I Can't Help It....

Elaine says I have too many. She also says it cost too much and she has to help me keep it all together. She says I am getting too old for all of them and I should think about cutting back, but I can't, I just can't. They make me feel alive and it gets me out of bed in the mornings, but it’s really a curse. I will lay in bed at night thinking about them and will try to talk myself out of if, knowing full well I will never stop until it's too late or it kills me. I can't help it, I just can't stop. Winter is the worst time for me. Maybe it's because I am cooped up with nothing to do and I get bored and my mind starts to wonder and I will daydream for hours on end. I have had sleepless night just thinking about it and what am I going to do. When I have the desire real bad, I can't sleep or I will get up at 4 AM just to think about it or decide what I will do next.
I didn’t always this problem and sometimes it’s worse than other times. I don’t know what triggers it but it’s very real.
Hello, my name is Kenny and I am addicted to projects……
OK, OK, I know it’s not really that bad but sometimes I think I am. Let me explain. We have acreage here at the farm and I am a master gardener and I love to plan and make projects to do things that are useful or just pretty. I will see a landscape project somewhere else and say “I can do that”, and usually do. I have even taken a photo of someone else’s project and will build it here. I try to explain it to Elaine because in my mind’s eye, I can actually see it completed. She will shake her head and say “I trust you”, I’m sure it will be nice and then roll her eyes. In the winter, I will make a list and put it on the refrigerator, just to look at it and mull over what I will need as far as materials. Once, even my brother came to visit and while we do live in the woods, with just a clearing for the house and lakes, he said “Are you going to clear all the trees for building projects?” I knew then I had a problem and started going through the 12 step program. I guess I get it from my father, he worked for the railroad and in his spare time, or during a vacation, he would hire a building crew and build a house.

My current project is to build a walking path on the property through the woods and around the lakes for the dogs. I, as expected have a DR Self-propelled Field and Brush Mowers that will cut anything down and make a great path, so I can go anywhere.

This particular project took much longer than usual because the dogs wanted to play most of the time or anytime I’m outside. After I cut the path, I had to use chain saws and weed trimmers and while the dogs having No fear, would find a ball and bring it to me, no matter what I was doing.

Now most people would pay no attention and go on, but they have not experienced so many sad faces and beside, they just will not listen or leave me alone. Abbie and Clancy are the worst. They will set a ball in front of me or the mower and force me to move it or run over it. Now most people would not play, but knowing I would crush their hearts, I would pick it up and throw it, and in just an instance it would be back for me to repeat again and we did.

Found this nest while making the path...

All in all we all had a good time and they got some good exercise and now I can say “another project done” On to the next……Actually, I built the path for Elaine and I to walk on along with the dogs. Happy trails till we meet again....Ken

We Call It A "Play Day"…

But it’s much much more. One thing we really enjoy is something we call “play day.” Sometimes one of our pups will come over to just play and interact with our dogs to socialize or stay the night, kinda like a sleepover for dogs. This is good for a variety of reasons, and I enjoy it because it gives my dogs someone new to play with, and it socializes them with other dogs too. It always changes the pecking order, and that’s good for everyone, especially knowing they can play together and get along.

The pup or adult dogs that come back to play also benefit because it socializes them too, and they have a lot of fun. They learn very fast to fit in and find their place in the pack. It amazes me to watch them as they get out of the car, and in just a few minutes, they fit right in, knowing who they can play with and who they need to give a little distance to. They always start slow, running at the back of the pack, and as the day wears on, they move up into the middle, and some even try to be the lead dog. But they have to earn it, and not too many have, but they do like to try. It builds their confidence, and we have a good time, no matter what the weather is.

Summer days with the sun are great because of the water they can get in, but rainy days and snow days are fun too. If someone comes for the first time, I suggest they bring a towel or something to clean them off with. When they are filthy, we give them a bath. If it’s a hot day, we (the adults) will sit on the porch in the cool shade while the dogs dry off and sleep in the shade on the porch.

