ABOUT
"What is your story?" That is the question nearly everyone in the sport of herding can answer fondly. Their first dog, and how they found their way to competing with their dog.
Mine began with Autumn, nearly 17 years ago, when I decided I wanted a dog to go trail riding with me and my horse. After researching different breeds, I settled on a border collie. I found a local cattle rancher with a litter on the ground and went to see them with a friend. A little sable pup came home with me that day.
As my little BC grew up, I began to realize this pup was not like the other pet dogs I had over the years. Since my horse had gone lame and could not be ridden, Autumn needed more …. frisbee and catch were fun, but not quite enough. We tried agility, but that was not our thing.
Then one day I saw a herding demo at a dog event and decided to check it out. Autumn took one look at sheep; it was love at first sight......
Today, I have five border collies in my home. I retired from a 30-year career of teaching special education and began pursuing a new adventure with my dogs. I compete regularly in different herding venues for arena, and field trials. In 2017 I began handling the trial secretary elements for a local trial host and friend. I received my approval to judge AHBA, and AKC herding trials, as well as AKC farm dog certification.
The dog who started this adventure.
Autumn
My first border collie. Autumn came off a small cattle ranch located in Maricopa, Arizona.
Autumn's untraditional coloring is what drew me to her. She is considered a saddle back sable, a recessive color.
I had no idea how this dog would change my life.