Little Bo Peep!
Posted by Leonard And Me , 7.22.2018 6:27 PM
This stop at Leault Farm has been our favorite part of the trip so far! These dogs pictured above are just lying in wait until the farmer gives them their orders to round up the sheep! A few years ago on a trip to New Zealand we also visited sheep dogs and watched their impressive skills. I certainly wish I could get my students to follow directions like these dogs!!!
During a 45-minute demonstration, amid some of the most beautiful scenery in Scotland, we watched eight dogs working as a team to maneuver sheep through various obstacles. Every dog has its own set of commands enabling us to see just how each of them responds to their individual whistles and each move by the dogs is explained by their handler.
After rounding up all the sheep....the shepherd gave us a demonstration on how to shear the coats of wool off a sheep. This guy hooked the horns of a sheep with his "crook" and pinned the sheep between his legs and just started shearing away -- as we stood and watched the thick wool easily come off the sheep. Then...it was time for volunteers! Guess who?
I'm not sure I would trust THAT GIRL with a pair of giant shears! But she looks pretty confident...sooooo confident that she can look up and smile for her picture while hacking away at that poor sheep! I'm glad to report everyone is OK after this picture was taken! Except that sheep is now a she instead of a he! :)
What happened next is quite memorable! The shepherd marches back to the barn and carries out a box full of sheep dog puppies! These collie pups were so eager to come out and play that we couldn't stop laughing!
And who could resist picking up one of these little buggers and holding them for a picture! Gonna try to sneak one of these little guys in our luggage to bring home!
***We just found out that one of our little "buggers" back home is on the loose! Please know that we appreciate everyone's help getting Paxton back home! Once you get him inside....make sure he knows that his dad is gonna whoop his ass on July 9th!
Tell Janessa to use those clippers to shave Leonard's back while she is at it.