We Did It Again

Several months ago, my son Brad told me “if you get one more dog, I calling the Animal Hoarders TV show and I’ll watch you on TV”……..Well, I guess I should expect the TV trucks to pull up any day now.  I only hope I get some money for it.   A friend of mine in Kentucky was downsizing her kennel and posted a notice on Facebook that she had a few dogs available to good homes.  I turned to Elaine and ask, “do we have a good home”?  She jumped at the answer and eagerly said “NO” I said not us, do we provide a good home for our dogs?  She laughed and said she could resist and said “of course we do” Dutchess over heard this and I swear she shook her head no and I’m sure it’s because she did not get her fill of Frisbee that afternoon and I refused to play in the house with her anymore because she knocked over the easy chair, diving after a Frisbee several weeks ago and if you know Dutchess, you know it’s true…

“Doc” is short for his new name of “Doc Holiday”.  He is a little over two years old and is a Sable color with traditional border color markings.  He is a beautiful boy and is one of the friendliest dogs I have ever had, including some of mine. He is very loving and gentle and loves to run to me and jump up in my arms and just hold on, squeezing me as we stand still and looking at me with those big amber eyes.  He has been with us for about 3 weeks and everything seems to be working well with all of the other dogs.  He Challenged Clancy once and was very quickly put in his place in short order and learned that Clancy is King of this domain, but maybe it’s because Clancy has twenty pounds on him too, Doc wagged his tail and puttered off in another directions and I swear Clancy smiled and said “I’m da Man”, which he is.

The first day he was here, we were trying to make him feel comfortable and after feeding him we let him out of the kennel and wanted to love on him and see what boundaries he had.  We found out in a few moments, he had none.  He came right up to Elaine and sat in front of her and sat down with her.  She had a slicker brush and thought she might brush him or at least see if he would let her.  He curled up between her legs and put his head on her leg and went to sleep while she brushed him.  She said he’s a keeper and I agreed.

The only thing missing is his name on his own kennel stall which I will order next week.  Doc is originally from Texas but has deep roots from England, Wales and Scotland.  His Great Grandfather won the 2005 World Trials and his Great Great Grandfather was the International Shepherd Champion 1985, Scottish Shepherds´ Champion in 1979 & 1986 and has won over 100 Open trials in Wales and Scotland. 

Doc is still finding his niche; he wants to play, but will only run after the other dogs not really knowing what to do.  He will run up and down the hills and will watch the others play or stand with what appears to be a big smile.  He has fit right into our family and our hearts for several reasons.  The first is when he jumps on me and as I stroke his face, he reminds me of another dog we had and had to give up, a decision I often regret.  The second is his personality and the big heart he has.  As I have always said it'n not the paperwork that makes the dog, it's what you put into the dog, so he'll know what to do and how to act.  Someone in his first two years spent a great deal of time making Doc who he is and it certainly shows.  Thanks Wendy...

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The Journey

It was Tuesday, the second week of February of 2006.  My cousin Peg and I were in route to Smiths Grove, Kentucky to check out some dogs and possibly purchase a puppy.  We went to a farm house that had a barn behind it where two litters of border collies with a total of eighteen puppies were running and scampering in the straw.  Just after a few moments, I spied the pup I wanted.  There was no reason, color or markings that made her stick out for any special reason. I just wanted her and I don’t know why.  

Molly

We paid the farmer his money and started our journey back home to Indiana.  Little did I know how much that trip would change my life and how instrumental Peg and Molly would be intertwined in my life's Journey. I didn't want another dog but “Max” was a dog we had and seemed to need a friend and companion.  

Molly & Max

“Max” was an outside dog and never came in, so another dog would probably stay outside too, or so I thought.   The dog I picked out was a party color and wasn't marked like a standard border collie but a little different, she was cute and I named her “Molly Mae”.

On the way home Peg and I talked about the new dog and wondered if she would like Max and would they get along.  I've never had a dog, much less two.   As you can imagine, Molly stayed in the house the first few nights and melted out heart but Max still wanted to stay out.   Molly became the house dog and the rest is history, our Journey had officially started and we were going down the path at full speed and I didn't know it yet.

 Today the last pup that Molly will ever have went home and last night, I sang to them for the last time, we played together and I rubbed their head and held them one last time before they went to their new home.

