TM, Mama Cheryl (MC), Mama Penni (MP) and Papa Ron (PR) love and care for me.
In memory of DC Dora, CH Angus HXAsd, DC Kearney. Lost from our lives way too soon.

Saturday, March 31, 2012

Herding and More Strangeness

Kearney - When we got to PR's place late this morning, TM had me help her separate two ewes from their lambs.  The ewes are in the round pen.  TM said she is weaning the lambs.  I say there is a LOT of noise!

Lowri - I got to go in the small field and herd all the lambs and the two ewes.  Three of the lambs didn't want to come.  They just wanted to stand outside the round pen and cry for their mamas.  TM told me to bring them to her, so I did.  I had to work pretty hard to get the lambs away from the fence.  I had to run very fast to keep them with TM.  I was very good.

Kearney - Then TM's brother and sister-in-law came up the driveway.  They drove down from Maryland to visit.  I hope they get to see us herd.  TM says that they are all going to be pretty busy tomorrow and not to count on doing much herding.

Lowri - Why did they come down here if they aren't going to watch us herd?  TM says they are headed home tomorrow evening.  Mr. Dave and Ms. Diane took TM and PR out to dinner.  It smelled like they had some good food.  I think it was Italian.

Crazy Day

Lowri - Whoa!  It has been interesting here.  TM put away the sewing machine - Kearney finally told me what it was.  I had never seen it before.  But anyway, TM had been sewing stuff for the Nationals Herding trial trophies.  She finished everything last night.  This morning, she put it away and got out this really strange contraption.  Kearney wasn't even sure what it was.  I know I have never seen it before!  It was tall with a flat, level surface that was covered with a pad and cloth.  TM set something really hot on it. 

Then she got out this white thing.  Kear says it is a skirt.  Something else I have never seen!  She put the skirt on the flat surface and pressed the hot thing on it.  The skirt lost its wrinkles when she did that.  I just hope she doesn't put the thing on my butt hairs!  It smelled HOT!

Kearney - Then she put the skirt and some other new clothes in a plastic bag and hung them carefully in the car.  I know we are going to Papa Ron's place, but something else is going on. 

Friday, March 30, 2012

My Mama, Scout

Lowri - Look, LOOK!  My beautiful Mama is a bronze Grand Champion!!!!

GCH CH Cardiridge Jean Louise Finch RN HT CA - DN13842006

  Agility - Awards Processed Through 03-MAR-2012
 
NAJ
Number Qualifying Scores 1
Number Different Judges 1

  Conformation - Awards Processed Through 15-MAR-2012
 
CH
Number of Points 17
Number Major Wins 3
Number Major Judges 3
Total Number Judges 7
GCH
Number of Points 100
Number Major Wins 20
Number Major Judges 20
Total Number Judges 30
Events w/CH Defeated 26

  Herding Test - Awards Processed Through 23-MAR-2012
 
HT
Number Qualifying Scores 2
Number Different Judges 2

  Rally - Awards Processed Through 04-MAR-2012
 
RN
Number Different Judges 4
Number Qualifying Scores 4

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Cool House

Kearney - TM had to buy a new heat pump.  The guys installed it this evening.  The old one was 17 years old.  That is pretty old for a heat pump.  TM had been babying it along for the last two years.  She finally said enough is enough.  It had broken down once too often.  Now the house is COOL!  The guys told TM that it would be cheaper to run too.  TM is a happy camper again. 

Lowri - It is cool, but we didn't get to herd.  Maybe tomorrow.  I should say I didn't get to herd.  Kear got to help TM move the ducks a couple of times today.

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Sick Day

Kearney - TM was sick most of the day, yesterday.  We did eventually get to herd ducks, but not for very long.  I practiced my outrun.  TM was pretty happy with it.  I am still not quite there.

Lowri - I got to work ducks too.  Then we came in and TM went to the sitting room and worked on sewing some stuff.  I got to hang out at her feet.  Finally, she quit sewing and sat on the sofa with us.  I got to snuggle on her lap.  I love it when she strokes me gently up between my eyes to my forehead.  I just sit there and drift off to sleep.  It feels like love.

Kearney - This morning TM heard the trash truck coming.  She leaped out of bed, jumped into clothes and ran to get the trash out.  She was too late.  Now she has to bring it back and wait until next week.  Oops.

