It’s that time again…

As you may have perceived, Annie had pups several months ago and they started going home this week.  The next to the last pup went home on Thursday which meant that the last pup came into our house to stay with us.  Some might say it is so sad to be the last, but I will tell you, they are the “Boss” of the house.  Little Quattro came inside with avenges and made his mark in our hearts. 

He made himself right at home and settled in with the big dogs and got his spot on the couch right between Elaine and me and sometimes on the dogs.

Asleep on Meggie

The good part, it’s like getting a puppy all over again and you see the cuteness and how adorable they are and when they settle down, it’s like an angle sleeping in your arms and we want another one at times.

Some might say we are just watching him until he goes home, but the pups get so much because of the other dogs and the things they do with us and the dogs.  Just Friday evening, Little “Q”, Clancy, Molly and us, went for a walk around the lake, all in tow.  Little “Q” drank from the lake, carried sticks, found an old tennis ball and pranced around like a big kid.  When we got to the dock, we went down the long walk over the water, but Little “Q”, unsure of the feat, stayed behind which is a natural thing to do because it’s new.  Clancy saw this and went back and coaxed him along and both of them took the long walk, but Little “Q” was just a little slower but he made it all by himself.  Elaine and I even gave him his first experience with swimming, not once but twice in the lake.  All in all, this is some of the most important things that one can do with a new pup, not this particular activity, but learned activity.

His life opened up because of all the new things around the farm and in the house.  He met some “guest” dogs that were here for a day or two.

Roxie and Finn with Little "Q"

He watched me blow leaves, saw wood and heard many things that were new.  When he was inside, he learned where long stares go, vacuum cleaners and dishwashers were and their sounds, and he learned that they were not bad, just different, and this is what makes a great start.  When they come in, we don’t change a thing, they just become part of our life, and the day a new pup leaves our driveway, everything is new to them and usually by "dog" nature, they will protect themselves if they are not sure either by barking, biting or by running. It’s not always that they are scared, they are protecting themselves and I’ve seen it a thousand times but's it’s our job to show and teach them.  The consequences are big, no matter which way it goes. 

Little "Q" and Finn

When they step into the new life with their new parents, the new parents will determine what the pup will do or be, not us…  Always remember it’s not the amount of tricks they do, it’s the attitude they have and the more well rounded they are, the better they act and communicate.  If they never do a trick, but will get along with all people, children and dogs, you’ve done a great job, but remember if they are well-rounded, they can do anything and go anywhere and the sky is the limit. 

Just two weeks ago, we went on a shepherding trip and after it was over, we all went out to eat including the instructor and all nine of our border collies.  I looked around, I saw well behaved dogs because these people take their dogs everywhere and do things together making the dogs part of their life.  It's amazing to see and be part of of a system that works so well.

It was a very bittersweet day yesterday and I will miss them so much.  It's hard to imagine how much you get attached to them, but you do.  I've had a thousand people ask "how do you do it", well it's gets harder each time.  In my dreams, with the very last litter, I would like to keep all of them, but I doubt that happens.

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

Maybe all of them will meet me...   Give your dog a hug today from me... Ken

Thank you Annie...

Follow our Dogs on Facebook

The Road Trip...

On Tuesday of this week, I had to make a trip to Kentucky to pick up some dog supplies from a friend.  I wanted an early start because of the road construction on Interstate 65 and I left at 5:30 am just to beat the traffic so I could return because I had a lot to do at home.  As I walked to the car this early morning, Doc met me and gave me a goodbye kiss and walked me to the car.  Usually, Clancy will meet me, but he was still asleep in the house.  When I got to the car, I opened the door and Doc jumped in and went to the passenger’s side and laid down.  He does travel very well so I shut the car door and off we went, “just us guys”.  He loves to be in the car and even will ride the “four wheelers” with me and run’s to the “Gater” if he sees I’m getting in it, so off we were on another adventure to Kentucky this time in the car.

On the way down, he went to the front seat, back seat, and then to the floorboard and he would start over again but was never a problem and very quiet.  We listened to the radio and played “Name That Tune” which he won and we had a grand time.  After picking up the supplies and starting to return home, I discovered I was hungry so when I was about 30 miles away from home, I stopped at a local fast food joint for some munchies.  I was hungry because I had been going without any breakfast and I never gave it any thought but Doc was hungry too and I soon found out how hungry…

We pulled into the golden arches and I ordered some food.  Up to this point, Doc was not too interested in the things around him but his ears immediately perked up as we stopped at the drive-in.  As I spoke into the ordering area, (Waaaw-waw-waw. Waaaw-waw) he just looked out the front window but I saw his front feet prance in place and as we got closer to the pick-up window and the lady approached us with the sack of goodies, he was in my lap with his head out the driver’s window.  I still had to make change and put my wallet away but he wanted everything that was in the bag and before pulling away, the attendant said, “boy, he’s a little spunky” and my response was “Oh...he’ll be fine”.  They say a dog’s nose is 10,000 times stronger than ours and I never gave it any thought but I now do, believe me, it is true.

