Tag Archives: shepherding

Herding Dog Demonstrations, 2017

Posted on May 17, 2016 by John

Several times a year we load up some of our sheep and our Border Collies and travel to festivals to put on demonstrations. They are herding dog demonstrations, but much more. As the dogs amaze the crowds with their focused … Continue reading →

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The Glories of Glum and Sheep Keepers New Year

Posted on October 23, 2012 by John

            Lots of people complain when clouds and rains come. They think it dreary.  Not me—especially when we have endured the long, hot, dry summer of 2012. I complained when there was not a cloud in the sky for days … Continue reading →

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Post-Sheep-Handling Thoughts on Olympian Spirit

Posted on August 10, 2012 by John

The great 19th century Danish-Lutheran philosopher, Soren Kierkegaard, wrote scathingly of a certain bishop who was called a “faithful witness of the truth” at his funeral. Kierkegaard thought that faithful witnesses, or, what he would also call “knights of faith,” … Continue reading →

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Saving 254 from Death by Bloat

Posted on August 4, 2012 by John

            It had been one of those busy days–even a rough day—so Connie and I felt sufficiently sorry for ourselves that we got carry out Chinese food for dinner. We got up from our meal and I saw that telltale … Continue reading →

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Prayerfully Gathering with Spot

Posted on February 2, 2012 by John

February 2, 2012                 As an apprentice sheepdog, Spot has had a tumultuous work history. With the help of the insights from three of the very best sheepdog trainers in the world, Bobby Dalziel, Aled Owen and Gordon Watt, I … Continue reading →

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Dogs Show Their Stuff at Carol Stream Dog Fest

Posted on September 20, 2011 by John

The dogs of Heatherhope put on a herding demonstration in Carol Stream, Illinois, at the CSBarks Dog Fest. Fighting stubborn ewes they showed how to gain the sheep’s respect. Each dog has its own personality. Continue reading →

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Our New Sheepdog from Scotland

Posted on March 26, 2011 by John

Straid Nell is the newest Border Collie at Heatherhope Farm. She came from Ayrshire, Scotland, very near where Robert Burns wrote his first song about “Handsome Nell.” Continue reading →

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Mister Frodo Sir

Posted on January 31, 2011 by John

Frodo is gentle of soul and strong of will. Frodo is fearless in fending off threats to those he is bound to defend. The Frodo I am speaking of is our Great Pyrenees guard dog. He was so unimaginably cute … Continue reading →

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Naper Settlement Demonstration Defies Heat

Posted on July 19, 2010 by John

Crowds brave the heat to enjoy a Heatherhope herding demonstration at Naper Settlement. Continue reading →

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Trials and Tribulations

Posted on June 11, 2010 by John

Competing at sheepdog trials robbed John of energy and shrank his world. He learns not to rely on drugs, but on spiritual work to counter these forces. Continue reading →

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