September 12, 2007: Foot and Mouth Again
We were going to write about genotyping tups...but, on the eve of departing for Ireland to watch the International Sheepdog Trial, news of another Foot and Mouth outbreak in Surrey has broken. Almost immediately, restrictions were placed on animal movements and livestock auctions were thrown into turmoil. At the time the movement restrictions were instituted, a local auction mart had something in the vicinity of 14,000 sheep in residence. The fate of these animals is in limbo this afternoon. (Phew...a wee update - Some very limited movements of livestock have been permitted by DEFRA for immediate welfare and practical reasons where animals have been at markets or at shows.)

Being in Ireland this year, the International will proceed as planned. The gods are smiling! And they are not alone as we are all wearing huge smiles about our Irish excursion. It is exciting, if not a privilege, to be able to attend the International. If not for the World Trial, one could argue the International is the Olympics of the sheepdog world.

The trip to Ireland is supposed to be a 'treat' after spending the last couple of weeks helping to get the sheep prepared for sale. Although it is tempting to think all the work has been done in vain, there is still a great deal of pride in being able to look out the window and watch nicely presented and well-cared for sheep leisurely grazing the inbye fields. Moreoever, our dogs would strenously object to this as they have all had plenty of work and loved every minute of it. Almost all of the dogs have had a turn, even the pups as Kenny, River, Ace, and Sioux all got a turn to drive some sheep up to the pens in the morning, or spend some time in the byre helping move sheep from one pen to the "dressing" room. Some of them still seem to be grinning at being selected for the job. Mind you, perhaps we have created some monsters, as there is much begging in the morning to be chosen to go to work, and many loud complaints from those who stay at home. Border collies! Who'd have 'em?


Archives:
September 4, 2007: Blackies go to the Beauty Salon
August 25, 2007: Sheep Spa and Nationals
August 14, 2007: Roy goes Gathering for the First Time
August 7, 2007 Foot and Mouth Scare
August 3, 2007 Country bumpkins go to London
July 28, 2007 Whales and Wales
July 21, 2007 Blood sampling ewes.
July 16, 2007 A week of gathering sheep