“Hold om Doc, I’ll give you a bite” as I started to pull into traffic with a soft drink between my legs, French fries in a bag on my lap and a chicken sandwich in my right hand driving with my left hand and knees trying not to get lettuce my lap.  Now I will tell you, I knew it would be better to pull over and eat but I had everything under control, except Doc…He is food obsesses just like Dutchess and I was in a hurry to get home.  As I pulled into traffic, Doc lunged into my lap again and attempted to get his nose into the bag.  What sleeping dragon have I created by this food stop?  I literally laughed at his attempts, but then there was nothing to do but give him a bite.  “Doc, sit” which he did and he gobbled the French fry out of my hand but the problem, he nearly took my finger off.  OK, new plan…I threw the French fry to the back seat.  He leaped over the seat and found it and returned in a second.  “Ooh, that didn’t take long,” I said…”Doc, sit” I threw the FF to the front floorboard and he had to hunt for it, so here I was, throwing French fries around the car while he was chasing them and the whole time, I had a soft drink between my legs, a chicken sandwich in one hand and a dog jumping around the car after French fries and the whole time, we were weaving from lane to lane with the car.  But it’s didn’t stop there…the sandwich was next.  I will tell you that I did attempt to take a bite of chicken sandwich in between throws, but because it was dressed, some dropped to my lap.  I would take a bite and Doc would take a bite weather I wanted him to or not as we traveled down a 4 lane highway in and out of lanes and traffic.

The moral of this story…

Stopping for food is a bad thing with a hungry dog.  Pull over and eat your food, trust me, this is better. And I assure you, when people see you with a long-haired blond with a long nose licking your face and hands and going to your lap, this can be taken in several ways and I don’t want to explain it to anyone…again.

All in all, we did have a wonderful trip and Doc got fed.  I ate when I got home…

Follow the Dogs on Facebook

Sleep...

As I sat in my Recliner on Saturday afternoon, I looked around me and saw six Border Collies asleep in various positions in the family room with me and I knew the other two were asleep on the back porch.  It seems like time is marching on and we are getting older and hopefully wiser.  I know I’m older and the “wiser” is still in question, at times. 

We got a dog in on Saturday to stay with us and we see her every year and she is a dreamboat.  As always, we catch up and check on things and have a good short reunion.  I ask, “How old is she, about 4 years old?”  And he said “She is six”  I remember so well her when she was here as a pup and the family that took her and the day she went home and it was not possible that she was because it was like yesterday, but she was.  Where does time go?  Several years ago, my crew would not let take a nap and especially not with me and especially in the day.  They would be barking and licking my hand wanting me to get up and do something and we would.  Today they look for a place to flop down and just be content they are together.  Even Dutchess has come to appreciate my lap and will come and stand at the foot of the recliner and until I give the command “up” and she will climb into my lap and circle once before falling into a deep sleep, something she would never do before.

We have had dogs for many years and started out pretty naïve.  Like most people, we think we know everything and have learned the ropes by trial and error and what works for us.  We learn every day and with each new litter we do something different after the fact, we ask ourselves “why didn’t we do that before?” it much easier and better.  I’ve always said that just about the time we’re too old to do this, we will be experts.  In some funny ways, many have suggested a book, but I know I’m no expert, just what works for me and if I did, it would be some of the funny stories and there are thousands…besides would any one read it, much less follow it…like most things, you have to live it before you do it.