There are plenty of activities to do here on the farm. There are ball and Frisbee, canoeing, dock diving, or just jumping and playing in the water most ll the time.

There are always chasing each other through the woods and playing “fight.” We have never had a problem or a real skirmish with anyone because there is no threat. Everybody is always on their best behavior and off-leash.

Some might think it would be a hassle or problem for me to do this, but I will tell you, I love it. It gives me a chance to see my pups again and it’s a break up my day. Many people will come over with their dog, sometimes making a day of it and bringing the whole family and some will only come for an hour or so. I have had people who just needed a break or come over when their dog has been cooped up because of the weather. They call and schedule a day.

Of course, there is no charge; I do it because I love my pups and the breed, and I like to watch them play. We have even hosted people who saw us on the internet and just wanted to drop by. We welcome them and their border collie.

As I went back into my photo archives, I saw so many I wanted to include, but there is just not enough space here. I may add a link, only devoted to “play days” later on. I saw so many beautiful dogs and wonderful times, and it brought back so many wonderful memories looking at the photos.  So pack your picnic basket, grab your favorite Frisbee or ball, and let's have some fun...

I Remember...

I remember October 2010 when Molly had 10 healthy pups and we were amazed. They were so beautiful and colorful.
I remember when one went home on Christmas Eve of 2010
I remember a new family was so excited
I remember when I got “that” phone call a year later
I remember “We need to bring him back”
I remember how scared he was when he got here
I remember when he growled at me
I remember how hard I worked and got his trust
I remember how he would follow me every where
I remember when he licked my face and got in my lap
I remember when I got a phone call; I’m looking for a dog at least a year old
I remember how scared “I” was
I remember how excited the new owner was
I remember telling the new owner, "This is going to be hard for me"
I remember her telling me, "We'll take care of him"
I remember how lonely it was driving home from Cincinnati last week
I remember the pain and miss him
Bodie, I will always remember you……

Bodie was a dog that captured my heart. He was a beautiful pup that jumped, played and was full of life. He did come back home to us in December because of financial reasons and it was with many regrets from his owner, they loved him very much.  There was nothing to do but welcome him into our pack, but he was a little shy and reserved. The first day, he growled at me as I was taking his collar off and we had my “Come to Jesus” talk and from that point on, he knew, “I” not “He” was the boss of these parts and we never had a problem except once when I was brushing his tail and he growled again. I pushed his head down and said “Bodie, hush” and that was it. Never again. We make a practice of not keeping a dog that is returned to us for several reasons, (except Abbie). The biggest reason is we don’t have the kennel space. I would gladly keep them all if I could. I wanted to evaluate him and make sure he would fit in, so, I took my time with him and worked hard. Bodie did have a few problems; however none of them were very serious and I think he is just a pup in a 14 month old dog. He thought he was the boss and wanted to show it. The more he stayed here, the more he fit in. He got along great with all the dogs and loved to come in the house. We taught him some basic things and he loved to play. He is an expert at playing ball and is completely house broken. He’s a great bed buddy and loves to sleep right next to anyone but loved to sit between Elaine and I, watching TV and eating popcorn, but Bodie prefers the Kettle Korn.

I took Bodie to Cincinnati to meet his new owner on Tuesday which was a half way point for both of us. They live on nearly 400 acres two hours east of Cincinnati and have everything any dog could possibility want or need. He jumped into the front seat and off they went. My drive back after transferring him, was very bitter sweet and I missed him so, as we had become great friends. I remember Elaine and I talking about what we wanted for him and what we thought Bodie needed in a forever home and in our mind, we made our list. The night before he left while he was asleep in my lap, Elaine spoke up and said. “You remember what we wanted for Bodie” and when we thought back, he was going to exactly what we had wanted for him, I guess the fate gods worked again.