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Ducks

Kearney - We got to herd the ducks again yesterday.  TM was working to correct the problems I had at the trials this weekend.  She wants me to have a wide outrun and not angle in on the stock as I come behind them.  That is so hard to do!  I WANT to bring them to TM.  TM also wants to correct me stopping just past the mouth of the "Y".  I am not sure why I do it.  I think I just want the reassurance that I am doing what she wants me to do.  TM said she may just give me the extra command as I pass the "Y".  It will be a point off, but better than having me stop. 

Lowri - When the white duck started setting, TM brought the male duck back from PR's place.  That was a BIG mistake.  While the boys lived together happily with the girls for over a year, bringing the one boy back after he had been gone for a month was not a good idea.  Both hens and the other drake have been beating up this poor guy.  TM is going to take him back to PR's.  He is looking pretty bedraggled.  Oh yeah, the white duck sat on eggs for about a week and then jumped off.  Apparently they didn't hatch soon enough for her!

TM is feeling a bit poorly today, so I don't think we are going to get to herd.  I hope she feels better soon, I love herding!

Sunday, March 25, 2012

A Good Day of Herding

Lowri - I am very proud of my Daddy, my Kearney and Treasure.  They were very good dogs today at the herding trial.  I was good too.  I didn't need to wear the baddog collar.  I even got to sleep on the bed last night.  I didn't get off to bother MC all night long.  Then I only did it after she moved and proved she was awake.  Even though I was very good, I still didn't get to herd.   Maybe next time.

Chase -  I was the first Advanced dog to run.  I went to the post very happily.  I was jumping up and biting at TM's hand.  She wasn't thrilled to see me so very happy, because she was pretty sure my attitude was going to bleed over to my run.  I did a good job and moved my sheep around the field.  I QUALIFIED!  I now have two Advanced Sheep herding legs.  I just need one more to get my title.  Mama Penni was over the moon when she heard that I Q'ed.

I heard that I am going to get two chances to finish my title at the Nationals.  I am also going to get to try ducks again.  That should be interesting!

Kearney - Treasure was moved up to Started today.  She ran last in that class.  I think there were five in that class.  Treasure ended up third with a score of 94.  There were some nice working dogs in that class!  She will be able to try and finish her Started sheep title at the Nationals.

I was the last dog to run today.  TM was still pretty pumped because Chase had qualified.  I went out and did a nice job; although, TM had to redirect me.  I stopped just past the mouth of the "Y" because there was something that smelled interesting.  If I hadn't done that, I would have won the class.  As it was, I tied for 1st and lost due to the cross-drive score.  Oops.  On a positive note, I managed to pick up three more points towards my Dual Championship this weekend.  I just need one more point.  TM said I shouldn't worry about it, I am still very young.   I will try to finish it at the Nationals.

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Herding Trial on Saturday

Kearney - Chase and my Advanced Sheep class was pretty small.  The sheep cooperated pretty well for the most part.  Unfortunately, Chase got stressed at the cross-drive and wasn't able to get it back together enough.  I thought he was going to beat me up until the pen.  He didn't quite manage to qualify.  TM was very happy with his work ethic today.  He came to work, not rodeo!

I did a pretty good job.  I was the only Advanced dog to qualify.   TM was pretty happy with me.

Treasure went out and did a fab job in PreTrial.  She finished her PT title.  TM moved her up to Started for tomorrow.  I think she will do just fine.

Lowri - I had to sit in the car!  When I pointed out that I was the princess and should get to go herding too, TM put a bark collar on me!  WHAT?!?!?!  I mean, really!  I decided to just stay in my crate and give TM the silent treatment!

Now we are in the motel chillin' out.  We are all pretty tired.  TM and MC got us up at 4:40 this morning!  I need my beauty rest!

Friday, March 23, 2012

A Herding We Will Go

Kearney - Yippee!  Our bags are packed and we are almost ready to head over to MC's place.  Then we are off to herding trials in the morning.  I am so ready!

Lowri - I don't get to herd at the trials this weekend.  I am sure it is because TM thinks I will show everyone up (Kearney - NOT!).  TM says I will have to wait until fall to trial on sheep.  There is more she wants to show me how to do.

My Daddy is going with us.  I hope he behaves this time.

