Lowri is Growing Up

Kearney - Our little Lowri is growing up.  I would say that with fondness except she is channeling her inner bitch.  She has started doing dominance moves and our play fighting has taken on a more serious tone of voice.  I don't care, I am a happy, easy going boy, but sheesh!  She is taking this queen bitch role seriously.  Fortunately for her, she hasn't tried to challenge TM.  That would not work out well for our little Lowri.

Lowri - I am just making sure you know that when we play the new food game, that it is MINE!  All MINE!  TM may lock me in a crate, but it is still MINE.

I had the best time playing with the game tonight.  I am starting to get how to work it.  TM has been putting in the little knobs and the whole toy has treats hidden everywhere.  I LOVE this game.  TM gives me hints, but I know if I keep working at it, I will get all the treats.  MC really got us a good present!



TM put in this picture of me and my Daddy at the Nationals in Houston.  She is starting to get excited about going to Ohio - and that is still MONTHS away.  (Those are MC's toes <giggle>)

Sad Stuff

Kearney - TM just found out that Miss Laura's Star has lymphoma.  She has been hoping and praying that it wouldn't be that.  It just isn't fair that some people, like TM and Miss Laura, have to go through this TWICE!!!  On top of that, Miss Laura's German Shepherd, Maggie, is not doing well.  Maggie is 12.  Miss Laura shouldn't have to bear this much all at once.  TM has been crying for her.

Lowri -  Miss Laura has been snuggling with Star and Maggie.  I know they feel her love!  We may be dogs, but we can tell when our people love us.  It is our hope that Miss Laura can feel the love and caring from all her friends - I am not sure if humans can feel long distance love.  I know Star and Maggie do. 

New Tires and herding

Kearney - Well, we had some excitement on the way back to TM's place.  TM was supposed to meet with MC to do the hand off with Chase.  TM was 16 miles from the meeting place, when all of a sudden there was bad shaking and THUMP, THUMP, THUMP.  TM safely navigated to the side of the interstate.  She got out and, sure enough, we had a flat tire.  TM sent up some thanks to God, because the car was mostly empty.  She could get to all the tools she needed.  If it had happened on the way to PR's, I am sure she would have said some different words <G>

She got the spare out and was pleased that it had lots of air in it.  Then she got the book out to tell her where to put the jack.  Right then, a VERY nice family stopped and lent us their daddy to finish the job for TM.  She asked if she could pay him and he said "No Thanks."  He handed her a little booklet talking about God.  TM thanked him and thought it was very nice that he knew her Father too.  Just as they drove off, MC showed up.  TM had called her to tell her she had problems.   MC kindly came clear up to meet her.  They were VERY, VERY careful when they moved Chase to MC's car.   This morning TM went and bought new tires.

Yesterday morning we got to go herding.  Chase went first.  We worked in the pen with the crazy lambs.  Funny how they aren't very crazy any more.  TM worked with Chase on being quiet and patient.  She also let him work fast a few times just to keep his speed there.  She told Chaseman that he was a VERY GOOD BOY.  He liked that a lot. 

Then I got to work.  The cows were nearby in the other field, but I pretty much ignored them.  That made TM very happy.  I walked the lambs around and around the field.  TM likes how I have been working.  She still wishes I wasn't a chicken, but really!  Have you see the SIZE of those cows!!!

Lowri - I got to go last, because I am best of all.

Kearney - (actually, she went last because the rain was threatening and Lowri could skip a workout if necessary).

Lowri - AS I SAID, I got to go last, because I am the best of all!  TM let me work the crazy lambs too.  They are a lot crazier when I am in the field.  I am sure it is because they know I am very fast and can keep bringing them back to TM.  Anyway, TM let me work them.  For some reason, they kept splitting up.  That's fun (I call it "bowling for lambs").  TM finally got after me because I did a little too much bowling.  We worked more on TM just walking around and me making the lambs stay right with her.  That is boring, but still, I can cause some splits.  TM told me I was a good boy - and then realized I was a good GIRL!  I got some scritches.

Birthdays and Herding

Kearney - Today is TM's birthday.  She is 8 years old or in hexadecimal she is 38 (TM was a software engineer before I met her).  MP sent TM a book on Tracking.  I can't wait until we get started on that!  Gee, for TM's birthday, Lowri and I really lucked out - a food toy from MC and a tracking book from MP.  TM bought herself an Australian Duster to wear at the herding trials.