After just a short time of rest and relaxation on Saturday, which is always coveted, I felt something on my face.  When I opened my eyes, Dutchess was holding her head up near mine and from the side of her mouth she had her tongue out sideways, and was licking my face letting me know something was up…From a deep short sleep, this was awakening and startling but when she went for my nose holes, I was wide awake and in a hurry.  This woke Abbie up and she ran immediately to the “ball” drawer and starting barking for a ball.  Meg jumped up on the couch and also started prancing and barking looking at Abbie and telling her to get the ball in “dog talk”.  Annie ran to Abbie as to help her get the ball and hopefully it will pop out the drawer by more barking, but did not but only intensified the effect.  Gabby, as always ran after the other dogs barking and crouching at them watching every move wanting to herd them.  By now, Annie found a ball that was stashed by her and had it in her mouth.  All the dogs were running after her trying to get it and they were jumping from one couch to another and in a circle.  Clancy just looked at me as if to say, “I can’t stop them…its outa control” and it was.  This whole time, Dutchess looked at me and with those sad eyes said “I guess it’s time to get up” the whole time knowing what she did.  As she sashayed up the steps, I thought of what a little stinker she is as we went to play ball...

Maybe they’re not as old as I thought…

Follow the dogs on Facebook

A Passion...

Everyone needs a passion…no I’m not talking about a movie star (don’t go there), I’m talking about something you love to do that you can put your heart in and get some real satisfaction added to your life.  I started work when I was 14 years old, and I pumped gas at a local filling station after school.  I made $1.00 an hour and I was in heaven and very rich, I thought.  I have been so fortunate to have a job that I liked all the way to retirement at 43 years old and even a few jobs that I did for something to do, but when I was ready, I moved on and looked for something to do and knew I need something I really liked. 

I love my life and wouldn’t change a thing and really didn’t think I could be happier in the things I do.  It started when I needed to keep the deer out of my garden and flower beds.  I got a border collie because I needed a dog to keep them out and he did.  He was “free to a good home” from the newspaper, and he could have easily been a mix or a shepherd or anything else, but fate intervened; that is how I got to where I got and I saw my first border collie.  One thing about a passion, not only does it usually help you, it can help in other ways and this is something I never knew.  Where would we be now if the free dog was anything else? 

Yesterday, we had one of our former pups “Thadd” come to town to see us and to reconnect with our dogs.  He is a beautiful dog and has the best dog parents ever, as many of our dog's parents are!  He works and plays and shares so much love at the nursing home, church functions, and everyone he touches.  This has made me ponder about how my passion has led others to have a similar passion too.

As I look back and see all the wonderful friends we have and the lives that has been touched because of the dogs I am grateful that my passion has helps in so many areas…who would have thought…

I think what surprises me, is this phenomenon is not just with me, but anyone who might look at the opportunities to do something that they love.  The odds of what happened were about zero.  I had looked for something to do in my idle time that would give me some purpose and enjoyment.  I looked at a few crafts, woodworking or stained glass, but you can only make so many kid toys or stained glass windows, and I guess I can give my work as Christmas presents, but after a few years, I’m sure people would hate to see us coming,  I even bought some plans and would set up shop in a building I have and little did I know that fate would strike me and that same building became my first dog kennel and not a workshop?  But if we allow our thoughts to expand and see what we can truly do, it’s amazing and is but the first step is ours.

As I sat back and looked at all of the good things the dogs do, I was amazed that so many lives have been touched by good fortune and as I have spoken before, many lives are changed by others getting up and doing something and living their dream.  I personally see people going to herd sheep with their dog, dock diving with their dog, healing others with their dog through therapy and even search and rescue.

With me, the passion didn’t come all at once, and with some, it doesn’t but it nurtured itself and grew on its own; I just allowed it to, and when I saw an opportunity, I let it continue, its also the opportunity of the dogs and who knows, it might be their passion too.  I once remember many months ago, I saw a video of one of our pups on the dog's Facebook page that had just learned how to jump off the dock at a dock diving facility and once he learned, he was in heaven and kept going back for more and we were all in heaven.  Sometime later, I was invited by a friend of ours to take one of our dogs dock diving, Clancy met up with "Nelly & Ruby".  We met “Leo” the young dog that was in the video and everyone had a ball jumping and diving and getting together everyone did great, but whose passion is it who knows, it might be the dogs.  Clancy was the dad to Leo and Nelly, and Meg was the mother of Ruby.  

But the point is just do something.  Remember, I didn’t really want a dog, I never had a border collie, I felt uncomfortable around people, and I didn’t especially like older people because I didn’t know what to say, but in every case, it was the passion of the dogs and they have taught me many lessons about life, people and my limitations and with their eyes and love, they do the talking…and remember it’s not always about us and to get love, you need to give love and the dogs are great at it.  Ken

They're waiting for us, and they have the passion...

Follow the dogs on Facebook

A Starfish Made a Difference...

“Once upon a time, there was a wise man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing. He had a habit of walking on the beach before he began his work.

