Sue R

I love listening to the sounds that mothers make to their newborns, whether they are sheep, cattle, horses, dogs. They have special voices for the babies. Thank you for sharing, and for the reminder that it is the work that has refined these dogs over the centuries.

D'Elle - Whenever Dan was at his most trying (of my patience or skills), we'd say, "But at least he's handsome!" Funny how a dog that I struggled with so much for so long, became so dear to me in his later years.

Thanks, old friends - I knew you'd understand.

What can I say about Dan? He was such a difficult dog for me to understand that I really never did him justice until his old age, when he slowed down, mellowed, and became very dear to me in ways that I'd never imagined when I struggled to connect to him because we seemed often to be on different wavelengths. And now that he's gone, I realize just how great a gift he was, and I know he passed on feeling loved and cared for. He was brave - brave enough to face down a line-up of half-a-dozen mother cows. He was foolhardy, finding it hard to learn certain lessons that would protect his body. He had strong instincts. He loved his creature comforts, like a cat in dog's clothing. He was always ready for the next exciting moment in life, and content to sleep like an old hound dog until that moment came along. He was independent and yet always wanting to be "right", just wanting to be right "his way". He was a paradox for me. I still see his eyes on me when he was too tired to get up, and feel his soft fur, and treasure how deep our connection grew as he grew old and slow. That'll do, Dan! Well done, good boy! (Some of you might remember Dan's and my journeys to SoCal to train with his breeder, Anna Adams Guthrie. This photo was taken there by Danielle Shank.)

I was sorry to hear about Gibbs, Ruth. I know you always had his best interests in mind. They certainly leave an enormous hole in our hearts, don't they? As a dear friend said, "We do this for them because we love them that much." Good boy, Gibbs.

The Bluegrass Classic SDT will be held on May 17-21 2023 at beautiful Masterson Station Park in Lexington KY. One hundred and thirty Open teams will compete in two Open trials over four days. Nursery teams will compete in four classes over four days. Open Ranch, Pro-Novice, and Novice levels will each have two classes over two days. Then on the fifth and final day, the 21 Open teams with the top seven scores from Open I; the top seven scores from Open II (which did not quality from Open I); and the top seven combined scores (which did not quality in either Open I or Open II) will participate in a Double-lift, International Shed Final on the Open Field. This will replace the previous method which was that the top combined scores from Open I and Open II would advance to the Final. This is one of North America's premiere sheep dog trials. The Open, Nursery, and Final classes at the Bluegrass are on a par with what you would see at a National Finals. One UK judge even said that the Bluegrass provided a competition that was the equivalent of one of their National Finals. High praise, indeed! You can attend any and all days for free - there is no admission cost. Well-mannered dogs (on leash) are welcome (there is a spacious dog park adjacent). The Kentucky Fiber Festival is also held that Saturday and Sunday at Masterson Station Park (there is a small admission fee for that lovely event). Tents and chairs are provided, and you can bring your own seating or blankets to sit on the ground to watch. Volunteers are always welcome! You can also support this trial by sponsoring a class, purchasing a program ad, participating in our silent auction, or contributing any amount you'd like. More information and forms for volunteering, sponsoring a class or purchasing an ad, or reserving a vendor spot, can be found at our website (address below). If you are interested in joining in a group honoring the late Eleanor Hume O'Rear Peavy, a long-time Bluegrass supporter and volunteer, through sponsoring a class and/or a program ad, please contact me at susan dot rayburn at gmail.com or reply below. http://www.bluegrassclassicsdt.org/