Molly's Last Litter

 I sat down in the kennel and thought about the Journey we have had and how fast time flies.  It just seemed like yesterday that we went to that old barn in Smith’s Grove and it’s sad that I won’t be able to hold any more of her pups, but I take solace in knowing that many other people can hold part of her, and take that Journey with us.   Molly will enjoy sitting in my lap and being with us in the house and I think she deserves it.

We all are traveling down that road and taking a journey.  Some of us know it and some of us don't, but we  are.  I just wonder where I'd  be if I didn't find that old farmhouse or picked that pup for no reason, because she was a little different.   Maybe it was fate, maybe it was destiny, but I did, and my life changed in so many ways.  I often wonder how the lives of our pup owners have changed because of that little fuzzy pup that entered their life and turned it upside down.  Life is a Journey but we do hold the map, some can read it, some can't.  Hopefully that little pup can help make your Journey just a little smoother.  My  life has changed so much because of a Journey that Peg and I took together on that snowy day in 2006.  On Wednesday of this week, Peg made her annual trip from Louisville to cuddle and hold each one and send them off with her blessing, as she has with all of our pups.

Here are a few of the pups that Molly had with a unique color pattern.

Thanks Molly Mae, for giving many of us a Journey that has changed our life, I know it has with me...Dad

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The "Thaw"

Last week, we had a wonderful time playing in the snow but as all good things come to an end, the weather got warmer, the sun came out, but our walks and dog runs continued, I started seeing the dreaded time of year that I fear.  The “Thaw” not to be confused with “The Thaw” horror movie but it has the same effect.

 I noticed it and decided to put it out of my mind hoping it would go away and I was sure I was just making things up in my mind, seeing things that weren't there, but the next sunny day the feelings came back and were even stronger and I felt the effects, some I could even see.  NO  NO  NO… Am I losing my mind, I must be, I’m going crazy…It can’t be.  For the love of God, ...not… THE THAW……..Please spare me this year I screamed.  Just as the locust invades the fields at harvest time, the bears come to the stream as the salmon spawn, the “Thaw” invades Dogwood Ridge... once again.

See How They Change

Here I was standing right in the middle of it and I could see the effects almost immediately.  Although it didn't affect me in a horrible way, I did notice what it did to the dogs.

Notice The Growl

Lock Your Doors....Don't Let Them IN

We have all heard of the dreaded plagues of Egypt, but one that was always omitted because it was too forbidden was “The Thaw”.  Here is a photo of the original plagues that was found by a researcher in an ancient tomb with "The Thaw" written in blood......

 Plague of Lice

Plague of Flies

Plague of Murrain or Pestilence

Plague of Boils

Plague of Hail

Plague of Locusts

Plague of Darkness

Plague of the Death  

Most Dreaded Plague of The Thaw

Right before my eyes they changed, In a flash the were not the dogs that I knew.  Like zombies, bodies without a soul, walking frames of fur that once held a beautiful creature that I held and cuddled, gone forever and ever and evermore....

But wait....

Angles Singing... 

Sun  Shining...

Birds Chirping...

Booster Bath...

When all hope was lost, out of nowhere, a miracle from U.P.S...appeared, and the rest was heaven...

When I was walking on my land

Let My Doggies go

Oppressed so hard they could not stand

Let my doggies go

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How Can I Help You?

Ring…Ring…Ring…

Veterinary Clinic, can I help you…

Oh, I’m sorry Mr. Shuck, I didn't recognize your voice… and to think we talked last week when you brought Dutchess in for stitches…She is Beautiful, How is she doing…and your other dogs?

Clancy…Have we seen him before?  I didn't think so, but we've seen your other 6 haven’t we…

What seems to be the problem?

He did what?

Yes, we can see him  right now, we’re closing, but you’re one of our best customers; In fact, your dogs might be on the cover of our calendar next year.

 we’ll wait for you….

As I made this call, I realized that I made one last week and several times before and I almost know the number without looking.

Here we were, walking through the woods while the dogs were whizzing by us like  flashes of lighting.  I looked down and saw a patch of fur and hair stuck on a stick that was protruding from a tree.  In my mind’s eye, I just knew it was one of our dogs. 

Everyone ran and scampered in the snow, having a good time, but I just knew there might be a problem.

