out and as they drove down the driveway, I turned to Elaine and “I just have a bad feeling about this” and walked inside.  About 6 months later we got that call.  “Can we bring Abby back, she is so destructive, she bites the kids tore up our couch, ate the side of our cabinets and is doing everything wrong”  I thought is this one of ours and said sure, it’s our policy, we always take one back.  Abby was the first to come home. 

Elaine and I was very apprehensive about her coming back and if she is this bad and I really don't know where to start.  Abby was dropped off in a hurry and now she is back home.  We both watched her for the bad behavior and was nearly wearing protective clothing.

We watched and watched and watched and “nothing”, she came up to me and wanted some loving and we went into the house where we were ready for her to tear the side out of the cabinet.  She jumped up on the couch and went to sleep, just like she belonged here…

We worked with her for about 2 weeks, not really knowing what to do because she has done nothing wrong.  No barking, chewing, anger or any destructive behavior.  She was perfect.  Once we determined she was fine, I posted on the web, “Free to good home, loving Border Collie”.  We never re-sale one of our dogs because we just want them to have a good home.  Right off the bat, we got the call for her.  Everything was perfect and she went home.  It was the perfect couple and 6 months later I got the call.  Some devastating events had happened and she couldn't stay.  They loved Abby very much and when she was dropped off, it was a very tearful moment for all of us.   Abby looked at me and the first thing on order was a bath and after that she jumped on the couch and went to sleep.  Abby was home again…

“Can we keep her”?  Elaine said “We will never keep another dog”  “We can't keep her and that’s final” I said!  Abby came to my lap as I was sitting on the couch and I didn't want to go back on my word and anyway, it was bedtime and Abby came too.  She snuggled right by my side all night just wanting to be loved.

When I got up the next morning, “I said we will never have more than 4 dogs” Abbie was home, she belonged here and she was here to stay.  Elaine gave me "that" look and smiled knowing I had changed my mind.

Abby & Meggie on a road trip

Abby was now part of our family and an asset to the farm and she even  became the official “House Dog”.  Yes these words are not the first ones I have eaten and probability won’t be the last.

Abby always reminds me that it’s not the place where the dog is raised, it’s the people and support family that makes them who they are and how they will turn out.

I can't imagine not having Abby and she is the most active dog we have and most loving too.  She give you everything that's in her mind and body.  Even after she has hurt her rear paw from running she will then run on three legs and even keep up with the pack.  If only I had that spirit and drive.   One thing nice about is that she is a Shuck Border Collie, bred and born here from Clancy and Molly.  I feel lucky and privileged to have her and if you want to know, we now have 8 border collies....

The Border Collies of Dogwood Ridge

Once a Dog Parent... Part 2

In July, I wrote about being a dog parent and the trials and troubles you may go through.  

Once a Dog Parent  July 2013

For several days life was touchy and things did not look so good.  Both made multiple trips to the Vet and to a Vet Emergency facility.  

Hope

Two of my dogs were in real trouble, I was devastated and because both of them were special pups and adult dogs, it hit me pretty hard, all within several hours and it was such a letdown after a great weekend.  As they left, I knew both dogs were a little under the weather, but we attributed it to all the running and playing.  Little did we know in just a few hours both of them which were many states apart would be in trouble, and both for several days. 

Tucker

 You see, it might be your dog, but it will always be my pup.   I sat on pins and needles waiting for the test results and even gave my advice on what test should be run and told them “make sure to take their temperature and watch for infection”!  I just wanted the best for them but I also knew they were in good hands, and they were. 

Today is a follow up and how things can change in 3 months.  We had a semi reunion here with two families and as fate would have it, it was with the same two dogs that were injured on the same day in June here on the farm from playing and running.  The owners have other dogs that are ours and we had a grand time because everyone was healed, and back to normal.  Now don’t think it was an overnight thing, Tucker had to wear a “Cone” for at least 3 months and Hope had to take it easy for some time too, but both are back to normal and today was their day to shine and they did.  Most of my dogs get hurt in one way or the other, just ask my Vet, they can attest to that, but just like your kids, you always worry even if it's a pup you have sold.

Today started like any other and even a little rain that started this morning didn't hurt a thing, but the sun soon came out and it was game on.

You will always wonder about your “kids”, as a breeder you hate to hear bad news, but the good news is always refreshing and makes you know that things are right, and today, everything was right.  Here are a few photos of today's activities.

Nearly 20 dogs

Hope

Tucker

Both Hope and Tucker are good as new, but you will always worry about all of them.  I love to hear how all my little pups are doing.  Some I hear from often and some I have never heard from since they walked out our door, something that I truly miss, but I always think of every last of one.

 If you are an owner, I understand you may be busy, but remember, you have a piece of my heart with you in your dog.  As I have always said, "it may be your dog, but it will always be my pup"  Ken

The song I sung to them every night before I tuck them in...

If I had words to make a day for you
I'd sing you a song golden and true
I would make this day last for all time
Give you a night in deep moonshine

Theme from "Babe"

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Just an Update

Things are going great this week, Clancy has not licked his stitches at all and he is doing well and ready to play, they will come out very soon and hopefully he'll be good as new.  We have had to keep him in the house a little more, but he is getting a lot of attention if that is possible.  I am still sad that his line will be gone and I even looked into freezing some of his sperm to keep it going, but it was cost prohibited it and it was nearly 200 miles away for each trip.  There will never be another, but I guess we can say that about any of our dogs, they are all special.