Once upon a time, I was not a very wise man and went to work, never writing and only lived for the day, thinking of myself…

One day, as he was walking along the shore, he looked down the beach and saw a human figure moving like a dancer. He smiled to himself at the thought of someone who would dance to the day, and so, he walked faster to catch up.

As I walked along, I never looked at anything nor did I see anything or anyone because I was too busy and never smiled at myself.  I walked faster to get more done…

As he got closer, he noticed that the figure was that of a young man and that what he was doing was not dancing at all. The young man was reaching down to the shore, picking up small objects, and throwing them into the ocean.

As I got closer, I saw myself doing nothing, and I was going nowhere…

He came closer still and called out "Good morning! May I ask what it is that you are doing?"

I came closer, and I said nothing to him…

The young man paused, looked up, and replied "Throwing starfish into the ocean."

I didn’t listen…

"I must ask, then, why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?" asked the somewhat startled wise man.

I said nothing…

To this, the young man replied, "The sun is up, and the tide is going out. If I don't throw them in, they'll die."

I started to think…

Upon hearing this, the wise man commented, "But, young man, do you not realize that there are miles and miles of beach, and there are starfish all along every mile? You can't possibly make a difference!"

I always thought I couldn’t…

At this, the young man bent down, picked up yet another starfish, and threw it into the ocean. As it met the water, he said,
"It made a difference for that one.”

I never helped anyone or anything and then bent down and started to help…

Loren Eiseley  and  Ken Shuck

Sometimes we feel like we can’t help or undertake anything, and it may be that we just haven’t put one foot in front of the other. 

Dutchess...The First dog I took in, that needed a home, and my life changed...

Years ago, when we got our first dogs, I had a different outlook on life.   I am so pleased, and with the help of friends who have our same passion, we have helped find Border Collies a good home.  Not only does it change the life of the dog, it changes the life of the family receiving the dog, but the real benefit is that it changes the person rescuing, and this last Friday "it saved another".  Only with your help and people who have this passion can we accomplish anything.  At one time, I did not care and only “talked the talk” and when I realized that I needed something more, I “walked the walk” and my life changed, when I “bend down, pick up a starfish”… There are more dogs than I can imagine that needs help, and we can't save them all but to that dog that we help... it does.       Ken

Follow Clancy's Dream

Follow Our Dogs on Facebook

Evolution?

It’s so funny to watch them do the things they do…Of Course Border Collies is what I am talking about.  Even on this page, it says “There are so many things that happen during a week with eight Border Collies and it is so fun to share” and that’s true.  But there is a warning here that we need to heed.  I do not believe in evolution as it is stated from a single cell and if this is the case, and in time, Border Collies will become our masters.  Just look at the things they do and the intelligences they have.  They are thinkers and planners and if they had thumbs they could drive a car. 

I see each one of them cock their head as if gaining more knowledge and when they turn from one side to the other and the smarts actually seems to come to them, because they usually figure it out.  Last night just about killed me from laughter, as Annie is always hungry because she needs the nutrition for the babies.  A big bag of corn chips was finished and it had a few crumbs in it and Annie was interested in it and as usual, I gave her a last crumb by hand and she decided she wanted to clean the bag.  I was on the couch and so was the bag.  She jumped next to me and stuck her head inside the bag, trying to get all the little pieces.  She was not having any success in reaching the bottom and she raised her head up and places the bottom of the bag on the back of the couch and ever so gently, pushed her head to the bottom, licking all the way.  She had figured out that if you push against something and turn your head up, a reward is in the works.  What made it so funny, she would lick the side of the bag as she was pushing her head to the bottom of the clear bad.  She then jumped off the couch where she had more room and would walk around effortlessly hold the bag up in the air and getting the very last tasty fragments.  After she was satisfied it was empty, she held her head down and put one paw on the bag and so effortlessly took it off and jumped back on the couch licking her lips.  No shaking the bag or ripping it up, logic used and problem solved as is done many times with many problems.

I have seen them do things that have surprised me and the way they solve a problem is remarkable.  Each dog is different and I have seen many do things, but the smarts they have can get them into problems because they think and problem solve all the time and at times, I think they can out solve me.  In an exhausted statement, I have ask Elaine "am I stupid or is the dog smarter than me"...and do not want to know the answer. 

If there is any species that can/would evolve, it would be the Border Collie and God help us if Dutchess starts to grow thumbs…can you imagine…I can’t… Ken

Answered Question...