After examining him, Elaine found it, the call was made, no question, he needs to go in and of course, its closing time on a Saturday.  Why can’t this stuff happen when the office is open?  Clancy had snagged his skin on that very branch that I saw and he needed stitches.

How active is a Border Collie…Here is an excerpt from a website about Border Collies…

 Question: What is the worst thing about Border Collies?

 Answer: Border Collies are extremely intelligent and active dogs. Intelligence and hyperactivity are not characteristics that most people are capable of handling.  Border Collies need constant attention and if they are not true working dogs, they need to be given "chores" and "tasks" around the home to serve as outlets for their boundless energy. If no outlet is given, they will find one on their own (generally one not desirable).  Being smart allows them to learn quickly, not only how to behave but also how to get into trouble.  It is not easy to "fool" a Border Collie into doing or not doing something.  You must always be one step ahead of them and sometimes it isn't so easy.  The hyperactivity is also something you must think long and hard about. Some individuals are certainly calmer and less active than others but the breed as a whole, because of their breeding goals, is highly active. If you live in a small apartment or have no place to run the dog in wide open spaces, I think another breed of dog would be better suited for your circumstances. If you want a dog that lies around the house most of the time, is rarely noticed, and is generally unobtrusive, then a Border Collie is not for you. They demand (literally demand) lots of attention and lots of activity. If you do not have the time or energy to devote to the dog, then there are better choices.

All in all, Clancy is fine and will heal nicely as will Dutchess.  The important thing, is to know when to call the Vet.  Remember, they are the Professionals and you can't beat a Professional at their own profession.  They are the experts.

Are Border Collies active?  Oh Yes! They will put their heart into anything they do even if it's licking your eyebrows off or putting their cold nose under your arm as you type or when they are sleeping in your lap.  Whatever they do, they do it with gusto and with all of their heart.  If you own a Border Collie, you know exactly know what I mean...
My dogs play hard, very hard and I can only assume that most border collies do too.  I have seen a bad Frisbee toss go into the woods and all of them head into the trees and I cringe, thinking that any one of them could hit a tree and cause a head injury, I've seen all of them charge into a thicket of briers like it wasn't even there, all because they wanted to go through it.  Border Collies are all action when they play, but are the sweetest of all dogs too.  I have found that as hard as they play, they love just as hard...and give all of themselves.  If you own a Border Collie or are wanting a Border Collie, just know they need a little more than other dogs and give me a call, I've got a number for a good Vet...

I say this as Dutchess puts her cold nose under my arm as I type this post and see the pretty blue stitches in her lip from playing so hard last week.....

Mr Shuck, just to let you know, we have already booked an appointment for you next week...
No it's not for a routine visit, it's for anything that may come up...Thank you for your visit today.
"Thanks"

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Here We Go Again

Every year everyone makes resolutions for the New Year, well here we are at the beginning of the year and I’m sure most of us have plans to change things and do things different in 2013.  At least we made it without the world ending on December 21st and we have another year to look forward to.

As most of you know, I am a planner and will sit and think of ways I can make it better or easier.  While lying in  bed I will have images of projects spinning through my mind.  I have always done this and it has cost me many hours of sleep just because I can’t shut it off and in many ways this is a curse.

There are several projects that were started in my mind and even a few were physically started.  The biggest was the fence and that was a real blessing for us and any guest dog because of the peace of mind in knowing  my dogs and any others are safe.  I am so pleased with it and have seen many great benefits from it. 

The second is the chicken house; this was stalled because of cold weather and not wanting to bring day old chicks onto the farm and have to worry about them surviving.  To the many people who ask, “Great chicken house, but where are the chickens?”  The new chicks will arrive on April 1^st via US Mail.  There are six varieties all picked because Elaine wanted “pretty” chickens and they are and I’m sure they will lay “pretty.” eggs. 

So what is planned for 2013?  There are several projects in the works here on the farm?   The first one is to expand the kennel and make it more efficient and dog friendly.  When we built it, we just had three dogs, so it was set up that way.  Well, as you all know, then there were 4, then 5, then 6, and now you get the picture.  I have contacted several contractors and there are plans in the works and construction should start as soon as the weather breaks in the spring.

The second project that has started is…I want to be a bee keeper.  I have always been fascinated with honey bees, so now, hopefully that dream will come true.  I have talked and met with several people and even attended a meeting or two, just to see what’s involved, like I need something else to do.