There is lots of work to be done around here, we have installed a furnace for the kennel that will keep up and will keep the temperature the same because of a thermostat, new dog doors and ceiling insulation.  I will be glad of getting rid of the heat lamps and have a more controlled environment and it will be cheaper too.  Nothing too good for the dogs... 

There is work to be done on the calendars and getting ready for that, please remember, make up your mind if you want one so I’ll have enough to send out.  Remember, it will cost about $15.00 and that includes shipping.  There will be more on the particulars as time gets closer.  I hope to have that ready to mail out by December 1^st.

Clancy and Dutchess are getting ready for their evaluation for Pet Partners and the therapy work that goes along with it.  As you know, Dutchess can change from a clown one minute to a Frisbee maniac in just a moment so I don’t know who will show up.  It is very strict and there is no room for mistakes, wish me the best, and the elevation will be the first week of November.  It is something all of us should look into because of the satisfaction that goes along with it for both of us.  We are going to a practice session tomorrow.

As far as me getting better, things are fine, better every day and making progress.  I was so lucky that I have had no problems except an inner ear problem and hopefully that will go away soon, if not, it’s something I can deal with and get used to.

We have a busy year this year and hopefully a bust one next year, it gives me purpose and I enjoy doing things around the house.  The rescue work as done fantastic and from my website and Facebook, we have placed 100% of the dogs that were featured by me.  Hopefully, that will keep up and make lots of dogs and people happy.

We are getting lots of calls on dogs and puppies, some with problems and some looking for a home.  Remember, if you have any problem, concern or just want to tell a story, please let me know and if I don’t know the answer, I will find out.  Always feel free to ask for help or let me know if you have a question.

Elaine is at the Covered Bridge Festival with her best girl friend and I am home with the dogs.  Tonight we’ll watch what we want on TV, eat what we want and when we want.

Stay safe and give your dog a hug…I’ll have 8 dogs in the bed tonight. Ken

The Torch Passes...

 “He” had been having some “man” problems and I knew his age was creeping up and it was something that Elaine and I had discussed several times but I always lost, but this time it was different, Elaine knew it could affect his health and we wanted him to live for as long as he could.  This past Wednesday, Clancy was neutered…

This has affected me in many ways, one, time flies and it seems like it was only last week we brought home a little 7 week old puppy named Clancy and second, he has brought many offspring’s to people all over the USA, from California to Florida and everywhere in-between there is a little Clancy’s running and fetching that he can be proud of and me too of course and of course it will never happen.  "When we do expect pups" they ask and generally ask people to come for a visit and check out the dogs and to meet the parents, even before the pups are born.  Every time someone comes over, Clancy will get on the couch with them and like clockwork fall asleep in their lap or on their shoulder they always ask if take can take Clancy home and I always explain “he is home”…

Tuesday night was business as usually, he slept inside with us, making the family whole…you see, he is always with us and this night was no different, but Wednesday morning, we headed off to Louisville to see my good friend and my old boss at the animal hospital where I worked before for this surgery.  It’s a fairly simple operation and I've been through 100’s of them when I worked there but this time was a little different because it was my Clancy.  I had made arrangements with the office to take him right in with no waiting and when we arrived, we only had about 10 minutes until the surgery, so took him to the inside kennel and shut the gate until it was time and as I walked away, he unlatched the door with his nose as he usually does and walked out.  I walked back and put the latch on and walked away again and when  I turned and looked again, low and behold, Clancy was standing on his back feet with his front feet against the gate, something I have never seen, except this day, you see Clancy is not a jumper, he is a climber and he was up, wanting to be with me.  In just a few minutes, we were ready and I went and got him and as he went to asleep, I held his head as I do with all of them until he was under.  The surgery was a piece of cake and I “assisted again”, just like the old days and he came out of it with flying colors as I knew he would.  I tucked him back in the kennel and covered him up and I went to lunch.  My son came over for the surgery and to wish Clancy the best of luck and after lunch, we went back to the animal hospital and Clancy was standing up on his feet and ready to go home, he had had enough of this place and wanted his domain back, something that will soon pass to Doc and he will willingly give up because of the surgery.  If there is anything that I hate about this is Clancy was “Clancy” and there will be only be one.  He was proud and strong and ruled with wit and determination.  You see in the animal world, it is different and Clancy will change and the younger will step up and take their place and Doc will, in time.  Clancy was the first male dog I have ever had and if I only knew, I would only have males.  I love my girls, but on old farmer once told me that “Girl dogs love you, but male dogs are IN love with you” and this is true.  Clancy was always my companion, lover and worker.

 I am an advocate of having your dogs spayed or neutered unless you breed because of unwanted pups and health problems down the road.  All dogs should be “fixed” before they go into their first heat cycle or 6 months for a male.

Hopefully Clancy will be with us for many more years, but the sad part…there will never be another “Clancy” pup.  If you have one, consider yourself lucky and if they turn out anything like Clancy, consider yourself privileged, I know I am, because I do have one, Abbie is from Clancy and Molly because she was rehomed to us.

Life will not change around the farm and things will go on as usual, but as the clock winds down, so will Clancy.  

He will always be proud but this door has shut and a new door is getting ready to open because Clancy is getting trained to be a therapy dog along with Dutchess and they will work together making people and kids happy in way I would have never of thought of and I’m sure he will crawl in their lap and go to sleep and dream happily ever after…

Thank you Clancy from all of us… Ken

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