The Bluegrass Classic SDT will be held on May 17-21 2023 at beautiful Masterson Station Park in Lexington KY. One hundred and thirty Open teams will compete in two Open trials over four days. Nursery teams will compete in four classes over four days. Open Ranch, Pro-Novice, and Novice levels will each have two classes over two days. Then on the fifth and final day, the 21 Open teams with the top seven scores from Open I; the top seven scores from Open II (which did not quality from Open I); and the top seven combined scores (which did not quality in either Open I or Open II) will participate in a Double-lift, International Shed Final on the Open Field. This will replace the previous method which was that the top combined scores from Open I and Open II would advance to the Final. This is one of North America's premiere sheep dog trials. The Open, Nursery, and Final classes at the Bluegrass are on a par with what you would see at a National Finals. One UK judge even said that the Bluegrass provided a competition that was the equivalent of one of their National Finals. High praise, indeed! You can attend any and all days for free - there is no admission cost. Well-mannered dogs (on leash) are welcome (there is a spacious dog park adjacent). The Kentucky Fiber Festival is also held that Saturday and Sunday at Masterson Station Park (there is a small admission fee for that lovely event). Tents and chairs are provided, and you can bring your own seating or blankets to sit on the ground to watch. Volunteers are always welcome! You can also support this trial by sponsoring a class, purchasing a program ad, participating in our silent auction, or contributing any amount you'd like. More information and forms for volunteering, sponsoring a class or purchasing an ad, or reserving a vendor spot, can be found at our website (address below). If you are interested in joining in a group honoring the late Eleanor Hume O'Rear Peavy, a long-time Bluegrass supporter and volunteer, through sponsoring a class and/or a program ad, please contact me at susan dot rayburn at gmail.com or reply below. http://www.bluegrassclassicsdt.org/

All that said, there are conscientious breeders who have no problem selling to a sport or pet home as long as they feel the prospective home will be a good one for the pup and that the pup will not be bred from unless it has proven itself a quality stockworking dog. But you may have to widen your search area significantly to find the right breeder.

One problem I can see is that most reputable breeders usually have people waiting for litters from their dogs/bitches. They don't need to advertise and pups are spoken for when it gets out by word of mouth that a breeding is planned. One thing that I would suggest to anyone who is serious about getting a well-bred, working-bred pup is to get training yourself so you will be prepared to work with your pup; make connections by meeting people, and a great way to do that is to volunteer at USBCHA trials where you can help out, learn while you help, and meet handlers; and be patient while you build your "credentials" so that a reputable breeder is going to be willing to put one of his/her pups in your hands. The best breeders do not produce many pups and they want to make the best breeding decisions they can - and then place those pups in the hands of people where they will thrive and have the opportunity to live up to their potential. This accomplishes two things - the pups get good, knowledgeable homes and the breeder gets the opportunity to get feedback on how that particular pairing of dog and bitch produced. This does often make it hard for a newcomer to find and purchase a well-bred pup, but it is worth it in the long run to learn; meet people and make connections; help out; and get yourself into a position to know of and be considered for a nicely-bred pup. Generally, if it's too easy to buy a pup, it's not going to be the best kind of breeder.

You are getting a lot of terrific advice from everyone who has already replied.

Jack is an outstanding trainer and clinician, and Debbie offers a very nice venue for training.

What Journey said! In the meantime, volunteer yourself at trials where you can learn a lot, meet people and make connections, and help out trial hosts who are generally looking for dedicated volunteers for the many jobs a trial entails. If you live anywhere near Lexington KY, the Bluegrass Classic SDT will be held May 18-22 and they are looking for volunteers at all levels of experience.

All I can say is, "Wow!" And more power to them!

It's that time of year once again and things are gearing up for the 61st annual Bluegrass Classic Sheep Dog Trial, held at beautiful Masterson Station Park in Lexington KY! This is one of the most venerable and prestigious sheep dog trials in North America, carrying on a grand tradition that started at Walnut Hall, continued at the Kentucky Horse Park, and is now held on Ruffian Field at Masterson Station Park in a lovely, convenient, welcoming public venue. A trial of this quality and magnitude requires a lot - a committee that works year-round to plan and prepare; volunteers by the dozens to help set up, keep the trial running smoothly, and break down; and people who show their support financially by sponsoring the event and/or classes, purchasing ad space in our program, purchasing our merchandise, or otherwise making a financial contribution. We need volunteers and you don't have to have experience to fill a vital role in helping this trial run like a well-oiled machine - there are jobs ranging from people who are Open handlers to those who have never even run a dog (and don't intend to). Your help will be most appreciated and you will receive any necessary training. You can access the volunteer information and form at this webpage - http://www.bluegrassclassicsdt.org/volunteer/ You can also show support with a financial contribution. There are multiple levels of sponsorship as well as being able to purchase a half-page or full-page ad in our program (if you want to remain anonymous, we can do that, too). Sponsoring a class is a wonderful way to support the trial. Purchasing an ad is a great way to get your product or service out to a lot of handlers as well as the general public in the Lexington area as the trial is free and open to the public, located next to a large and popular dog park, and draws lots of dog-friendly spectators and families. An ad is also a great way to recognize a mentor, a special person, or a beloved dog, or just to wish "good luck" to the competitors or a favorite dog/handler team. The sponsor/program ad form is found at this webpage - http://www.bluegrassclassicsdt.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/2022-Sponsorship-Form.pdf If you have a service or line of products and would like to book a vendor space at the Bluegrass, you can do that, too! Both handlers and spectators enjoy checking out the goods and services that our vendors offer. This webpage provides the form to request a vendor space - http://www.bluegrassclassicsdt.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/2022-Vendor-Form.pdf Bluegrass Classic SDT merchandise will be available to order shortly and I will post here when that happens. It will feature our famous logo on fun-color tees, caps, etc. More on that soon! If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at susan.rayburn@gmail.com and I will be glad to try and help you. We do need to prepare our program soon so if you wish to place an ad or sponsor a class, we need that information promptly (and, yes, I am remiss at getting this out so late). General information about the trial can be found at our website, http://www.bluegrassclassicsdt.org/