Speaking of behaving...Kearney, did you know I have eight brand new half-siblings?  My Daddy apparently snuck out AGAIN!  The puppies were born in Texas yesterday.  Ms. Kathleen put out some pictures on Facebook.  I hope my Mama doesn't hear he has been unfaithful yet again!

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Poor, poor TM.

Kearney - Poor TM, she is really going to be poor!  She has just told the Heating and Air Conditioning guy to order her a new heat pump.  It will be installed next Thursday. 

Lowri - But Kear, that will use up MY show money!  What are we going to do?

Kearney - I think we had all better start looking for jobs again.

Lowri - But, but, but, Kear!  I am a PRINCESS.  I don't do work!  Maybe you should get two jobs, so I can still be the princess.  Pleeeeeease, Kear!

TM - It's okay, guys.  I knew the heat pump needed to be replaced.  I set aside a few nickels and dimes.  We will be frugal for a while.

Kearney - Oh yeah, I see THAT happening.  What with the princess, and all. 

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Herding again

Lowri - It is fun being the foo-foo dog.  I get lots of treats and everyone loves on me.  That is a blast!   I also get to be the bed dog.  That is very nice.  I walk all over the bed making sure everyone is sleeping.  I am not sure my people appreciate my diligence.  They complain a lot when I walk on them.

BUT!  As fun as it is being a foo-foo dog, I LOVE being a herding dog.  I have been able to herd ducks twice this week.  I LOVE herding ducks.  Every time I bounce, they run.  We have one male duck that TM just brought back from PR's place.  He doesn't like to stay with the group.  I get to make him.  That is FUN!!!

Kearney - TM brought the drake back because the white duck is setting.  She needed at least three ducks to herd with.  TM has a duck setting at PR's place and a duck setting here.  That makes quite an impact on the number we have to herd with.  I hope both of the setting ducks raise lots of little ducklings, because I love herding ducks!  We should have some babies in about a week.  Those are the ones at PR's place.  The babies here should hatch in about three weeks.

TM worked with me on doing big circles and staying out from my ducks.  I did a very good job of driving them around the yard.  TM says I am almost ready!

Chase - I am herding ducks too!  TM decided to try me again.  I finally realized that when I listen to TM, the ducks behave.  TM sent in my entries for the Nationals.  I am now going to get to work ducks and sheep.  I think I really like that idea!  I am staying with TM this week.  We are going to MC's on Friday.  Then on Saturday morning - VERY early - we are going to the herding trials.  I am going to do my best to earn my Herding Excellent title.  TM tells me that I can if I just listen to her some.  I am going to try - even if she always doesn't make sense!

Monday, March 19, 2012

TM Here

Hi Everyone,

TM here.  I started this blog just a year ago, right after I brought Lowri home.  To date, this blog has had over 24,500 hits!  I am simply amazed.  I have been blown away by the different countries represented by those that read my blog.  Thank you for taking time out of your day to read about Lowri and Kearney!  Thank you to everyone that has posted a comment.  It is fun reading them. 

Right now, Lowri is sprawled on the kitchen floor.  I got her back from my kennel partner, Cheryl Kienast (MC), late this morning.  Cheryl did an amazing job this weekend with our little girl.  Penni Adrian (MP) and I were stuck at home (Penni in New Mexico, me in Tennessee) waiting to hear the news of how she did.  We spent a lot of time on the phone either wondering what had happened or giving each other long distance hugs when we did hear.

I cannot thank Janet Suber (G'ma Janet) enough, for entrusting this sweet girl to us.  We are very excited about the future.  Also BIG thanks to Janet for giving us the results as they happened this weekend! 

Papa Ron (my fiance) asked if she was done now that she is a Grand Champion.  I had to break it to him that this is just the start.  He was remarkably good natured about it <G>

Kearney is closing in on his Dual Championship.  I cannot thank Amy Hill enough for pointing the way with her DC Beli.  He was the first Cardigan Herding Champion/Dual Champion.  It was when he completed his title that I said, "Wow, I didn't know you could do that with a Cardigan.  I want to do that too!"  Amy just completed her second Herding Championship.  She did it with an awesome little bitch, Abby.  It is such a joy to see these dogs out herding and doing it right.

I am looking forward to many more posts from Lowri and Kearney.  They make it easy to write about their adventures.  They make my day brighter by just being here.