We have had a really good day.  While she slept in, PR let us out and then fed.  When she got up, she and PR made room for the new freezer.  They are going to put the bull in it.  I say it couldn't happen to a better cow! We herded and then PR fixed steaks for dinner.  We didn't get any of the yummy stuff - Aidan gets the leftovers for breakfast.

When we were herding, Chase went first.  TM opened up the gate between the lambs field and the field with the obstacles.  As long as Chase did what TM asked for, the lambs stayed in the little field.  When he was wrong, the lambs went into the big field.  TM kept things slow and quiet.  Once Chase had lost the lambs a couple of times, he got much better at working further out from the lambs.

TM called MP to let her know how Chase did.  They talked long enough for the lambs to rest up.  Then I got to work.  TM made me work in the small field.  I kept the lambs from escaping to the big field, but TM made me work near the stupid cows.  I did outruns near them and TM made me hold stops near them.  I held myself together and TM said I did a really good job.

Lowri - Then it was MY turn!  I had a wonderful time <G>  TM left the gate open and I lost the lambs into the big field - a bunch of times.  I raced out after them and brought them back.  I ran very, very fast!  After I did it a couple of times, it occurred to me that if I listened to TM, I wouldn't have to work quite so hard.  I started listening, and then everything worked much better.  We did a lot of trips around the field with TM just walking while I held the lambs to her.  It was fun!

Thanksgiving - The Day After

Kearney - Well, we went to Papa Ron's for Thanksgiving.  His son came to join us for dinner.  Adam said I was VERY well behaved.  I wasn't jumping on him like others I could mention (Lowri, Aidan and Daisy)!  Oops, I did mention...

TM took us out and we got to herd.  I started to avoid the outrun (TM said "NO. Bad Dog").  She called me back and sent me again.  When I did it right, she called after me that I was a very good boy.  I like making TM happy.  I drove the crazy lambs at a walk completely around the field and back.  TM was watching me to make sure I didn't hurry forward to stop their progress.  I had a good time.

Lowri - We got GIBLETS for breakfast, lots and lots of gizzards and hearts.  TM loves us!  YUMMY!!!  Thor is with us in town today.  TM brought him so he could get his rabies shot.  She gave him some giblets too.  I was able to snatch some away from him.  It was yummy <G>  I tried to grab some of Kearney's too, but TM caught me and carried me into the house.  I can't help it if they eat slower than I do!


Kearney - Lowri, tell about your herding.

Lowri - yum, Thanksgiving food sure is good.

Kearney - TM took Lowri out herding on the big mamas.  TM wanted to check them out to see if any are going to lamb soon.  Lowri got to be the stock dog.  TM worked on patience with Lowri.  And lots of stops.  Lets just say that after the last trial with a near relative of Lowri's, TM remembered she really, really wanted good stops on Lowri.  It didn't look like any of the big mamas were imminent.  TM is going to keep a good eye on them.

Lowri - Kear - do you think we will score anymore Thanksgiving food?

New Food Game

Kearney - MC gave TM this great new game for her birthday.  The best part of it is that it is for us!  It is called Dog Domino.  It is on a wood base.  There are four black "dominos" that move right or left.  Underneath them are five little cubby holes for treats.  Once we have this part of the game figured out, TM will make it harder by setting five little knobs to the side of the dominos.  We will have to move the slides to free the knobs.  There are treats put into the bottom of the knobs.

I am very bright because I figured out how to move the slides.  TM took a video of me getting the treats.  I confess it took me a couple of minutes to get all the treats, but it won't be long before I fly through it.  TM says she is going to let Aidan and Daisy play it too.  Lowri still needs help.  I think she is training TM on how to slide the dominos so Lowri can get the treats.  Maybe she is brighter than me after all!

Lowri - I am a baby!  I get extra tries to figure it out. 

It's Good to be Home

Lowri - I have had a great day!  I got to play in the rain and the mud with Kearney.  We romped and played all day long.  I have missed my Kear.  Tonight we went to PR's place.  I have been snoozing in TM's lap almost all evening.  When I was not, I played with Aidan, Daisy and Kearney. 