I did ask at one of the meetings, “We have dogs, will this be a problem?”  My answer was oblivious and I gave several people a chuckle.  “The dogs will only sniff the colony once, because the bees will defend their home”  Well in my mind, I was  thinking about Dutchess and her eagerness to get to something or to get to  food.  I might as well get Dutchess a beekeepers hood, just to keep the stinging down to a minimum.  So to all the family members, you’re getting honey for Christmas….Sweet

The next project that is in the works is the “1^st Annual Shuck’s Border Collie” Puppy reunion.  It will be in late spring early summer and feature a weekend of puppy and dog fun here on the farm.  It will be free and will include dock diving, swimming for the kids, fishing and many activities for the dogs.  We can have campfires at night and enjoy nature.

It will be exclusively for our dogs that have grown up or rescued over the years.  It will last the whole weekend and if you want to camp, that’s fine or you can come for the day.  There will be a cookout on Saturday.  More plans to come as they develop.

2012 was a good year despite some problems and setbacks, but hopefully, we became stronger and wiser during that period.  Make 2013 the best year ever for yourself and your dog and remember, the more you do to improve your stance in life the bigger the reward you’ll receive in the long run.  

From us to you, Happy New Year, give your dog a hug and make it a great year for them too.  Ken

Another Year

Well here it is, another year gone by and its Christmas.  Dutchess has been extra good (really, she has) but it’s probably because she knows that Santa is coming and wants all the Frisbee's, sorry Dutchess.  

This week, we have received many Christmas cards and letters from our dog owners.  One person even wrote a very special story about her relationship with her dog, including her past “Heart dog” that passed away and her current “Heart dog” she got from us.  It was very touching and I had to turn away from Elaine as I read it, because I was embarrassed for getting emotional.   Thank You….

Our current litter from Molly’s was her last litter and Dutchess is soon to be spayed too, so she won’t have any more pups and both Dutchess and Molly will live here with us, as we grow old together. 

Molly's First Litter

Just Beautiful

Looks Just like Molly when she was small

Laddy, 4/16/2007 - 8/27/2010   R.I.P

1st Tri

Our only double blue eye, Katie We would love to see her again

Molly's First.

I thought about this as Elaine and I opened and shared the cards, reading them together, it was kind of sad, where has all the time gone.  All of the cards were centered around the adult dogs that Molly and Dutchess have provided and there were photos and stories and their dog seemed to be the center of their life, kinda like us.  What a wonderful moment, Elaine even decided to start a scrapbook with the many mementos we received over the years.

I guess because of the season,  it has cause me to appreciate everything the dogs do for us and I now realize that they do things for others too, making their owners as happy as we are.  As humans, we did receive a wonderful gift that we celebrate this time of year and the rewards will be everlasting.  With people that have our dogs they also received a gift from Molly and Dutchess that have had an effect that will last for a long time too.  OK just to make it clear, Dutchess will never be “Mary”, Dutchess is too rotten and spoiled, but Molly... that’s a possibility, Molly is so tender, unselfish and considerate.  But Dutchess… No way, she’s like Madonna, self centered, but sweet in her own way, but only when she wants something.

As I have said many times before, the people we have met have made such a difference in our life in a positive way and I can’t thank them enough.  This has been a journey that I regret not starting long before, but then again, we didn't know about border collies until we moved here 12 years ago and got our first one from the newspaper “free to good home” Thanks Max you started it all.

There have been a few regrets over the years and all of them, we didn't have any control over, but it’s still a regret and sometimes still hurts.  I will never forget my little “Shepp” he meant so much to us and we think of him on a daily basis.  I still have his photos in my photo editing program and will see him every time I edit a photo.  I haven’t heard from his owner for about a year and don’t want to bother them, but I do hope and pray he is happy and well.  Of course, I regret losing our little ones, Midnight, James Clancy and Gracie Mae, but what I don’t regret is all the little ones that have brought so much joy into someones life and I am grateful for being a small part of the big plan.

I guess my Christmas message is to be more like our dogs, now don’t get me wrong, no butt licking or passing gas, but to be more forgiving and tolerant, unlike me, holding a grudge for days.  With any dog, you just need to clap your hands and say “come here” and in a flash, all is forgiven and they are in your arms ready to shower you with licks and kisses.  They always meet you at the door like they haven’t seen you for weeks when in-fact you were gone for only 10 minutes and snuggling is the best, I can’t sleep well because they just want to be near me, laying all over me.  Dogs can show us how to live, be happy and give us piece of mind and want nothing in return.

