Trials have come and gone for another year. Angel was my star while her mum Bonnie Lass won at Tara for Kate. I finally did more then 3 trials and wow what an experience it was. I found and learnt it is human to show emotion, get disappointed be overwhelmed and also excited about what you have achieved. I had some (in the words of my good friend Julie) WTF runs and then some amazing ones. I listened to advice from many old handlers and had more than a few laughs on the way. The main lesson I learnt is not to take it so serious, the world isn't going to end if u have a bad run or the sheep are not good, after all it is about being part of it, enjoying the friends u have and making new ones. Lucky for me I have a wonderful group of friends I adore.
On the home front no peace from the drought and we had to destock all the cattle. This meant Ace and Jack did very little trialling as their services were needed on the home front. Ace is an amazing dog, I think I have said that a few times now but he is. I am always astounded by how much work he has in him. He goes all day with very little need for water or rest, he gives his all and with each year is just getting smarter in his work. My heart is in my mouth some times as I see him take chase and put himself in font of running cattle trying with all his heart to pull them up. I have seen more blood flow from this dog then any I have own. Hopefully one day he will never have to handle rogue cows again. The sheep will b e staying on and we are watching our dams closely in an effort not to sell them. Steve is away fencing so it left up to me and the dogs to keep things running for a while. We are lamb marking in 2 weeks so that is always a great time as my lambs look good and I love my sheep. Karma will be part of the mustering team and I am sure she will not let me down.
On the Family side my sister's boy is getting married which is always good news to get. The wedding is in December and will be a perfect time to catch up with both my sister's children. Although I lost both Lyn and Joanne just over a year ago I love seeing their kids grow and do them proud. Gosh they did a good job! Now for my crew, Kate is busy at school in Cairns, her brother Shane doing a great job looking after his younger sister and learning all about teenagers as I am sure he forgot what he was like. Kate is due home soon for holidays and Shane and his partner Lou is also visiting in August. Must get that job list made for him! Becky and John's 3rd baby is due in July and I look forward to visiting and catching up with the 2 terrors Karli and Bree. Not really terrors they are just beautiful girls that are growing so fast. Nicole is travelling over to Burma to visit a friend in 2 weeks and is going to stop off in Brisbane to catch a horse race on the way, not a bad life is it! Her children, Dylan is playing football and Ebony is enjoying a very full social life ( taking after mum I think).
Now for Kaden's HUGE EXCITING news. We have a new arrival in Feb 2015 a female pup by the name of Lark. She was bred by Sheperds Own in Germany and will be around 10months old by the time we get her. I have imported this girl with my good friend Allison Britton. She is a agility worker who also does sporting and herding. Allison has some beautiful dogs and is a very professional handler of her crew. I believe this partnership will give both of us a perfect opportunity to improve our genetics and also branch our dogs out through both stockwork and agility, a perfect partnership. Very exciting times for our kennels. Criaglea Pilot is coming of age with some nice work, I am hoping this little fellow will play a part in my future litters as well as Kaden's Raine and Karma who are all showing me some wonderful work.
Well it keeps shinning here at Spring Plains and although drought is hard to cope with family, friends and my dogs make life good so until next time, smile and take care.
On the home front no peace from the drought and we had to destock all the cattle. This meant Ace and Jack did very little trialling as their services were needed on the home front. Ace is an amazing dog, I think I have said that a few times now but he is. I am always astounded by how much work he has in him. He goes all day with very little need for water or rest, he gives his all and with each year is just getting smarter in his work. My heart is in my mouth some times as I see him take chase and put himself in font of running cattle trying with all his heart to pull them up. I have seen more blood flow from this dog then any I have own. Hopefully one day he will never have to handle rogue cows again. The sheep will b e staying on and we are watching our dams closely in an effort not to sell them. Steve is away fencing so it left up to me and the dogs to keep things running for a while. We are lamb marking in 2 weeks so that is always a great time as my lambs look good and I love my sheep. Karma will be part of the mustering team and I am sure she will not let me down.
On the Family side my sister's boy is getting married which is always good news to get. The wedding is in December and will be a perfect time to catch up with both my sister's children. Although I lost both Lyn and Joanne just over a year ago I love seeing their kids grow and do them proud. Gosh they did a good job! Now for my crew, Kate is busy at school in Cairns, her brother Shane doing a great job looking after his younger sister and learning all about teenagers as I am sure he forgot what he was like. Kate is due home soon for holidays and Shane and his partner Lou is also visiting in August. Must get that job list made for him! Becky and John's 3rd baby is due in July and I look forward to visiting and catching up with the 2 terrors Karli and Bree. Not really terrors they are just beautiful girls that are growing so fast. Nicole is travelling over to Burma to visit a friend in 2 weeks and is going to stop off in Brisbane to catch a horse race on the way, not a bad life is it! Her children, Dylan is playing football and Ebony is enjoying a very full social life ( taking after mum I think).
Now for Kaden's HUGE EXCITING news. We have a new arrival in Feb 2015 a female pup by the name of Lark. She was bred by Sheperds Own in Germany and will be around 10months old by the time we get her. I have imported this girl with my good friend Allison Britton. She is a agility worker who also does sporting and herding. Allison has some beautiful dogs and is a very professional handler of her crew. I believe this partnership will give both of us a perfect opportunity to improve our genetics and also branch our dogs out through both stockwork and agility, a perfect partnership. Very exciting times for our kennels. Criaglea Pilot is coming of age with some nice work, I am hoping this little fellow will play a part in my future litters as well as Kaden's Raine and Karma who are all showing me some wonderful work.
Well it keeps shinning here at Spring Plains and although drought is hard to cope with family, friends and my dogs make life good so until next time, smile and take care.