Bran the Border Collie really earned his chicken and rice gourmet canine mix (REALLY ???) today. Thinking about it, when did chicken and rice turn into dog food and not a Chinese takaway ?….regardless, that dog that spends more time sending the sheep into a headlong tailspin than rounding them up but today we were in awe…we know the dog is smart….he just prefers to pretend he isn’t…and he can be pretty convincing.
We were ( as usual) rushing ( when aren’t we ?) and, from around the corner of the barn came the Greg whistle and unique Greg yodel…”Come cows,,come cows”….the gate was open, big old Lady Lump the Shire mare had just lumbered through, on idling speed, no rushing that girl ! …. Because we were in a major time crisis, (Sophie was arriving at the Purdy Park and Ride in precisely 23 minutes) we were wishfully hoping… (but not anticipating) the cows to be co operative. Greg’s call responded around the valley, the awaiting band of horses thundered to the gate. The formation eating team (the sheep) lined up in front of the gate, a cacophony of baaas announcing their readiness to return to the barn for the night and then we realized that Bran the Border Collie wasn’t in his usual position. No black and white canine trying desperately not to be patient, panting and whining restlessly ( or even remotely obedient !!) sitting by the gate…where was the dog?? Then we saw him, for all the world like “Lassie come home”, bringing all seven cows back from the pasture, all by himself. Little black and white body exuberantly bounding through the tall grass, tongue lopping out the side of his mouth …I swear he had a big doggy smile on his self satisfied face. Oops, convoy breakdown, Misty Moo the Jersey calf hesitated by the water trough, Bran the super star noticed,… sat and waited, we held our breath and with a little nudge Misty was encouraged to break into an ungainly bovine trot followed by a very pleased with himself Border Collie. Nice job Bran….now, about tomorrow ???
The Gentle Giant Wildlife Reserve got another two members today. Fortunately I wasn’t staring heavenward when Mr and Mrs. Blue Heron flew over to check out the local real estate because as I watched, a considerable sized blob of excrement tumbled earthward…..(that could have been REALLY messy !!!). Both birds eventually settled in the pasture at the edge of the pond with much wing flapping and a great deal of posturing. It remains to be seen if the Canada Geese returning from their Winter vacation in the Spring to reclaim their island in the pond nest will tolerate the new neighbours. I am struggling to remember when we were asked if we want to be a local bird sanctuary !!!
Well, Quatra is away to camp for the week, Edward went home to Seattle for the weekend ( probably to turn off the alarm clock and get reacquainted with the concept of relaxing !!). Carla has been playing at being a Californian for the past week and is due back tomorrow and Sophie is home..and still smiling. Greg and I have been “home alone”….It’s nice to have you just to me
Cowboy !!!
Time for me to go, another cool day predicted for tomorrow. Before we know it, Winter will be here. I know,….. some people are just never content.
Take care, keep safe, M
We were ( as usual) rushing ( when aren’t we ?) and, from around the corner of the barn came the Greg whistle and unique Greg yodel…”Come cows,,come cows”….the gate was open, big old Lady Lump the Shire mare had just lumbered through, on idling speed, no rushing that girl ! …. Because we were in a major time crisis, (Sophie was arriving at the Purdy Park and Ride in precisely 23 minutes) we were wishfully hoping… (but not anticipating) the cows to be co operative. Greg’s call responded around the valley, the awaiting band of horses thundered to the gate. The formation eating team (the sheep) lined up in front of the gate, a cacophony of baaas announcing their readiness to return to the barn for the night and then we realized that Bran the Border Collie wasn’t in his usual position. No black and white canine trying desperately not to be patient, panting and whining restlessly ( or even remotely obedient !!) sitting by the gate…where was the dog?? Then we saw him, for all the world like “Lassie come home”, bringing all seven cows back from the pasture, all by himself. Little black and white body exuberantly bounding through the tall grass, tongue lopping out the side of his mouth …I swear he had a big doggy smile on his self satisfied face. Oops, convoy breakdown, Misty Moo the Jersey calf hesitated by the water trough, Bran the super star noticed,… sat and waited, we held our breath and with a little nudge Misty was encouraged to break into an ungainly bovine trot followed by a very pleased with himself Border Collie. Nice job Bran….now, about tomorrow ???
The Gentle Giant Wildlife Reserve got another two members today. Fortunately I wasn’t staring heavenward when Mr and Mrs. Blue Heron flew over to check out the local real estate because as I watched, a considerable sized blob of excrement tumbled earthward…..(that could have been REALLY messy !!!). Both birds eventually settled in the pasture at the edge of the pond with much wing flapping and a great deal of posturing. It remains to be seen if the Canada Geese returning from their Winter vacation in the Spring to reclaim their island in the pond nest will tolerate the new neighbours. I am struggling to remember when we were asked if we want to be a local bird sanctuary !!!
Well, Quatra is away to camp for the week, Edward went home to Seattle for the weekend ( probably to turn off the alarm clock and get reacquainted with the concept of relaxing !!). Carla has been playing at being a Californian for the past week and is due back tomorrow and Sophie is home..and still smiling. Greg and I have been “home alone”….It’s nice to have you just to me
Cowboy !!!
Time for me to go, another cool day predicted for tomorrow. Before we know it, Winter will be here. I know,….. some people are just never content.
Take care, keep safe, M
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