AV8DRVR

Well I can't say when specifically, but it's pretty soon. I'm at the point now where I just want to leave and get it started. The anticipation and the countdown add a lot of friction to the home life. I'm lucky I have such a wonderful bride. bwl

Thanks for the well wishes! Our kids did real well with the dog that they brought. I was half afraid that they were going to try to ride her like a horse. Send me a pm if you want my address over there. We should be established in country fairly shortly. Hopefully they will have the internet hooked up . S/F BWL

Well we just finished our home visit with the rescuers from CBCR. They brought a dog with them so we could see how our kids were. I think it went pretty well. Now I just have to wait until I get back from Iraq! Cheers, Scratcher

Double Post Scratcher

Melanie, I do think that there are a lot of great dogs that are out there available for rescuing (sp). While I think that a puppy would be great fun and extremely cute, even the most active border collie can't catch a frisbee or go for a 4 mile run at 6 weeks. We recently sent in an application to the CBCR. We are going to try to get the home visit done before I leave. I have read that bc's are fairly obsessive about some things, and it looks like many of the owners around here have that same trait. I look forward to joining your ranks. Cheers Scratch

You can only do so much. Some people think that they know it all and aren't open to suggestions. This is dangerous in all aspects because it leads to complacency. It sucks that you have to sometimes cut out your time, but i guess it's better than someone getting hurt even if it is their own fault. It's like people who see nothing wrong with their kids wreaking havok on a dog but then get upset when the dog eventually gets pissed off. Good luck to you, against your ungentlemanly patrons. S

I'm not saying you should be nice to anyone like that, true they might see it as weakness. But if you just tell them not to do that assertively, it will 9 times out of 10 snap them out of their irrational tirade. It seemed to work pretty well with the guy who's dog took the dump. I don't know of any father who wants to be seen as a bad one, even if he is. I rarely see any bumper stickers that say "I suck at being a Parent, and I'm proud of it!" Scratcher

That's tough to deal with, did anyone say anything about his language around the children. Sorry you had such a bad time, the guy probably doesn't have much authority anywhere else so he tries to be a tough guy where he can. Probably the same type of guy who will scream at some kid working behind the counter because he had to wait more than 30 seconds. Hopefully you won't have too many repeats. Scrtchr

Thank you all for the help! I mis-phrased one of my previous questions. It should have been "how did you get into raising sheep" as opposed to "do you." I'm just trying to take this one step at a time. I've been looking a lot at the rescue sites for the carolinas and have seen some dogs that I would like to take today! I just have to keep giving myself corrections, and exercise a little patience. Cheers, Scratcher

So, how do you get into raising sheep? I still have a few years before i have to decide my fate with the military. With the herding, how tough is that to get into? are there any books, border collie specific that anyone would recommend?

Ha, a free puppy! What a present! I definitely need to know about such a major change before doing it. While I am fairly flexible when forced, I do prefer to have some prior knowledge of such changes. I think that a rescue dog about 1.5-2yrs old would be great. That way he will be ready to get into some pretty strenuous activity.

Tranquilis, Were you over here at ole cheerless? I do fly Harriers, and we have our rivalry with the fighter guys, since we are primarily attack players. For all, How long have you had border collies? and what made you get into them?

I like the pilot analogy! OurBoys/Rebecca, thanks for pointing me in the direction of the agility clubs. While I am not looking for the "fighter pilot" dog (There can be only one ego that big in the house and our quota is full) I would like an "airshow" dog, one that can be high octane at times, but not always. We live off base in a golf community, lots of open space, but i don't think the actual golfers would appreciate a dog chasing a frisbee while they are trying to make their approach. None the less, there are some wide open spaces to really cut the dog loose around here. The base housing here is fairly strict, all dogs have to be chipped now, and i don't think they are allowed to be off leash. Scratcher

Thanks to all who took the time to respond. I am actually the "wife," reading my husband's posts and and was already pushing the rescue idea. I had dogs growing up (although not bc's) and am well aware of the work involved with the puppy stage. With two human babies already, I think a young rescue dog--with whom I/we would be still willing to put in a lot of time with--would be ideal. I would like an active companion now, and the fur-baby my husband really wants in several years when we don't have human babies. (One baby at a time!!) I am glad this board is showing him more reasons to go the rescue option. I agree with him that a bc would be a great fit for our active family. (My husband and I are both active people--runners, etc.) I also think it is very important to teach the children respect for the dog as a family member and not a play toy. The now three year old is respectful of our cat (with occasional reminders) and we are teaching our ten-month old the same thing. Too many people turn a blind eye to their children to hurting their dog, yet are outraged when the dog hurts a child (Neither is acceptable). Thanks for your advice and sharing your experiences with the breed! The "AV8-whatever wife "

Are there any bc clubs or assn's in east nc? I'd like to be able to do the agility/frisbee type activities with people who actually know what they are doing.