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What a day.

Herding trials

This Sunday we got up as usual and headed to Miss Frans farm to herd sheep. When we got there we were suprised to see at least 20 dogs with their owners. Dad forgot to conferm our appointment, and there were herding trials! Miss Fran said that we should stay and test, I was psyched, but I think dad was nervous. I hadn't been herding in 3 weeks, so he was scared of what I might do when I was unleashed in the pasture. The older dogs took their turns while I waited in Molly the rotweilers van with her. She and I share classes on Sunday, so we're cool to hang out together. After a few hours dad came to get me. I took a quick swim in the pool so I didn't fry my brain (something I do regularly), then we were off to watch Molly. She did great. She listened well to her mom, didn't make any mistakes, and worked quickly. Now I could hardly wait. This should be easy!
When it was my turn, I sat and waited for my 3 sheep to be put into the pasture. Dad made me sit and wait until he went through the gate, then I went in and sat down as usual. He told me to wait again while he took off my leash, and I did....as best I could. As soon as he turned his back to go to the sheep, I decided I was thru listening to him and took off running and barking. I could tell by dads face that he wasn't too happy with that, so I picked out the biggest sheep and ran him up and down the fence line a few times. I now decided not to listen at all, so while dad was yelling for me to go "out" (a command I ususlly obey) I was busy showing off for the judges. I'm sure they haven't seen a show like the one I put on in a long time. Barking, play bowing, running in circles, jumping in the air, chasing sheep into the feeders...I did everything except listen to dad. I was impressive if I do say so myself.
When I was done celebrating my soon to be victory, I went and sat next to dad and looked up at him. "Are you ready now, Jackass?" I thought..."tell me out before I'm ready again and see what happens." I really thought he was going to kill me right then and there, but there were too many witnesses. We picked up our sheep and did the first 2 parts of the course with ease. I then decided I needed to celebrate again, so I grabbed the little sheep by his back leg and we took off running together. Around and around we went, while dad again was yelling at me to go out...he loves to tell me that. I just got more excited and went faster and faster. After a minute or so dad got that look again, so I decided I'd better get back to him before it was too late.
We put the sheep back into the barn which finished our trial.
After that I had to go lay in the pool for a few minutes to cool off from all that running. Dad was still pretty hot at me, but he forgot all about it when the judges said I had passed. "See", I thought, "it's a good thing I celebrated first, I'm too tired now."....

Hennah "The Original Blue Meanie"