NvShadowBCs-Noggin' Doggin'

http://youtu.be/O-pO61orqH4 Many years ago my first visit  to Zamora with  Lily Bill testing Lily on sheep and  declaring her "quite eager" Zamora range ewes  possibly last year Zamora sheep after a good  rain  several years  ago Michael Slaven giving us a tour  of the rest of the farm  Loading our starter flock from the Slaven Family Michael at Dixon  Bill Slaven memorial RESDA SDT The Slaven Family and  friends at awards ceremony Peggy Slaven-Wines and Sandra Massie  reviewing important events Wonderful bagpipe memorial at the Zamora Hills SDT in honor of the spirit of Bill Slaven Professor  of UC Davis  Veterinary School Remembering a strong honest quiet  shepherd and  resolving what the truly important things are in life Watching the competitors from high on the  rolling green hills feeling the sp

Gratefulness       Just had a wonderful weekend at home.  Spent the time with my Mom, Sandra, and the pack working here at the home place.  The weather was perfect.  Mom was in a really good place.  And I think we all have made it through winter, or whatever Nevada's version of winter was this year.        Sometimes I find that I get so busy with work and life that I don't take time to breath.  I can barely move today from the raking, digging, chainsawing, trimming, and planting we did in the last two days.  That is my version of breathing.    Here comes the sun!            We worked the dogs too!!!  Nothing out of the ordinary.  Just good work here on the ranch getting a little tuned for the trial season ahead.         Ben at Sonoma last year.  Ben is now my right hand man utility dog.  He helps out where I need him and goes to work with me during the week.  He doesn't have to have the pressure he so much hates.  He just gets to b

March Madness 2014      First of all, it is hard to believe that it is already March ... again.  The days ARE getting longer.  The weather, albeit a mild winter, with the moisture, the bulbs are coming up and the pastures are greening. We are lambing late on purpose, but the cows are calving nicely.  We've logged some wonderful hikes, cross country ski and snow shoe adventures to clear the minds and exercise the dogs.      Dogging has been good.  Mostly taking advantage of quality time at home.  Working on getting acquainted with my new partner Feist.  Eternally working on my whistle.  Tone.  Volume. Timing.        I have focused heavily on my handling skills.  I have homework to practice... at home from my friends who are much better at this than I am.  I aspire to be a handler.   I do not aspire to be trainer of others...ever.  But I seek to understand the art and the mastery of this incredible magical sport.   Now it is time to find some