Dutchess's First Litter

Thank you Molly and Dutchess for all the wonderful bundles of Joy you have brought to us and the many people over the years and for many years to come because of your off-springs.   You have changed the lives of many people and given so many of us a reason to move on and to live life to it's fullest with a companion at our side, even we have one of your pups, our Abbie.

Merry Christmas to everyone from all of us here at the farm, and to our little Shepp, Merry Christmas son, I love you, Dad.

Note:  In the beginning, I didn't keep very good records if any of our readers have any knowledge of Molly or Dutchess's 1st litter, Please let us know how they are doing,  It might be your dog, but they will always be our pup...Ken & Elaine

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Is it Worth it?

The last two weeks have been very busy and I have been on a roller coaster with many hills and many low valleys.  Sometimes, I don’t know if there are more ups or more downs and this week, I am starting work on the 2012 taxes for the dogs including all the receipts for sales, boarding and ALL expenses, which were many.  This has been very expensive year for medical procedures and fencing and sometimes I have to wonder if it is worth doing all the work.  As you know, I am a stay home dad and dog parent to seven border collies and both are full time jobs.  Not only do I do these duties, I grade the roads with my tractor weekly for about 250 acres which includes removing any snow that might come our way or rain damage.  Working the farm of any duties that might crop up, all in all, I am a very busy man.  Projects that are coming up are the chickens for the new chicken coop along with the sort and sales of the eggs and the planning for the dog reunion this coming year not including anything else that I might venture into. 

As I sat and ponder my thoughts, I try to reflect on trying to make my life better, more productive and to asset everyone around me, including calls from all over the states about BC’s and their problems, but as everyone does I also feel unproductive and distant at times and just get fed up with life and want to sit and do nothing.

Two weeks ago, when Molly had all the problems she had during birth, I usually don’t post such things on our Facebook page but a few friends found out and would send me personal messages because they were interested, and to save time, I just started to answer them in the open forum.  I never imagined the results I would get from all over the world and at times, there were over 25,000 people reading, watching, posting and sending me private messages.  I have never seen an outpouring of concern, prayers and just best wishes from people that truly cared about a problem that I thought I was handling by myself.  Most did not know me or Molly and some even started the message “You don’t know me but I’ve been where you’re at”.  Several Vet techs would contact me about her progress.  Once, even our Vet, Dr “D” called because he did not see the daily update and just wanted to “check to see” and I told him I just didn’t have time to post, but I soon did, people truly cared. 

This brings me back to my point, is it worth it, all the trouble, mental pain, cost and time?  As I write this, Dutchess is laying a ball on my lap with Meggie standing by my side pushing my arm up so I can’t type because they want to be with me and hoping we can play ball.  I actually laughed out loud on Wednesday while I was sitting in the middle of the garage floor splitting kindling wood for the fireplace and as soon as I sat down, Clancy put his nose under my arm, Abbie put her head on my leg, Dutchess sat on the other side, putting her paw on my other leg and just when I thought I couldn’t handle any more, Annie came behind me and put both front feet on my shoulders and licked my neck.  At that point, I just stopped and we all played and rubbed bellies.

But is it really worth it?  Again as I sit in the recliner Gabby will runs as fast as she can, jumping in my lap, turns and spins settling down for a nap as we watch the news or while I’m in the hot tub, Meg will always jump behind me and lick my ears.  Once, I was so tired and it felt so good, I just let her and I will tell you, she did a good job.

Molly is getting back to normal and will soon get her stitches out.  I won’t let her jump up on my leg because of the stitches as she usually does, but she will still paw at my leg wanting some affection and attention.  I tell her “no jump” but I will lie down on the floor and she will curl in my arms and nestle next to me, me giving her what she wants and she giving me what I need.

To answer the question, Yes it’s worth it, I only wish I could give more, because they give their all.

"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened."  Anatole France

Thanks to everyone who prayed, contacted, consoled and even cried with me, I don't know how to thank you but to say, I am so grateful that there are people like you, you made things better.  Border Collies are different and Border Collie people are too and I am grateful.  Thank you again, Ken

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