I had a great time at MC's place.  I got to sit with her a lot.  I played with Miss Monroe - when she was willing to play.  I got to try to steal her food - of course that only happened when MC wasn't looking.  With everything I got to do, there was one thing I missed.  I NEVER got to see the puppies!  They are MY half sibs.  You would think I could sneak a peek.  I tried and tried, but MC caught me every time.  I guess I have to wait until they are just a little older.

I'm Home

Lowri - After FIVE weeks, I am finally home.  I have been visiting with MC.  She is a lot of fun and I got to play with Miss Monroe and Miss Treasure, but I am happy to be home with Kearney and TM.  Here is a picture of me that TM took today.  MC had me fluffed and buffed.  She also tempted me with really good cookies.

When we got home, TM let me play with the new gift MC gave her.  It is a tricky dog toy.  TM hides cookies in various recesses.  I have to move slides around to release the treats.  I am mostly getting them by luck now, but I am going to keep at it until I understand how to win!

Kearney - I got to play with the new toy too.  It is fun.  TM has promised to get some pictures of it so y'all can see what it looks like.

I had some brilliant moments on ducks at the herding trial today.  Unfortunately, in that same run, TM screwed some stuff up.  I ended up with a fourth place.  Chase and I both messed up on sheep.  I would have gotten through the course, but TM chose to help educate me on some of the finer points.  She left the post, so I NQ'ed.   Chase was out to rodeo, so TM left the post just kept him from getting wilder.

Saturday at Miss Libbye's

Kearney - I started out really early this morning on ducks.  All I can say is that the stock handler looked at me, she was wearing a hat, the ducks were shiny black, the wind was blowing, the field was bigger, TM was wearing sun glasses.  Okay, I admit, I just didn't do my job right.  I spooked at the stock handler.  She is a very nice lady, but she might have moved when I turned my back.  I eventually lifted the stock and brought them to TM.  She did give me a wrong command, which I followed!  I lost the ducks clear back to the exhaust gate.  TM told me to go-bye.  OKAY, I HAD A BRAIN FART.  Are you happy now???  TM came down to help me.  She got me straightened out and had me fetch the ducks a bit.  Then she called my run!  I had just started to work!  I mean, really!!!  She looked at the judge and said "Thank you".  Then she made me LEAVE!  I hate it when that happens.

So then much later, TM came and got Chase.  The wind was still blowing, and he was pretty ramped up.  All in all, he did a pretty nice job.  TM thought he qualified.  Much to her surprise, the judge didn't agree.  Poor Chase.  He tried to work with TM, but just isn't quite secure enough in his job yet.  He did manage to do the outrun with only two redirects.  He needs a lot more miles.

Then TM came and got me.  I had to redeem myself.  Unfortunately, I forgot what I was doing on the outrun and needed to be redirected.  The sheep saw me coming down and left the feed pan.  I was clear out at the fence.  I moved them back to Miss Libbye, who was our stock handler.  I screwed around a bit, because I thought Miss Libbye might move.  TM yelled at me and I settled down to work.  I was the ONLY dog to get ALL the sheep through ALL the obstacles.  Unfortunately, I screwed around enough at the start and finish that I only managed to go fourth in the class.  TM said I did really well because only six dogs Q'ed, me and 5 Border Collies.  TM says I will do better tomorrow.  I really hope so! TM says I need a lot of miles too.

Friday at Miss Libbye's

Kearney - Today we were at Miss Libbye's place in Central Kentucky.  I was the only one who got to herd and I only got to herd once.  That sure wasn't much fun.  I really like it when I get to herd multiple times.  Today was A course Ducks and B course Sheep - that is why Chase didn't herd and I only worked once.

It was really chilly this morning.  Makes me a bit sorry that I am in the midst of a big shed right now!  We got to the trial at 7:00 o'clock.  It was just getting light.  TM got Chase and me out and let us potty.  I wanted her to get the show on the road, but I guess it wasn't quite time for my turn.

When it was time, TM got me out of the van.  She clipped on the leather leash.  I was VERY excited as I know she only does that when we are going to herd.  We walked out to the cone and TM sent me.  When I got to the right spot, the duck wrangler lifted the wire circle and let the ducks out.  I almost fell over in shock!  These ducks weren't like anything I had ever seen before!  They were big and black - pure black!  With an iridescent green sheen to them.  I didn't want to get near them.  I didn't realize that they were ducks at first.  Once they moved a bit, and quacked a bit, I figured it out and went to work.  I did a pretty good job with them.  At the repen area, TM told me to HOLD them.  I told them to freeze.  One of them ignored me - TWICE!  I couldn't allow that.  The second time, I grabbed it by its wing and swung it around.  TM squeaked!  I let it go and TM opened the gate. 