Sunday, March 18, 2012

Holy Cow!

Mama Scout and the girls (Sally, Lowri and Ginger)
Kearney - Lowri is having a spectacular weekend up in Louisville, KY.  She is doing the family proud!  She went BISweeps and AOM on Friday, BOB on Saturday and BOB again today!  Her sister, Ginger, went Best of Winners on Friday and again on Saturday.  Chase got two awards of merit.  Scout went Select Bitch three times.  It was pretty much all in the family!

Treasure and I went herding today.  We did a very good job.  TM says Treasure is mostly ready to trial in the Started class.  She is supposed to finish up her PreTrial title on Saturday and move up to Started on Sunday.  If all goes well, she will finish her Started title at the Nationals.  TM is hoping that will happen.  Treasure is still not very good on holding the stock at the gate.  TM thinks she can manage to work around it, and if not, it is only a few points that she will lose.

I am going to be in the Advanced Sheep class this weekend.  There are two points available each day.  I could possibly finish my Dual Championship.  TM thinks it won't happen this weekend, but she does expect me to qualify and pick up some points.  I am going to try to surprise her.

We all have our fingers and toes crossed for Chase for this weekend.  If he can qualify both days, he will have his Advanced title.  That would be so cool.  He could go home to Mama Penni with a HXAs!  TM is hoping that she got thru to him last weekend.  At least, she has a plan to stop him from rodeoing!

Saturday, March 17, 2012

Lowri - Up in Louisville, G'ma Janet arranged a photo op for the half of my siblings that were there.  From left to right, top:  “Sally”, CH Mockingbird Practical Magic; me - "Lowri", CH Mockingbird Elyan Magic Moment PT; “Ginger” Mockingbird-Wyncrest’s I Believe In Magic (13 pts)   Bottom: my Daddy "Chase", AM/CAN CH C-Myste Baledwr Pursuit of Happiness CD RN HIAs VCX TT; my beautiful Mama, "Scout", GCH Cardiridge Jean Louise Finch RN HT CA; and my brother, "David", Mockingbird Magical Mystery Tour.  Thank you, G'ma!!!  We LOVE the photo!

On top of that, I went Best of Breed today!  It was awesome!  Everyone petted on me and MC - but mostly me.  I got to go to the Group place again.  And, my Daddy, Chase, got another Award of Merit.  We are having the best time here in Louisville!

Kearney - We got to go herding here at the farm.  Treasure and I both got to work the big mamas.  TM was very happy about our work.  TM also went out and worked on the fence.  Then PR got the new six-foot rototiller off the truck and out of the box.  He got it all set up, hooked it up to the tractor and rototilled the garden spot.  TM was very happy with him.  We are happy that Lowri is coming home tomorrow.  Miss Monroe and Treasure are glad that MC is coming home.  They miss her.  We miss her too (he said diplomatically).

Friday, March 16, 2012

Dog Shows

Kearney - I am very happy to report that Lowri did very well at the shows today.  Ms. Kathy Davis said she was the Best puppy in Sweeps!  Apparently, there were some very nice dogs there.  MC was worried that Lowri might not make it.  Her sister, Ginger, was second and a very handsome boy, Keats, was the Best boy.  Ginger's roommate, Miss Flirt, was Best Veteran in Sweeps.

In the regular classes we had a family affair!  Ginger was Best of Winners, Lowri and her Daddy, Chase, both got Awards of Merit and Scout, Lowri's beautiful Mama, got a select.  Best of Breed and Best Opposite were full sister and brother, Coco and Leo.

I am being the perfect host to Treasure and Miss Monroe.  I have even given my crate to Miss Monroe.  We are all at PR's place for the weekend.  Aidan is very interested in Miss Monroe.  He had never met her before.  She keeps showing him her pretty teeth.

It is raining now.  TM and PR are revising their work plans for the weekend.  They will NOT be working in the garden.  TM is a bit bummed about that, because she bought a bunch of seeds.

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Red Dog Central

Kearney - It is Red Dog Central here.  Lowri is at MC's place.  Treasure and my Aunt Monroe are here with me.  Someone forgot to tell Miss Monroe and Treasure that at TM's house, we all sleep in until TM starts moving.  We had a bright and early wake up call from the red bitches.  TM just told them to shut up and went back to sleep.
The ducks were moving.