It's that time of year once again and things are gearing up for the 61st annual Bluegrass Classic Sheep Dog Trial, held at beautiful Masterson Station Park in Lexington KY! This is one of the most venerable and prestigious sheep dog trials in North America, carrying on a grand tradition that started at Walnut Hall, continued at the Kentucky Horse Park, and is now held on Ruffian Field at Masterson Station Park in a lovely, convenient, welcoming public venue. A trial of this quality and magnitude requires a lot - a committee that works year-round to plan and prepare; volunteers by the dozens to help set up, keep the trial running smoothly, and break down; and people who show their support financially by sponsoring the event and/or classes, purchasing ad space in our program, purchasing our merchandise, or otherwise making a financial contribution. We need volunteers and you don't have to have experience to fill a vital role in helping this trial run like a well-oiled machine - there are jobs ranging from people who are Open handlers to those who have never even run a dog (and don't intend to). Your help will be most appreciated and you will receive any necessary training. You can access the volunteer information and form at this webpage - http://www.bluegrassclassicsdt.org/volunteer/ You can also show support with a financial contribution. There are multiple levels of sponsorship as well as being able to purchase a half-page or full-page ad in our program (if you want to remain anonymous, we can do that, too). Sponsoring a class is a wonderful way to support the trial. Purchasing an ad is a great way to get your product or service out to a lot of handlers as well as the general public in the Lexington area as the trial is free and open to the public, located next to a large and popular dog park, and draws lots of dog-friendly spectators and families. An ad is also a great way to recognize a mentor, a special person, or a beloved dog, or just to wish "good luck" to the competitors or a favorite dog/handler team. The sponsor/program ad form is found at this webpage - http://www.bluegrassclassicsdt.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/2022-Sponsorship-Form.pdf If you have a service or line of products and would like to book a vendor space at the Bluegrass, you can do that, too! Both handlers and spectators enjoy checking out the goods and services that our vendors offer. This webpage provides the form to request a vendor space - http://www.bluegrassclassicsdt.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/2022-Vendor-Form.pdf Bluegrass Classic SDT merchandise will be available to order shortly and I will post here when that happens. It will feature our famous logo on fun-color tees, caps, etc. More on that soon! If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at susan.rayburn@gmail.com and I will be glad to try and help you. We do need to prepare our program soon so if you wish to place an ad or sponsor a class, we need that information promptly (and, yes, I am remiss at getting this out so late). General information about the trial can be found at our website, http://www.bluegrassclassicsdt.org/

While I am very sorry for your loss, I am so grateful that she landed in a good place with you and you shared many happy years together.

The website is up and the page to sponsor handler/dog teams in both Open and Nursery classes is active. Shortly, the list of entries will be available to choose handler/dog teams to sponsor. Sponsoring a team costs $100 and is a major support for the Finals. Individuals, companies, or groups can sponsor teams. For your $100, in addition to the satisfaction of knowing you are contributing to the National showcase for the working Border Collie and helping to promote the use of these brilliant working dogs, you also will get a sponsor hat and two passes for the entire Finals. Your name will be announced when your team goes to the post and will be listed in the program (as long as you sponsor by September 6th), as well as be listed on the website and announced on the 2021 National Sheepdog Finals Facebook page. If you can't or don't wish to sponsor a team by yourself, get a group together! Four people, each chipping in $25, can sponsor a team. Five people, each giving $20, can sponsor a team. I'd be happy to coordinate this for individuals that contact me as I have done multiple times in the past. If you do a group sponsorship, you just need to note on the form who is to be shipped the hat and the tickets. Sponsoring a team is a great way to recognize a mentor, an admired handler, or a dog that is special to you. Instead of, or in addition to your name, you can make your sponsorship "In Memory of" a favorite dog or handler. Contact Deb Mickey at DogSponsors@yahoo.com if you have any questions.