Even though I punished the duck, the judge let me qualify.  I ended up in second place.  TM says I am almost halfway to my Dual Championship.  All I can say is "bring on the trials."  I LOVE my job!!

Ready to Go

Kearney - The car is packed.  I'm ready to go. I'm standing here beside the door. I hate to say good bye - oh wait, I Love to go.  I am ready to go.  When do we leave???


TM and I just did my last chance workout.  I did the outrun and lift just right all three times.  My fetch is just a little too fast.  TM says were as ready as we can be at this time.  Herding trials, here we come!

Last night when TM went to bed, it was still raining.  It has been raining for two days!  Just before she turned the lights out, she happened to be looking at the ceiling.  She looked at it for a minute and then got out of bed to touch it.  Sure enough, water on the ceiling.  TM needs a new roof.  PR called his guy for her.  They are going to get it done as soon as they can.  Poor TM - literally - POOR TM. 

Pumped and Ready

Kearney - I got to work sheep (with no stinkin' cows nearby) yesterday and ducks today.  I am ready to go!!!  I love my job.  I get to help TM with the livestock all the time.  Sometimes I think she makes up work, but I get to go out and have a really good time doing it!

Chase - I brought my brain to work yesterday.  I did a beautiful outrun and moved the sheep quietly around the field.  We were working the crazy lambs again, so it is always interesting.  I get to cut them off when they try to escape.  Of course, I am the one who causes the escape in the first place <G>

TM says we are going to herding trials this weekend.  Kearney will get to work sheep and ducks.  I will only be working sheep (they finally got the clue about me not liking the stinkin' ducks).  I don't have a problem with cows.  I think they would be interesting to work, but both TM and my mama, Penni, said a resounding NO.  Anyway, I can't wait to go to the trials (I get to lose half of my mind and it is expected <G>).

Miles and Miles to Go

Kearney - TM took me out with the seven wild lambs today.  I worked at moving them around the field at a walk (them, not necessarily me).  The cows were out in their field next to the lamb field.  I had to go over near them to bring the lambs back a couple of times.  I STILL don't like that!  TM just kept working me quietly and having me walk the lambs along.  She said I was a VERY good boy.

Chase - I worked the lambs in the field too.  They don't like to walk when I am around.  I have POWER <G>  I like it too!  TM had me doing outruns and walking the lambs around the field.  That is harder than you might think when you have power to burn!  TM told me a lot of times what a good boy I was.  I wish she thought that when I made the lambs hurry, cause that is a LOT more fun.  I did get to do a couple of times of lifting the lambs off the fence.  I get to hurry then.  TM says I need lots of miles now.  I have the general idea, I just need to be right a lot now. 

Kinda Weird

Kearney - It has been kinda weird this last week.  We had two fabulous weekends in a row with Chase and me cleaning up at the herding trials and then Lowri cleaning up at the Knoxville shows.  TM was feeling almost guilty about our successes.  I tried to tell her that with Chase and me, she has worked really, really hard and earned all the rewards, but it took one of TM's clients to ask how this year balances with last year. 

This is a picture of Miss Dora earning her Dual Championship.  You can see she is shaved from all the testing that was done to determine she had lymphoma and to start treating her.  We lost her in March, 2010.  She was six years old.  (Don't tell TM, but while I liked Miss Dora a lot, she could really be a bitch.  I guess it is cause she got sick right after I came to live with TM.)

This is my brother, Angus.  He was in the kitchen (you can see Miss Dora's head behind him).  TM had them locked up while she was cleaning.  My brother always had his head resting on something. 

He was working towards his Dual Championship when he got sick.  TM lost him in June, 2010.  He had only shown symptoms for 9 days before she lost him.  He was four years old.

Fortunately, TM had me, PR and MC.  We were able give her lots of love.  Then Lowri joined us in February. 

I think it is kinda weird that really big successes can suddenly make you sad.  People are strange.  It is much better to be a dog.  We enjoy life and stay happy.

