Border Collies Just Want to Have Fun

Stumbling upon the dog agility competition on TV was a delightful surprise. I was captivated by the event from start to finish, as it evoked fond memories of our beloved border collies. We had the privilege of caring for two remarkable dogs – a tri-color male that we raised from a pup, and a red and white female who had already experienced the joys of motherhood many times when she joined our family.

The dog’s coat was a deep, reddish-brown hue, though it was often referred to simply as “red.” While not as swift as many border collies, the dog had endured numerous challenging years. Despite these differences, the dog was still a quintessential border collie in many ways.

We used to take both of them out on the street, and my wife would get about fifty feet away from me under the pretense of a race. The idea was for me to say, “1, 2, 3, go.” However, the moment I said “1,” the old girl would take off. She cheated, and she knew it.

The young tri-colored dog patiently waited for the signal, even though he suspected his opponent was getting an unfair advantage. Undeterred, he quickly surpassed her once the race began. She always had a confident smile, knowing she had gained an early lead. However, the determined dog smiled back, satisfied that he had ultimately overtaken her.

Molly, the shorter of the two friends, would playfully dart ahead of her taller companion when entering through the front door, slipping underneath with a mischievous grin. Despite their physical differences, the two remained the closest of friends, their bond unshaken by such lighthearted antics.

The one thing of the competition that reminded us of our dogs was the border collies in the competition. Every one of them had big smiles on their faces as they went through the weave poles. They knew they were doing it right and they were having fun doing it.

If nothing else, may it ever be said, border collies just want to have fun, even if they cheat to do it.

I would get two more border collies if I could, but for two reasons. At our age, we would not be able to keep up with them. And they would likely outlive us, which would leave them orphaned.

Whistles

The Dog Whistle?

I don’t know exactly when they started using the term but it would seem that it was used far more commonly by the dems. I don’t know exactly know what is meant by it, other than that what I have extracted from context.

Well, actually, I do know what a dog whistle is. I learned about them while in junior high, which was a while or two ago. Truth be told, there are two types. One is cylindrical and when you blow on it, only the dogs, and I guess other animals, can hear it. I suppose they can be used for training but mostly it is used for beckoning. When the owner blows on it, the dog comes running.

The other has something of a flat shape to it, almost with the appearance of a small shape of a bird. The sound it makes can be heard by most everyone and is almost totally used for training, especially for herding dogs.

Then too, I have seen people use noting more than their thumb and forefinger and it works just as good, maybe a little better as the dog gets used the his owners pitch.

The whistling saves a lot of yelling. The shepherd can tell the dog what to do from, easily a quarter mile away. One shepherd and a couple of dogs can control hundreds of sheep this way. And guess what? The dogs love it. Border collies, German shepherds, and many other dogs love the work. I have heard some say that it is cruel to expose a border collie to sheep and then never let them work. It is akin to torture. Don’t know. Just been told.

If you have never had the chance to see a shepherd work with his dog(s), you might take a few minutes to watch it once, maybe three times. If you see it enough, you might even decide to take it up. If you do, you will make a dog very happy. If you keep your eyes open, occasionally, you will see a competition advertised. Bring your camera.

So, getting back to what the dems mean by a dog whistle. I would guess this refers to how the controllers in the democrat party control their people. It does seem a bad way to refer to people, as dogs. They can’t possibly be referring to the leadership in the Republican party as using dog whistles. First, they don’t try to use whistles to control the members of the party. Second, it wouldn’t work. The republicans are not mindless robots as are the dems. They actually have minds of their own and do what they believe to be right. From time to time it is a problem. We simply refuse to march in lockstep as the dems do so it does become a problem from time to time to get a good bill passed.

On the other hand, the dems have no problem passing one of their bad bills. All they need to do is use a little threat, a little enticement and they will all fall into the place they are assigned. Anyone that doesn’t, will not ever be in the good graces of the dems again, which means they will never again receive any of that lovely campaign money. Moreover, they will likely get primaried the election.

So, I would say, if anyone is familiar with the use of dog whistles, it would be the dems. Then, I don’t need to tell you. I don’t need to convince you. All you need do is keep your eyes open.

One thing I do know. I do not answer to dog whistles. I would hope you don’t either. I mean, God did give you a mind with which to think.

I Suppose it is a Matter of Time

As with most, I like dogs, especially border collies. Then again there are those who get angry when you group border collies with dogs.

Regardless, it is something about timing. Had I been born a century earlier I’m sure I would prefer a horse. Walking is no fun.

I know it’s not a direct answer. Still, I guess things do very. A border collie would be pretty handy if I hearded sheep. Not only that, I would have a happy dog. Nothing makes a border collies happier than a few sheep.

Thing is, being 76, it would be a bad idea to get any animals. I could drop over and orphan them at any time.

Even so, we have a few felines. They keep me from floating up off my recliner while I’m napping. I guess that serves an important purpose.

Bloganuary writing prompt
What is your favorite animal?