Miss Monroe lost her ears cause TM told us to stay.

A couple of days ago, as TM was leaving PR's place, she caught sight of this display.  There were wild turkeys everywhere.  She said the toms were courting.

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Papa Ron was Here

Kearney - PR was here last night.  We all got to hang out on the sofa in the sitting room.  After viewing us for a bit, PR said we have two dogs too many.  I should point out that PR, TM, Aidan, Daisy, Lowri and I were all on the sofa.  TM just laughed and pointed out that her two weren't going anywhere - WHEW!

Lowri - I had my hot oil massage last night.  I was clean and damp when I went to get on TM's lap.  She went and got a towel so I could be on her without getting her wet.  It was a very relaxing evening.

Tonight, I am going to MC's house.  I will be an ONLY dog there.  I am expecting LOTS of cuddles!  Then, tomorrow night we are driving to Louisville for more dog shows.  I will get to see my beautiful Mama and my sisters.  I might also get to see my brother, David!  My Daddy will be at the shows too.  It is going to be a family affair.  Too bad TM doesn't get to go.  Maybe I will think of her once or twice while I am having fun - probably not.  I am my Daddy's child.  I love the one I'm with.

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Tallahassee Photo

Ms. Vivian gave me BOS! 
Lowri - Here is my photo from the first day at the Tallahassee shows.  I had SO much fun!

Monday, March 12, 2012

Free-standing Pen

Kearney - TM got to watch a set of videos on doing the free-standing pen with Border Collies and sheep.  She picked up a couple of tips on how to do it.  Now she has translated it to working with Cardigans and ducks.  She has found that it works well.  I got to work with the ducks today.  I drove them around the yard.  TM had me do several fetches clear across the yard.  I am supposed to watch how she is standing to determine which way I am to take the ducks.  It is a lot of fun <G> I am still too pushy, but, I am working on that - or rather, TM is working on that.

Then we got to practice the free-standing pen.  I can put them in pretty easily now.  I think the ducks are recognizing that it is a safe place to be.  Then I bring them out and we fetch them to the imaginary circle and I do a hold.  I did a really good job with that!

Lowri - Then I got to come out and work.  I did a beautiful outrun and messed it up by charging the ducks <G>  I stopped as soon as I was told to (see my halo?).  I drove the ducks around the yard with TM's help.  Then she let me try the free-standing pen!  It is great.  I flank each way and try very hard not to over flank.  Then I ease up and the ducks go right in the pen.  TM shuts the gate and I get LOTS of scritches.  Then TM opened the gate and I got to do the hold in the imaginary circle. 

Afterwards TM had me do a hold at the gate to put the ducks away.  I don't understand that yet.  Sometimes she wants me to block the ducks and sometimes she wants me to circle around them and put them away.  In the meantime, the ducks are trying to get back to their pen.  TM says I am causing a lot of havoc there.  I still get scritches, so I must be doing something right.

Sunday, March 11, 2012

Whoo-hoo! Herding Sheep again!

Lowri - I am so excited!  I got to herd sheep again.  I put the big mamas and their babies in the round pen.  Then I went out into the muddy field and brought in the four lambs.  I took a look at the cow, but TM told me she didn't want her. 

Then I got to work the four lambs in the small field.  They hadn't been worked for a couple of weeks so they were pretty wild again.  TM worked with me on stops and waiting.   I don't like that much.  It is kind of boring.  Then I got to do flanks both ways and moved the sheep with TM.  She still doesn't like me bouncing.  She wants me to walk.  I say again, BORING!

On a totally crazy note - and I just have to say EWWWWWW.  Both Aidan and Kearney, who were tutored a long time ago, think I am HOT.  Aidan is really pushy about it.  Ewwwww!

Kearney - I got to work sheep too.  I worked the lambs.  TM had me walk up to them.  I prefer to stand a bit farther away and bark.  TM had me hit the ram.  I couldn't bring myself to hit him on the nose, but TM was pretty happy that I didn't go behind the ram to bite him.  She said that was a big step forward.  I do need to mention that the ram was threatening me when TM told me to hit him.

My sister, Treasure, came up to herd too.  TM was very happy with her work.  She said that Treasure was doing a great job!  She should be ready for the herding trial in two weeks.