This is Lowri and me from earlier this year.  Looking at us makes TM smile. 

More Training

Kearney - I miss Lowri.  I wish she were here to play with me.  This afternoon, TM let me and Chase out together.  Chase took off and started a romp.  All of a sudden, he realized it was me he was playing with.  We both got sort of stiff and walked off pretending we hadn't just started to play.

TM let me work ducks again.  I know all about the cord pulling things behind me.  I don't really like it, but I am not jumping all over the place anymore.  TM had me work the ducks.  We pretended we had a course set up.  I did a pretty good job - except I am too fast and get too close when I am fetching them.  TM says we only have a couple more tries to fix that.

Chase and I are going to get to work sheep for the next three days.  TM says it will be our last big weekend before the trial.  We are going to Central KY next weekend for trials.  We are going to Miss Libbye's place.  My brother, Angus, always liked to go there.  He said Miss Libbye is really nice.  I am happy I am finally going to see her place. 

Gmpft, Gmpft, Snort

Kearney - Last night I was sitting in TM's lap.  She was warm and relaxed because I was watching over her.  Before too long, she drifted off to sleep.  Pretty soon, there was this weird noise.  I looked up and it was coming from TM.  I sat up to get a better look.  She was going gmpft, gmpft, snort.  When I moved to get a better look, she woke up and opened her eyes.  I don't know who was more embarrassed, me for getting caught staring at her mouth or TM for gmpft'ing.  All I know is that she was careful not to go back to sleep in the chair.

This morning, we went out to herd ducks.  TM attached a long line to a tarp.  At the other end of the 50-foot line, she tied the duck release wire circle.  When I moved the ducks past either one of these, she would pull on the rope and make it move from behind me.  I figured it out pretty quickly and quit startling from the movement behind me.

TM had talked to her sister last night.  Miss Kathy suggested she do something like this so I wouldn't be scared at stuff moving behind me.  Miss Kathy goes as far as setting up a scarecrow type of thing so the dogs get use to the idea of strange looking people being in the herding arena near the set out pan.  Miss Kathy is pretty smart.

Keeping TM Company

Kearney - Since Lowri has been gone - and will be gone for almost two more weeks - I have decided I need to keep TM company.  So, even though I have not done this at any point in my life, I have taken to sitting on TM's lap in the evening.  I curl up with my head in her lap and go to sleep.  She keeps a hand on me, or runs a finger along my soft hair between my eyes.   It feels great.

When she gets up, I follow her wherever she goes.  I make sure there are no sewer monsters in the bathroom.  I sit and wait for her when she closes a door between us.  I sleep at her feet when she is on the computer.   I even have been sneaking into the bedroom so I can watch over her while she sleeps.  I curl up next to the bed and snooze lightly.   I am doing my best to take care of her while Lowri is gone.

It is tough being a responsible dog.

What a Weekend!

Kearney - So my little sister spent four days at the dog shows in Knoxville.  She finished her championship on Saturday.  She did it a little faster than I did.  I got mine at almost two years of age, Lowri isn't quite 11 months old.  Oh well, I guess I will just have to put up with her big head.  Actually, I am very proud of her.  She is such a sweetheart.  This is what she accomplished over the weekend.

Thursday - BOB over three specials.  Thanks to Michele Billings
Friday - BOS over two specials to finish.  Best Puppy, Puppy Group 1.  Thank you, David Anthony!
Saturday - BOS over two specials.  BOS Group 3.  Thanks to Dr. Gary Sparschu
Sunday - Select over a special.  Thanks to Charles Olvis

MC is taking the haul of ribbons in to show her boss (so he knows why she takes time off).

I got to go herding on Saturday and Sunday.  TM made me work near the cows.  That was really scary.  I don't like it at all.  By late on Sunday, I was going down near them and taking my commands like TM wanted me to.  She told me I was a very good dog.  She is also teaching me to take an "away" for the crossline drive.  I am trying hard to figure out how to do that.  TM says I will get it - hopefully by the time I need it for the next trial.

Chase - My daughter is beautiful.  I am so proud of her and all my other children.  I hear my son, Tommy, is going to try to finish his championship this coming weekend.  I will have my paws crossed for him.