 In March of 2014, as I took my second step onto the ice of the lake…a loud crack echoed, but there was no time to react.   I fell through, and I just pushed forward with more determination toward the middle of our 20-foot-deep lake, toward my purpose.  My tunnel vision had set in, and the only object in my sight was the ever-sinking face of a dog that had broken through a soft spot in the ice that was struggling to keep afloat and was 30 feet from me.  In just a short time, I was witnessing the fear, and its life seemed to be weakening right in front of me. I knew we have a very big problem.

Just a few minutes earlier, the dogs, and I was playing, and I went inside to get warm and clean up and to let them rest.  I heard a dog crying out and looked out the window, and at first, I didn’t see anything, but when I stepped onto the porch looking toward the lake, an explosion of fear bolted through my mind, and the adrenaline flooded throughout my body like a lightning rod and not “one” single second was wasted on anything!  Through the house, I ran as fast as I could to the closest door.  I flew through it, not even closing it as I sped to my mission which was clear and ever-present. 

After I fell through, and was neck-deep in the water, I still had 25 feet to go, and the ice was nearly 3 inches thick and appeared to be getting denser.  My only tools were my hands and fists, and it appeared to be working for the moment, but my movement was slowing, and I was coming to a stop.  With no tools to help and no time to get them, I needed a plan, and in microseconds, I had to think, and the dog’s eyes never looked away and kept me focused on my mission which had to be completed at any cost. I knew there was not a second to lose.  The only thought that came to mind was if I couldn’t break the ice or could I could swim to the dog underwater and while I am an excellent swimmer and scuba diver, I know directions can easily change underwater, and the chances of finding a dog in a small hole 30 feet from shore are nearly impossible.  The chances of surviving are about zero, especially in black water because there is no sunlight under the ice.  Bringing the dog back with me underwater to the very spot I came from was a very long shot.  There is only one chance at it, or you’re trapped.  With that now calculated, I was determined to forge ahead and, with all my might, breaking the ice, there was no other way, and it HAD to break.  

With all the fortitude I had, I pounded the cold hard ice with my fist, forearms, and chest, and it started breaking, it was hard, but it broke, and I made it to the dog that was depending on me to save its life, and we both knew it.  Thirty feet from shore and in twenty feet of black water, the dog latched onto me with all four feet and attempted to crawl on me because I was on solid ground which is a normal instinct.  While in college, I was a lifeguard and was trained in rescue and used the very training to turn the dog around and started pulling it from the back, swimming through the ice chunks to the shore, but when I turned, I discovered another monumental problem… 

My other dogs were now on the shore and attempting to come to me, but, it was not playtime, and they can’t help, only hurt and more possible tragedies could occur.  With all the strength I had, I shouted, “Go…Away” and everyone knew the firm voice, and turned and ran to the kennel but not before stopping, looking and knowing something was very wrong, but they obeyed.  When I got within fifteen feet of shore, and the dog was facing the right direction, I pushed with all of my might, pushing the dog even closer, thinking the dog would swim to shore.  I had a very brief break, but in just a short second, the dog turned and came back for protection, and the challenge to survive was on again in ice water that was now only 10 feet deep but could have been 100.  Breathing air and gasping water, this was going to stop, one way or another.  I again turned the dog and pushed, kicking my way closer, and once I touched the ground, I knew I was home free, choking and wheezing for air; we were on solid ground…we had a chance.

There was no pain or cold…those feelings were gone, and that scared me, and during the long walk back to the kennel, my socks froze to my ankles, and my tee-shirt was frozen stiff.  When I reached the kennel, I dried the dog off, bedding it down in the heated kennel, making sure everything was alright; I got a loving lick and walked to the house on hard rocks without shoes, not feeling any pain.  I got into the shower; I knew to start with cold water, and as it got a little warmer, the pain started.  My legs, arms, feet, and chest started bleeding as the circulation was returning, and blood was now flowing from the cuts made from breaking the ice, but we were alive.

I never understood why a person would run back into a burning building to save someone even if they knew their life would be in danger, but as I sat typing, I now do.  Nothing will stop me, and for years, I have played this very scenario over in my mind a thousand times because I have two ponds and cold weather and never had the answer, but that day I found out.

Everyone is fine, maybe a little wiser, but truly knowing the driving force of love and determination and doing what is needed to be done…is very strong.

One of the factors that may have saved me in this rescue was the fact that when I came in after playing, I took a quick shower, and as I was just starting to dress, I heard the dog whining from outside and went into action, I was not dressed and only had a tee-shirt and socks on, which allowed me to swim…Things could have been so different; I was the only one home and living in deep woods.  Would I do it again?... You Bet!