Saturday was interesting

Lowri - Yesterday, I got to have a Girls' Day Out.  We were at Mama Cheryl's place.  TM and MC got up really early loaded the boys in the car and took off.  Treasure, Miss Monroe and I got to stay and FRAP all day long!  It was great!  We barked at the sheep, we barked at the wildlife, we barked just to be barking!  No one yelled at us (this means you, TM).  No one at all.  We had a very good day playing and gossiping.

Kearney - Chase and I jumped in the car with TM and MC.  We drove for hours down to Georgia.  When we got there, we walked around for a while.  Then TM worked me on sheep.  I got to work with the stock handler in the ring.  I ignored them completely.  I just did my job.  After a while, the stock handler left the arena.  She made a lot of noise in the pen with the other stock handler.  I didn't care at all.  TM was very happy with me.

Chase - I have been having a hard time.  Treasure and Lowri are very HOT girls right now.  Even though they weren't with us, I knew where they were and trust me, they are HOT!!!  On top of that, we were at a herding site.  I always get to rodeo when we go places.  That is almost my trademark!  I train nicely at home and rodeo when TM can't do much about it.

I went out to the cone with TM and the sheep were brought into the arena.  I wanted to rodeo so badly, I was shaking.  I couldn't believe it!  TM LEFT ME THERE!  She told me to stay and she walked over to chat with the stock handler.  WHAT IS THIS!?!?!?!  She chatted for several minutes and then walked back to me.  I got praised for staying, but TM left AGAIN.  Yes, I was still shaking, but geez!

Finally, TM came back and after a bit more waiting she sent me to get the sheep.  This was NOT a normal herding trial!  TM made me stop and redo a lot of stuff.  I had to stop and just wait on the field.  It was mind altering!  I had to behave.  I finally settled in and did my job.  TM was quite happy with me.

After two workouts each, Kearney and I were loaded in the car and we drove off.  We stopped at Miss Janet's place and I got left there.  Do you suppose Miss Scout is HOT and I am going to have more babies with her?  WHAT?  NO?  But I LOVE Scoutie.  Miss Janet says she is just going to transport me to my handler for some dog shows.  No Scout, not even a possibility <sigh>

Kearney - We are now at PR's place for what is left of the weekend.  We are going to get to herd again.  Life is good.  Next weekend, MC is taking Lowri to some shows.  She will be bring Chase home with her.  He is only going to be gone for a week.

Friday, March 9, 2012

Awesome Dog!

Lowri - I was the Awesome Dog today!  Awesome - I just LOVE that word!!!  TM let me herd ducks.  I moved the brown duck along and kept her with the group.  I held the white one back and made her stay with the group.  I did big looping outruns and flanks and KEPT going until TM told me to stop.  I HAD A GREAT TIME!

Kearney - I did some fun stuff too.  TM had me running inside flanks.  I am supposed to come between her and the ducks.  She wanted me to stay out wide while I did it.  I screwed up the first one and she made me do a couple more.  I wanted to push the ducks a bit too hard today, but TM kept working with me.  We ended up by doing an open field "hold".  TM was on one side and I got to cover the other three sides.  I wanted to come up close so I could give them the evil eye, but TM made me stay out.  I love doing Holds.  The ducks get nervous and freeze in place <G>  That is FUN!

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Herding in the Rain

Kearney - We got to herd today, even though it was drizzling.  I got to get the ducks out of the pen as usual.  TM just stood there and watched.  She was impressed that I kept my distance and pressured them just enough to keep them moving.  I brought them straight to the gate.  TM told me I was awesome.  I drove them around the yard, through the obstacles and then to the free-standing pen.  If it sounds like yesterday, it was a lot like that.  TM works with me on my handling and trying to get me to stay back from the ducks.  She changes up the run so it isn't like I am learning a course or anything.  We always run it differently.

The free-standing pen was kind of fun.  I am just about to get the whole idea.  TM wants the ducks IN the pen with very little fuss and muss.  I am figuring that out.    She says I have about 30 days of working ducks between now and Nationals.  That is if I work them every weekday.  She doubts if that will really happen, but it does give me a bit of time to learn what I am supposed to do.