I got to herd on Saturday and Sunday as well.  TM worked me on outruns and escapes.  She seems to think the principles are pretty similar for my going down to get the sheep.  She wants me to go fast and stay out wide.  I get behind the sheep and bring them back.  It is a lot of fun - except when I go in too tight.  TM isn't amused by that.  She is working hard so I can qualify my next time out. 

I will be staying with TM for the next two weeks so she will have lots of time to work with me.  Of course, that means that Lowri will stay with MC.  That doesn't thrill TM, but she is going to just suck it up and be brave.

Little Sister with a BIG head!

Kearney - TM just got back from the show and...

Lowri - I HAVE L E T T E R S!  AT BOTH ENDS OF MY NAME!  I am a CHAMPION!  I had the BEST time today!!!  I got to meet new fans.  Lots of people cheered for me.  I WON!  I am SO EXCITED!  I just can't STAND it!  I WON, I WON!!!  MC is going to take me back to the shows on Saturday and Sunday and I get to show in the Best of Breed class.  I am a CHAMPION!  I am, I am, I am exhausted.  I am going to sleep now.

Kearney - Whew.  Glad she is down for the count.  So, as I was saying, TM just got back from the show.  She said Lowri was beautiful and that everyone was commenting on her.  The judge, Mr. David Anthony, wanted to take her home with him.  Fortunately, TM got there in time and made sure she went home with MC.  

TM - I can't thank Penni enough for agreeing way back in February when I said "you already have a Chase puppy.  If Lauri is still available for our pick, why don't you send her home with me."  Penni fell for it!  When we got to Janet's, and I found out Lauri was still available, I picked her up and never set her down.  She came home with me and became Lowri.  Now she has letters <G>

Little Sister

Kearney - Yesterday, little Lowri went to the dog show with MC.  She had a fabulous time and got to meet lots of new people.  The judge, Michelle Billings, thought she was lovely and gave her Winners Bitch, Best of Winners and Best of Breed.  There were three champions there!  She got to go play at the group place.  He judge at that place didn't think she was the best dog there - silly judge.  MC says Lowri did her best and showed her heart out.  I am very proud of her.

She will be showing all weekend.  If she continues to do well, Lowri will be a well-balanced dog.  She will have letters in front and in back of her name.  I am keeping my paws crossed for her.

On another note, TM is getting ready to get rid of one of the new ducks.  She does NOT want her teaching the other ducks to yell like she does.  TM thinks she has given this duck plenty of time to settle down.  Stupid duck!

New Ducks

Kearney - TM brought two new ducks home from the trial.  While they are the same size and look just like the other four, they are very LOUD!!!  TM says if they don't settle in pretty soon, she is going to have duck soup!  I am really enjoying herding the six ducks.  The new two are always trying to break away from the four.  I am having the best time keeping all six together.  It makes everything a bit more interesting.  TM and I generally have different ideas on which group I should move to the other, but I listen to her when she wants me to move them one way or the other.  We make a very good team.

On another note, I understand I am getting Lowri back this weekend!  I can't wait.  I miss the brat.  TM says she will be going to the dog shows this weekend to cheer her on.  Then Sunday, she will come home with us.  Of course, the other side of that is that Chase goes back to MC's place.  He has been pretty good for these last couple of weeks.  He understands that this is MY home.  He is welcome to share it, but he doesn't get to decide who gets to live here.

Wether to Market

Kearney - Last night we went to PR's place.  TM picked up the little trailer and put the sheep carrier on it.  Chase and I did different jobs in getting the wether into the correct field so TM could load him up in this morning.  Then we went up to the house and got cozy for the evening.  I got to play with Daisy and Aiden.  Chase spent a good part of the evening on TM's lap.

This morning, I helped TM load the wether on the trailer.  She got him into the barn and caught him.  I then made sure he kept moving as we went through the gate, up four steps and around to the trailer.  The wether was pretty good, and I didn't have to help very much.  Too bad.

TM hauled him to market and then brought Chase, me and the trailer to her house.  We waited patiently for her to get through the gates and into the back yard where she parked the trailer.  Then we got fed.

TM is busy hanging scary stuff like bags and tarps around the yard.  She is going to be working me hard on not being such a chicken.  We she was done, I got to work the ducks around the scary bags.  They were more scared than I was.  I made them go close to the tarp.  I was so good <G>