Drover’s Stock Dog Journal…

I have been trying real hard to please Kay, and work the sheep. I think I am starting to understand what she wants and needs me to do. For one thing Kay is being quiet with her commands and consistent so I am not confused.

Our work has become interesting, I have 11 lambs to look after and 7 Ewes, plus 15 rental sheep and then there are the 3 Sub Prime Sheep.  (boy are the sub prime!)

In the mornings I take the sheep to the fenced pasture. Kay rides the Gator because the sheep go way to fast to keep up with for her! They know where to go but need me to make them do as they are suppose to! Now mind you all the field is the same but those sheep want to go all over creation! I suppose that is one reason for a sheep dog like me!

This morning I finally got to show Kay  that I know and understand what needs to be done. And I am very capable of doing it! The sheep split up and one group was over the terrace (she did not even know it but I did) ! The other group was headed for the pond. There was little she could do but send me out and around the sheep to bring them back to the gate where they belonged! She sent me and I went easy like, and those sheep were like “what in the world!?!” I brought them right to and through the gate! Kay was amazed!  (She talks about trusting me  today she had to and I was very pleased ! So was I!

Then the other group (Kay was counting I was trying to tell her hey they are more out here!) I went out and around and brought up easy like! I think I impressed her and I sure did like everything she was telling me! Good boy! Now THAT is a SHEEP DOG! Yeah! I love that praise!

But we were not through! There was still the rental flock. Now they are a bit more flighty (Literally!)

Kay had Montanna and myself sit stay in a line like a dog fence. Then she opened the gate and the rental flock followed her to the gate to the pasture. But Montanna did not stay like she was suppose to and 7 sheep split off and headed for the open field. Kay tried to get them to follow her on the Gator and they did but then she parked the Gator to close to the gate and the sheep turned and ran!
That’s when she said “Drover can you go easy like and bring them to me?” You bet I can! But I have to say I was a tad excited by all the flighty sheep. And I pushed too hard! Two of the creatures went over the fence like it was not there! I did not see the fence and turned too late and went into the fence myself! Kay thought when did she get a Drover looking sheep?! She said Ah ! Drover ! Then I got it together and brought what was left of them to and through that gate like she had asked me to do! Now I will admit this was not pretty work, but by golly  I got it done! And Kay was very happy and pleased with me!

All day she has been telling everybody what a good sheep dog I am ! And best of all she has been telling me too! I really like that praise!

Drover

of Maple Grove Farm!