Lowri - TM actually took us out to herd today because she was thinking of how few days we had left to train in.   Because of dog shows and herding trials, I have a little less than Kearney.  I will get a few days of herding sheep to add in, but for me, it is all about the ducks.  I am only entered on ducks at the Nationals. 

I don't have this duck stuff down like Kearney does.  I think his method is... BORING!  I like bouncing so much better <G>  Today, the brown duck did a lot of stopping to rest.  TM let me figure out how to fetch her with the rest.  I got to push on her with my nose.  After I got her moving, I had my mouth open and I was breathing on her tail feathers.  TM cautioned me about taking a taste - like I was going to!  I was just thinking <G>  Over all, TM was pleased with my work.  She still thinks I have a lot to learn.

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Herding on a FINE Day

Lowri - We finally got to herd!  TM sat like a lump on the sofa all day and finally, just as I was giving up on getting to go herding, she got up and took Kearney out!  Yay!  Herding!!!!

Kearney - I got the ducks out of their pen and put them in the back yard.  TM had me herd them around, taking them through various obstacles.  Finally, she had me bring them over to the free-standing pen.  The ducks weren't very cooperative.  I had to work pretty hard to get them in.  TM kept working with me to stay out away from the ducks.  If I gave them enough room, they would walk toward the pen.  I finally got them penned twice!  Then TM said "that'll do."  WHAT?  I was barely getting warmed up!  I finally consented to go with her.  Lowri got to work next.

Lowri - TM wouldn't even let me start until I sat quietly beside her.  I kept jumping up and trying to dash off to the ducks.  TM kept stopping me and bringing me back to sit beside her.  Finally, I relaxed and just sat.  TM can be so stubborn sometimes.

I got to go herd the ducks all around the yard.  TM thought I was a little too wound up to try the free-standing pen today.  I just fetched them along with TM.

Our ducks are pretty bad.  They don't like to hang out together.  The white one is especially bad.  She runs off every chance she gets.  TM says this is good for me.  I am learning how to work real ducks.  I was a very good girl, because I kept them all together.  Maybe we will get to herd again tomorrow!

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Good news, Bad news

 Lowri - Good news, TM and PR got their marriage license.  We will soon be one big, happy family!

Kearney - Bad news, No herding for us, yet.  TM is still under the weather and now, PR is too.

Good news, Aidan's medicine has helped him with his traykeya (TM- that is trachea, Kearney).  He has almost quit coughing altogether.  Both PR and TM are glad of that.

Lowri - Bad news, I am still in heat and TM forgot to bring my panties to PR's place.  That means I am stuck in the xpen.  To add insult to injury, KEARNEY gets to be on TM's lap.  Sigh, I just can't catch a break.

Kearney - Good news, TM is VERY happy that she finished her taxes.  She took them to the accountant today.  She is getting enough money back to pay the accountant and go to dinner.  I think she said she stuffed a bit into the dog fund for shows.  TM has been doing happy dances all day!  We like it when TM is happy.

Lowri - Bad news, TM got the bill from the estate planner today.  Good news, because of her tax refund, TM can pay him <G>

Over all, this has been a good news day!  We all are doing happy dances!

Sunday, March 4, 2012

Sunday in Tennessee

Lowri - <snicker> TM looks like a yokel with the rolled up pants.



Kearney - Poor TM is sickly again.  She is sneezing, sniffling and coughing a little.  Neither Lowri nor I got to herd this weekend.  Chase was the only one who got to herd yesterday and he and Treasure were the only ones who got to herd today.

Lowri - Yes, I know TM isn't feeling good, but do you know WHY we couldn't herd?  She didn't want to give us baths!  She was willing to work with us, but apparently bathing us is just too much.  I just don't see why!  I even help her in the tub.  I turn when she tells me to, I shake my coat when she tells me too.  Oh, Kear!  I just want to herd!

Kearney - We will get to herd ducks this week, Lowri.  And next week, the time changes and TM will have more time in the evening.  We will soon be herding ducks every night.  We will also be able to herd sheep as soon as TM feels better.

Besides, not only is TM off color, Aidan had breathing problems this weekend.  He had to make a trip to the emergency room last night.  He is doing much better today.  TM and PR are worried about him.  His traykeya - the breathing tube in his throat - is not good.  They are not sure how best to help him.  Sounds like he gets to be a couch potato.