NvShadowBCs-Noggin' Doggin'

2018  Sheepdog blog      Always good to take time to reflect.  So much to be grateful for. So much more work to do.  So  much has changed in a year; on a personal note, professional note and with the stability of our country/politics.       In the journey of the sheepdog world, I have realized the importance of continuity.  Building the Mecca (or rather unveiling the Mecca) in Nevada has been telling.  My focus shifted awhile ago from what I could not do/have to what I do have.  I have listened to others talk about grit. I believe to stick around in this game you have to have grit and determination. To stick around in Nevada you have to add ‘a little crazy’ to the mix.  

     If last year was called ‘Live and Learn’, then I must call this year ‘Miles on the Tires’. 2017 is the Chinese year of the Red Fire Rooster. Boyo boy has it been a year for the border collies and I. It was a mix of circumstances that opened up doors than I bravely jumped through, not knowing the outcomes on the other side. Bluegrass Classic, Soldier Hollow Classic, and the Belle Grove National Sheepdog Finals were all new trials for our team this year. Feist Hill Field Sonoma Wine Country SDT Feist and I started out the trial season strong landing second on the Hill Field at the Sonoma Wine Country SDT The sheepdog team gained valuable experience at the scopey Zamora Hill SDT. Both Tane' and Feist earning points toward the nationals. Tane' putting together the smoothest and most timely pen on very wiley range ewes. Young Jag doing big chores.  Learning. Somewhere between the vast hills of Zamora and our Nor...

Live and learn      My theme for the past year.  I feel like we have enrolled at the USBCHA University.  This year was indeed a learning.... and living year. Feist watching Joni and Cap Kingston       We went on the road at the end of the season to do a bit more living and learning.  The dogs and I met up with Amanda, Barbara, and Bev at SoHo.  I only watched the last day, but it was amazing.  My good friend and DHS volleyball coach met up with me to watch the final day.   Dorey sporting gold      After Soldier Hollow, I fell in line with my dogs and rig to Meeker.  We picked up another passenger Mr. Monty Man that day.         Bev showed me the ropes around Meeker.  Including the famous statue in down town, as well as the practice field.  It was great to have at least one practice before running the Monty dog.  Barbara...

And the story continues       It has been a long time since I have blogged. For a variety of reasons. The biggest reason is the ever elusive time.  It seems like I am hitting the busiest time of my life.  I feel like with the passing of my Mother, that my life lesson is, 'to live...fully'. I am hitting my stride - or trying to. I reflect only briefly backwards of the time I may have squandered walking up a path designed by someone else.      A very good friend of mine several years ago gave me the analogy that your dog running parallels how things are 'going' in your life.  Thus the periodic reference to the 'sheepdog journey'. I don't entirely buy into it.  However, when your life is cluttered and your energy is like the hoarder households kitchen, sure enough it's tough to find the focus needed to hold up your end of the partnership with your dog. I have witnessed very good people who go through rough life times and take it ...