The website is up and the page to sponsor handler/dog teams in both Open and Nursery classes is active. Shortly, the list of entries will be available to choose handler/dog teams to sponsor. Sponsoring a team costs $100 and is a major support for the Finals. Individuals, companies, or groups can sponsor teams. For your $100, in addition to the satisfaction of knowing you are contributing to the National showcase for the working Border Collie and helping to promote the use of these brilliant working dogs, you also will get a sponsor hat and two passes for the entire Finals. Your name will be announced when your team goes to the post and will be listed in the program (as long as you sponsor by September 6th), as well as be listed on the website and announced on the 2021 National Sheepdog Finals Facebook page. If you can't or don't wish to sponsor a team by yourself, get a group together! Four people, each chipping in $25, can sponsor a team. Five people, each giving $20, can sponsor a team. I'd be happy to coordinate this for individuals that contact me as I have done multiple times in the past. If you do a group sponsorship, you just need to note on the form who is to be shipped the hat and the tickets. Sponsoring a team is a great way to recognize a mentor, an admired handler, or a dog that is special to you. Instead of, or in addition to your name, you can make your sponsorship "In Memory of" a favorite dog or handler. Contact Deb Mickey at DogSponsors@yahoo.com if you have any questions.

The wait is over! Well, it was over a few days ago but I am also running behind! The 60th Bluegrass Classic SDT logo wear is now listed on the website for order but the order window is short. Due to the uncertainties posed by the pandemic, the logo wear ordering was delayed, and our apologies for that. You can see the short and long sleeved tees, hoodie, and caps available at http://www.bluegrassclassicsdt.org/logo-wear/ that feature the well-known Bluegrass SDT logo, customized for the 60th running of this wonderful trial. Your form can be emailed or sent with your check but please submit your order by Friday, April 30th, and mail your check no later than Monday, May 3rd. Again, our apologies for the short notice but it's rather a miracle that the trial is able to be held in spite of the uncertainties posed by the pandemic. Please help support the Bluegrass Classic SDT with your order of our quality logo wear!

The wait is over! Well, it was over a few days ago but I am also running behind! The 60th Bluegrass Classic SDT logo wear is now listed on the website for order but the order window is short. Due to the uncertainties posed by the pandemic, the logo wear ordering was delayed, and our apologies for that. You can see the short and long sleeved tees, hoodie, and caps available at http://www.bluegrassclassicsdt.org/logo-wear/ that feature the well-known Bluegrass SDT logo, customized for the 60th running of this wonderful trial. Your form can be emailed or sent with your check but please submit your order by Friday, April 30th, and mail your check no later than Monday, May 3rd. Again, our apologies for the short notice but it's rather a miracle that the trial is able to be held in spite of the uncertainties posed by the pandemic. Please help support the Bluegrass Classic SDT with your order of our quality logo wear!

The Bluegrass website (www.bluegrassclassicsdt.org) website is up and current. As always, it takes a rather large village to put on a world-class trial and we still have room for just about anyone who would like to volunteer to help out. You don't need experience to volunteer, just a willingness to help out, follow directions, and learn about sheepdogs and trials at one of the world's premiere sheepdog events. And, on top of it all, it's a great way to make connections with handlers in the sheepdog world! You may meet handlers from all levels from Novice to World Trial. There is a wide range of jobs but virtually all of them give you a great vantage point to watch the action on the field, whether it's the Open field or the Nursery field. Masterson Station Park in Lexington KY is a gorgeous venue. The trial runs from Wednesday, May 12th, through Sunday, May 16th. There is plenty of parking space. I can't guarantee the availability of vendors this year but usually we have some really nice shopping opportunities and a good food vendor. And, if you love horses, there is a ton to do in the Lexington area, from farm tours to the famed Kentucky Horse Park. Please go to the website and volunteer today! PS - And it's not too late to place an ad in our program for your merchandise or services, recognize a mentor, memorialize a friend or a dog, or just to support the trial. Class sponsorships and ribbon and trophy sponsorships are still also available. The deadline for program inclusion is April 23rd.

