Well here it is the end of July, how time flies. The dogs and I have not been to too many trials this year. I have been busy trying to sell horses and it's a tough with the current economy and hay situation. Hay prices are down a little bit ($15.00/bale) but they are expected to increase soon. Since I don't have pasture, I am cutting way back on sheep, too. Buying hay to last until next year is next on my agenda.

In March, I ran Tess at Sonoma. It is a great trial. I was absolutely thrilled with Tess. We did not place but, it was her first time at that trial and my first time running Open there. I was worried about the hill field now I know that I shouldn't have been. She did an awesome job. It took a long time to get our shed so, we did not get the pen before time was called. The flat field was great. She did a wonderful job. I planned the shed poorly and my split sheep took off to the set out pen. I had a hard time getting Tess to get them and finally took the others to the escaping sheep. It was my fault because I did not know what to do. We again, ran out of time at the pen. I was very happy with my dog although I suspect that she would like to trade me in for a new handler. Amanda Milliken was kind enough to send me some photos that she took of Tess and me. Thank you, Amanda.

Photos that I took from the 2008 Sonoma Sheepdog Trial can be found here.

Our next trial was Three Pine SDT put on by the Howard's in Alturas, CA. It was a great trial, also. The sheep were wonderful and the course was challenging to say the least. It was a big outrun and Tess was naughty on the fetch. Her outruns and drives were wonderful. We did not place but, I was thrilled with her run on Sunday. I had a great time at the trial and got to visit with some great people. I had not seen Karen Child since getting Tess back from her at the 2006 Finals. Karen gave me some pointers that were much appreciated. I wish I could spend more time with her as she is a great teacher, trainer and friend. I look forward the next time.

On July 19th, Tess and I went to a trial in Dixon, CA called Lambtown. It was fun and nice to visit with friends. Tess had never ran in an arena trial before. We ended up 4th with a 92. I wish we wouldn't have missed that second drive panel.

I hope to enter several trials in October and November. Trialing of the Sheep, Pt. Pleasant Trial, Kurajong, Dunnigan and the Thompson Ranch Trial.

Drew has been sold to Laura Vishoot of Cottage Grove, OR. I will be delivering him at the Colliding Rivers SDT in August. Drew is a wonderful boy and I hope they get along well.

Brie is back home from Suzy's until she matures more. She shows a lot of talent but she is not ready to train every day. She just turned one in July. She is keen but really soft and gets her feelings hurt easily. At this point, I am just going to work her once a week or so and let her watch Tess. I think she is going to be fine. I hope that I can train her myself.

Happy trialing.

Morgen