Okay, so I have no desire to uproot my entire life and move out west, but I have to say that these pictures really speak to something deep within my soul...I'll have to at least visit the west someday, that's for sure.
I took Thane on a loooooong drive down to Charlton, MA today for another herding instinct test. With pit stops, it was just under four hours each way. Herding instructors are hard to find around here!! I found a good one, though. Carol Donnelly teaches at Balgrae Dog Training, and she was great to work with...she really took the time to explain the reasons for different things, which was very helpful to me as a newbie.
Thane and I arrived a little before Carol, so we wandered around and enjoyed looking at the animals. They have sheep, three goats, and a whole passel of ducks.
The sheep were quite curious...and a little suspicious. Maybe they know that when they see a dog, it means their peaceful afternoon of grazing is about to be interrupted. :P
Thane was intrigued by the sheep. I wonder if he remembers meeting other sheep months ago?
Lol, this goat is clearly the "herd queen":
I love this ewe's expression:
After Carol arrived, she used her adorable little Corgi - who just so happens to be a herding champion! - to separate the goats from the sheep. The goats were put into a round pen, and then Thane got to do his thing...and he did really good!
Here's the video....hopefully it's not too bumpy. Lol, I tried not to talk, because I hate the sound of my voice on camera, but I did laugh a couple times...oh well.
Anyway...it was a very long but very good day. I'm grateful that God gave us excellent weather and safety on the roads, and that neither of us got run over by any sheep! :D