Bodie is a wonderful dog, he was a little slow relaxing and getting close to us, but when he did, he was very gentle, sweet and loving. He captured my heart and I his. I do miss him and wonder what he is doing throughout the day. The hard part about raising pups for me, I like keeping up with them as adults, I see the good as well as the bad things that happen in their life. I try very hard to keep in contact with all of our dog owners via emails or phone calls. I love the good things that happen in their life whether it’s awards or a competition they are in or just a lap to sleep in, but I hate to get “that” email “Ken, We are just devastated, the worst thing happened today…..” I know I can never feel their pain, but I have shed many tears over my little ones and I always flash back to those little faces in the kennel cocking their head from one side and then to the other as I sing to them or I watch them run as fast as they can and tumble as they turn a corner, getting up and going for more.  

Bodie has a chance to be the luckiest dog in the world. I hope he warms up to his new owners and will love them as he loved me. There are a lot of people pulling for him and want nothing other than him to be happy and content. As always, if it doesn’t work out, there is a place in my lap and Kettle Korn in the cabinet, you’ll just have to share Bodie. You’re the first thing I think about when I rise and my last thought when I retire. Good Luck Bodie, There’s always tomorrow, never look back…..you have a bright future and many many years of running until your too tired to run anymore and then falling asleep with someone who loves you as much as I do… Dad

Sharing Your Bed, Do You?

Molly and Abbie

With six dogs, we always take turns with each of the dogs on who gets to stay in the house, not only during the evening to watch TV and eat snacks, but also to sleep in the “man’s” bed with the man and his “mate”. We like to do this for several reasons. The first one is to see each dog away from the pack and to give them individual time with us to do the things they want to do which is usually a small game of recliner chair Frisbee or toss the ball. As I have said many times before, mine are all different in many aspects and mannerisms. They seem to sense and know whose turn it is to come inside for a fun filled evening with the “man”. After feeding them in their kennel at night, it’s time to choose who comes in and you always get the “sad eyes” and “pouty faces” of the ones who are left, but the dogs that have been chosen will stop and give raspberries to the ones in the kennel, as if saying Ha-Ha it’s me, it’s me and not you….
After watching a few of their favorite shows while sitting in my lap, it’s time for bed. One last trip outside and back inside in a flash. This is where they all change and show their true colors and bed habits.
Let’s start from the youngest to the oldest.

Annie is a gem. She will lie so still at either the foot of the bed or at your head giving you plenty of room. You won’t even know she’s in the bed and she won’t move all night and is a little angel, one of the only times. She hasn’t learned any bad sleep habits yet, but she’s still young.

Abbie, she is a real character. First, she will beat you to the bed and lay on the pillow and will be put out if she has to move. If for any reason you get up during the night, she will again, move to the pillow where it is warm and snuggle right in. During the night, she will put her back to you and you can cuddle her like a teddy bear. She will lie as still as she can, but when she hears the first noise or feel any movement, game on! She is licking your face and giving you a good ear cleaning.

Meggie loves to lie back to back. It’s so wonderful during cool weather because she will stretch out and keep you warm from head to toe. She will press her back into you and nearly move you across the bed.

Dutchess is a real treat. She will want to play until the last minute and even bring a ball to bed, just in-case you might want to toss a few during the night with her. She is the hardest to sleep with because she has so much energy and never wants to stop.

Molly will want to lay her head near your face, which brings her paws up there too. She will paw at your arm trying to get you to pet her head and the more she paws at you, the more she thinks you will pet her back, even more.

Clancy is the largest of all the dogs. He will climb up on the bed and bury his nose into your armpit or under your neck. He always gives a big sigh and is gone for the night. He will lie in the same position for hours and even snores just a little.