The Bluegrass website (www.bluegrassclassicsdt.org) website is up and current. As always, it takes a rather large village to put on a world-class trial and we still have room for just about anyone who would like to volunteer to help out. You don't need experience to volunteer, just a willingness to help out, follow directions, and learn about sheepdogs and trials at one of the world's premiere sheepdog events. And, on top of it all, it's a great way to make connections with handlers in the sheepdog world! You may meet handlers from all levels from Novice to World Trial. There is a wide range of jobs but virtually all of them give you a great vantage point to watch the action on the field, whether it's the Open field or the Nursery field. Masterson Station Park in Lexington KY is a gorgeous venue. The trial runs from Wednesday, May 12th, through Sunday, May 16th. There is plenty of parking space. I can't guarantee the availability of vendors this year but usually we have some really nice shopping opportunities and a good food vendor. And, if you love horses, there is a ton to do in the Lexington area, from farm tours to the famed Kentucky Horse Park. Please go to the website and volunteer today! PS - And it's not too late to place an ad in our program for your merchandise or services, recognize a mentor, memorialize a friend or a dog, or just to support the trial. Class sponsorships and ribbon and trophy sponsorships are still also available. The deadline for program inclusion is April 23rd.

I'm bumping this up as the Bluegrass Classic SDT was cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic. We are very optimistic about getting permission to hold this venerable and prestigious trial this year at beautiful Masterson Station Park. Our thanks to those who contributed last year with the knowledge that their support for a memorial class in Kristi's name would be used for that purpose this year instead. All paws, toes, etc., crossed in hopes that the 2021 Bluegrass Classic SDT will be a go for May 12-16 and, as always, we need a lot of support to put on this world-class trial. The website is up and current with all the information needed to volunteer, support the trial by sponsoring a class or purchasing an ad in our program, or be a vendor. Please consider sponsoring a class or placing an ad in our program, to spotlight or memorialize a mentor, friend, or dog. Several individuals have already committed to a memorial for Kristi Oikawa, a Bluegrass competitor and volunteer (and frequent contributor as Airbear to these boards) whose sparkle is keenly missed. In addition, our community has lost Maureen Scott Robinson and Dave Fetterman over the last two years. Anyone who would like to be a part of memorials in any of their names can contact me. A trial of this magnitude takes more than a village, and we appreciate the support we've received from the greater sheepdog community for so many years! We hope that we can count on your support for this year's 60th running of the Bluegrass Classic SDT, and want you to know how much we have appreciated your support in the past. Please use the forms available at the website (www.bluegrassclassicsdt.org) to volunteer, sponsor a class, or place an ad. Thanks for your support! Sue Rayburn for the Kentucky Border Collie Association

I'm bumping this up as the Bluegrass Classic SDT was cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic. We are very optimistic about getting permission to hold this venerable and prestigious trial this year at beautiful Masterson Station Park. Our thanks to those who contributed last year with the knowledge that their support for a memorial class in Kristi's name would be used for that purpose this year instead (thanks, Amy!). All paws, toes, etc., crossed in hopes that the 2021 Bluegrass Classic SDT will be a go for May 12-16 and, as always, we need a lot of support to put on this world-class trial. The website is up and current with all the information needed to volunteer, support the trial by sponsoring a class or purchasing an ad in our program, or be a vendor. Please consider sponsoring a class or placing an ad in our program, to spotlight or memorialize a mentor, friend, or dog. Several individuals have already committed to a memorial for Kristi Oikawa, a Bluegrass competitor and volunteer (and frequent contributor to these boards) whose sparkle is keenly missed. In addition, our community has lost Maureen Scott Robinson and Dave Fetterman over the last two years. Anyone who would like to be a part of memorials in any of their names can contact me. A trial of this magnitude takes more than a village, and we appreciate the support we've received from the greater sheepdog community for so many years! We hope that we can count on your support for this year's 60th running of the Bluegrass Classic SDT, and want you to know how much we have appreciated your support in the past. Please use the forms available at the website (www.bluegrassclassicsdt.org) to volunteer, sponsor a class, or place an ad. Thanks for your support! Sue Rayburn on behalf of the Kentucky Border Collie Association

I haven't been here in months but it is very good to see that Cressa has been doing so well at her age and with her kidney problems. A happy belated birthday to the good old girl!