Dogs Since 1974 we’ve had various as family members.  Starting with rescues from the humane society in Tucson we had several shaggy dogs who led us to learn about Bearded Collies and Portuguese Water Dogs.  The dogs have been like family, sharing many vacations (some including extended horseback rides in Greer Arizona), living in the house, and getting our attention for various training or competitive happenings.   We’ve had one GSD, seven Bearded Collies and three Portuguese Water Dogs.  The current group is two Beardies (Heidi and Rusty) and one Portie (Stormy). While living in Tucson and Taos we went to conformation and obedience training and shows.  Ultimately four dogs became champions and three became utility titled obedience dogs (all AKC events).  In 2000 we began taking herding lessons and Elsa continued after our move to Georgia.  Five of the Beardies have obtained a number of herding titles in competition on sheep and/or ducks.  Along with the herding competitions some of the Beardies have provided guidance to cattle on the farm.  Rusty is particularly eager to get out and work the cows.  The youngster doesn’t get to do this yet. Bill is starting to train for water trials with the Portie (Stormy). We’ve both begun obedience lessons (spring 11) with the youngsters to bring a bit more sanity to the household as well as lay a foundation for Stormy’s water work and help Heidi’s herding. Bill with the past generation (taken in 03): Bridgette, Bill, Pumpkin, Dottie, Miss Tilly Bearded Collies Heather The Feather - CH Kinloch’s Willow Signature, HIC, UD.  Breeders - Ann & Norman Gerber, Colorado Springs CO 6/22/87 - 12/12/97 Dottie - CH Hyatt’s Dashing Dottie de Kachina, HIC, UD.  Breeder - Rosemary Schroeder, Ohio 2/28/91 -  8/7/04 Pumpkin - CH Shanaspree Pumpkin Seed PT., HSAs.  Breeders - Tammy Begler and Laura Tappero, AZ & CO 11/19/97 - 5/5/10 Pumpkin working Billy The Kid (above) and a group of sheep (below) at a Herding Trial Miss Tilly (Tillytudleum) - Sallen Senna, HSAs 6/2/97 - 10/7/09.  Breeder Nic Broadbridge, Scotland.                                         Miss Tilly & Pumpkin in “mule”      Miss Tilly moving the herd to a           small stream crossing Rusty - Artisan Iron Feather, HSAsd, HIAsd, HXAs 5/27/05.  Breeders, Ann & Harry Witte, NE                             Visiting with calf       Moving ducks (Indian Runners)  at a herding  trial More ducks (Kahki Campbells) With sheep at a trial Heidi - Artisan Snowbunny, PT.  2/5/10.  Breeders, Ann & Harry Witte, NE With Stormy, both age 3 mo At a herding trial, age 14 mo Covering her sheep in PT class, age 14 mo Portuguese Water Dogs Bridgette - CH Roughrider Bridgette Teva, UD. Stormy - Roughseas Southern Storm.  DOB 2/2/10.  Breeders - Lou Guthrie, Steven Bean, & Brittany Rosener Helping with Grape Harvest (fall 10)