All in all, the dogs are excellent bed buddies. They never need to go out and everyone will keep still except Dutchess, who will get up in the middle of the night and play, even if it’s by herself. I am usually a light sleeper, but I will again tell you, when they lick your face, the back of your neck, your ear or shove their tongue to your brain through your nose, it wakes me up! The other thing, most of our dogs have very rough paw pads because they are have been toughened up running so much on the rocks and rough terrain. It is a shock when they put their paws on your back and give you a good “scratchin”. We usually have at least two dogs in at any one time. Last night it was Molly and Clancy. If you rub or pet one, the other will move into position for their rub and pet too. As I awoke this morning and after giving them a good ear scratchin, they settled back in for a little more rest. When I went to get up, I went the other side of the bed to get out, over Elaine, THEY just seemed at peace and I didn’t want to disturb THEM. As for the “Man’s” Mate, that is another story for another time…
My mother would not allow any dog on the bed, I guess I don’t mind because they are part of my life and part of me. I love them so….

Riley

Last week all but one of our pups went home to their forever home to start their new life away from the farm. Riley got to stay with us and become part of our family for a few weeks because his human parents had obligations before he was born. After just getting finished training Annie, we are now starting with Riley (Whew). He is a very sweet loveable boy that loves to explore and be in the thick of things with each of our dogs and us. As the next to last pup was pulling away, I picked up Riley and into the house we went. We anticipated this and had his bed and toys ready along with a blanket and a tennis ball, which I’m sure he will enjoy for as long as he lives.

Riley has had a rare opportunity to make friends with the pack and become one of them. He has adjusted well and wants to play and be with everyone. At times he gets too friendly with them, like the time he wanted to nurse on Clancy and didn’t understand “nothing there” or the time he got too close to Abbie’s food bowl and she “just didn’t want to share,” grrrrrrrrrr.  What has amazed me is the fact that he has bonded with Dutchess. Usually, Dutchess is a little picky when it comes to who she wants to play with. She is not always a dog that plays well with other dogs, she likes humans because her brain works about the same as ours, in fact, harder at times. Dutchess will roll Riley around on the floor, and they will paw at each other until both are exhausted and take a nap. When Meg is on the couch between Elaine and me, Riley will curl up between Meg’s front and back legs and get as close to her as possible, then they will sleep for hours. But what has surprised me the most is Molly. Even though Molly is his mother, she will usually not have much to do with any of her pups and will keep them at a distance. I would only assume this is a Mother Nature thing to force the pups to go out in the world on their own. Molly, for some reason, sees Riley as a playmate too. She will pretend to bite, and he will do the same back to her. They will gently grab each other and, in a very loving and playful way, pull and nip at each other. Then they will lick and wash each other’s ears. Molly will roll him over and wash his belly and lick his face just to make sure he is clean and well-manicured, just as any young man should be.

He and Annie have become best friends. They both get into so much and play together. Riley will give her a go for her money and will pounce on Annie when she is not looking. They will play until both of them decide to give up, neither one wanting to admit defeat.

Even though it has rained buckets, we still go for long walks in “the big old world.” He has explored new smells and seen things he has never seen before.

We would walk through the woods, and where the big dogs would just hop over a downed log, Riley would struggle, and with much effort, he would wiggle his little body up and over, tumbling down the other side of the log, ready for the next one. The big dogs would walk, and Riley would run just to keep up, always trying so hard to be one of the gang.

We would cross several small streams that were full of flowing water with little effort. Riley would come to the brook and, with as much gusto, stop and jump straight into the cold water that came up to his chest. He would shake himself off and forge on. What a trooper.

After much hiking, he would stop and run to me and put both paws on my shins, letting me know he was done, he needed some help and was tired. I would pick him up and cradle him in my arms, letting him know he was safe, and I would carry him. He was at peace, and so was I. You see, at times, we all need a little help and someone to cradle us in their arms and carry us. Riley is a special little dog, and I’m so glad I can be part of his little life now, I just wonder if he will remember me and the walks we had when he becomes a big dog. I hope so, I know I will….

Meg...SLOW DOWN

Some of my Facebook followers may be aware that Meggie hurt her foot last week, but for those people not into Facebook, she was running with Abbie and impaled a stick or something sharp through her paw. It was between her paw pads that would usually protect her paw and it was a pretty severe injury that required an immediate trip to the Vet’s office. She could not walk on it at all and had to be carried most of the way and when she did walk, she sort of hopped on her good paw and I felt so sorry for her. This reminds me again that we are raising our children all over again because of the pain you feel for them. I have joked that raising border collies is like raising kids and this was meant to humor the reader but it does seem to be true in many different ways.

During this last trip to the Vet, it reminded me of another time I had to rush Meg to the Vet’s office because she had impaled herself on a piece of pig wire. This type of wire fence was cut off on the end and had many exposed 3/8 inch spikes that were sharp. It was, “I thought” in a safe place and out of the way where no one could get to it. She was running and turned a corner and ran went right into it and collapsed, the bad part, I was only about 5 feet from her and saw the whole thing happen.  It was awful; it went into her chest in several places and I had to pull it out of her. On the way to the Vet’s office, her head was in my lap and she didn’t bleed a drop.  At one point, her eyes rolled to the back of her head and she took a big breath. I thought she was gone, but we continued to the Vet. When we got there, she responded and appeared to “come to”. After doing x-rays and a good check, everything turned out OK and after loads of antibiotics, she just had to rest for a while, but it was real scary.

Meg At 10 Weeks Old

During this episode this past week with her foot injury, I have to soak her foot twice a day, take antibiotics and she has to wear protection on her foot so not to get it wet. This was especially hard since we have had solid rain for several days and now ice.  Meggie is a real trooper, she lets me do anything to her foot and will let me examine it without even a cringe, but her eyes tell me that it hurts. She will just look in my eyes as if she is saying “I understand”. She seems to trust me, knowing that I won’t do anything that would cause her needless pain or suffering.
Meg has always been a real trooper. She has endured more injuries than most of the other dogs put together, but I believe she has a “can do” attitude and is willing to do anything physical, especially if it involves running or jumping. She is the most gentle of any of the dogs we have (except Molly) and loves to cuddle and lay in your lap and just follow me around.
I am a little concerned with her paw, it appears to be taking a long time to heal, but maybe that’s just me. You see when we got Meg, we also got her sister “Gaia”. She came to visit with us until her human parents could make arrangements to fly her to South America, this was because we had boarding facilities.  Six months after Gaia left, we were notified that Gaia had passed away for no apparent reason. Since then, we have always felt Meg was just a little special and we have always protected her, just like one of our kids.  

This is Meg and Gaia, before Gaia left for South America

If you have kids, you always worry about them, what they are doing and where they are at.  You want what's best for them and guide them along, because chances are, you have made that mistake and don't want them to go through that pain.  You love them more that they will ever know.  My father once told me that you really don't know what love is, until you have children.  I really didn't think about this until I had mine, and now I know.  Until now, I have never had dogs that are so devoted to me and love and give me so much in return.  I guess that's why I try to protect them so...


Meg is a strong little dog and has a heart of gold, but for Christ sake Meg, SLOW DOWN AND WATCH WHERE YOU ARE RUNNING!!!   Dad

Run Free Gaia, see you at the Bridge...

Note: Now you can follow our dogs daily on Facebook, we’re at Shuck’s Border Collies. Feel free to ask me, or the dogs, questions or advice either open or by private message about your dog.

My Time To Vent

If any of you follow the “Shucks Border Collie” Facebook page, you have seen a few hints that we went to Louisville on Saturday to pick up a dog. It was a pup that went to his “forever” home in 2010. He is a pup from Molly and Clancy and came from a litter of 10 beautiful puppies that were all equal when they left here.

When someone contacts me about a dog, the first thing I usually ask is, “Have you ever had a border collie?” Often, that determines how far the conversation will go. The problem, some people will tell you what you want to hear just to get a pup, not thinking about the life of the dog and what it takes to make it work. Every puppy is a challenge, and Lord knows I have raised a few dogs in my life, but border collies present unique needs and particular problems.

The popularity of the movie, Babe, and the agility shows on Animal Planet, have created a desire for many people to want a border collie as a pet. So very often, my experience has been that children are driving this desire or some other rationale for having “the smartest dog” or they saw one on TV doing tricks. While I do no encourage everyone to consider this breed, I also caution everyone on their traits if you have never owned one. Border collies are high intensity, brilliant dogs capable of outthinking some people I know, including myself at times. They create havoc and challenge you to no end. They are not couch potatoes and will not be content to wait until you come home. They offer an unparalleled human/dog experience or a nightmare. This is especially true of a young border collie.
Back to the story. We have taken a few dogs back since we started raising border collies, and that is made obvious upfront, “if this does not work out, the dogs come back to us.” In every case, it was because they wanted one and had no experience with this breed or very little. Sometimes it was because they had a too-small yard or had too much and did nothing with the dogs, but let them run free with no supervision, or they wanted it for their kids. Don’t get me wrong; it not’s the commitment of the dog; it’s the commitment of the owner. The dog will follow you into Hades if you just call its name.
I compare border collies to a 3-year-old in many ways. Having raised four kids, I am a little familiar with kids and dogs and see a lot of similarities in both. If you have raised a child, then you have raised a BC, you just didn’t know it. It takes doing the things that you don’t want to do, at a time you want to do something else. Dogs that came back was because the owner did not live up to the responsibility of being a dog parent. Sometimes the owner will make it too complicated by doing things that they want for the dog or for the owner and not the real needs of the dog.

Some of the things you should do;
Research the breed, I can’t say this enough. You need to know what you’re getting into. We got a Husky once and knew nothing about the breed, but they were soooo pretty, but boy was we surprised of the running ability they had. This dog was all over the county, and it was our fault we did not know what we were getting into, and this decision was regretted many times over.
Border Collies need to run freely and will not do well in small outdoor pens, tied out or roaming freely where they often chase cars, deer, and/or children on bikes, all of which have been reasons for dogs to be relinquished into rescue and sometimes death. The dog may just need a dog companion, somebody that they can play with, and share times together. I can’t imagine any of my dogs living by themselves because they depend on each other so much and interact with each other so well. They do best on at least one acre where they can actively race around and engage in activities such as Frisbee or ball chasing. If yards are smaller, then other free run locations need to be available and used almost daily. I have seen many homes that have a smaller yard that is a beautiful situation because the owner will do things with the dog and compensate for the small yard, but it means being in charge and doing what it takes to provide the dog with mental and physical stimulation. Just last night, I had Dutchess inside, and she needed some activity because of the weather. I took her in the family room, and we played ball for about 20 minutes, and she was exhausted and content. She was at peace, and so was I, after playing, she got in my lap and slept for about an hour.

As I said earlier, many people want border collies. Still, the fact of the matter is, there are many border collies in shelters and rescue situations because the previous owners wanted a smart dog or the kids saw “Babe.” But if it’s not the right situation, and it doesn’t work out for the dog, somebody has to take it from there, and it will either be the breeder, a rescue shelter or a man who flips the switch to put them to sleep because the owner screwed it up.
Just this morning, I took all the dogs, which are seven now, because of the dog that was returned for a walk before dawn. It was 6 am and 11 degrees outside. Did I want to do it? No, did I need to do it for the dogs? Yes. As a person who breeds on a limited basis. I have responsibilities to the dog until it dies, even if he/she lives somewhere else. If you have met me or talked to me in-depth, you have heard me say. “It will be your dog, but it will always be my pup,” and I mean it…

We will evaluate Bodhi and see what he needs to fit in and make sure he gets all the love and attention that he needs and wants. It is incredible to see him run free and have a life full of joy without any worries. If you are interested in him, he will make a wonderful pet, feel free to give me a call. When we re-home a dog, they are a gift, but there is a catch, you must love him as much as we do. Ken

Some info and suggestions were found at http://www.glenhighlandfarm.com/, which is a rescue farm in New York.  It is a wonderful place that does fantastic things for border collies.