Robbie, The Small Pony

I've alluded to the fact that I live with multiple border collies but haven't gone into that much about them yet. I've posted 2 pictures of Ivy, my very first competitive border collie. She is an amazing little girl but we had alot of issues along the way in trying to get her properly trained. She has done flyball, herding and agility. She excels in all that she does BUT I started noticing some very strange behaviors several years ago. Many many people told me that we had relationship problems but I didn't listen to them as I knew Ivy better than they did. To make a very long story short (will go back and add more later), Ivy started going deaf at age 4. It is a genetic problem and it is becoming very prevalent in border collies.

Because of her hearing problems, I decided to get a puppy last Winter. I did a ton of research - pedigree mostly. I really wanted a dog from good working bloodlines this time. In the event that I quit doing agility or my dogs can't do agility for some reason, I wanted a dog that could work sheep and possible trial in the USBCHA type venue. After making a decision on what I wanted, I found a litter in British Columbia, Canada. There was one puppy left but the breeder thought that he might be taken and was waiting a final answer. I told her if the person backed out that I wanted him. Well later that day, I got the email that I could have him. I went to the bank right away to do the international wire to Diana Gauthier and we made arrangements to have him shipped to the States.

My first meeting was amazing. He came barreling out of the kennel right to me with the expression of "Hello World". The long trip didn't bother him at all and he was very confident to explore the new surroundings. He was absolutely adorable and I couldn't wait to get him home. After a very long drive from the Pittsburgh airport (made better by the fact that a young friend of mine, Katie came with me), he arrived home to meet his new family.

He is now 9 months old and very very big! He is over 21.5 inches tall and weighs around 38 lbs and probably is not done growing yet. So I am not sure how well he will do at agility given his larger size. Knowing he may not be the fastest and most agile in the agility ring, I wanted to get his sheep training started. I've been to several lessons now and he is wonderful on sheep. My instructor, Sharon Nunan, thinks he is truly talented.

I did find out that a littermate was returned to Diana recently due to failing health and couldn't take care of a puppy. Sharon is interested in purchasing this pup because she thinks Robbie is going to be quite talented. I got an email from her this morning, she was on the phone with a friend of hers last night and learned that she is running a new dog named, Keen. A student purchased the dog and needs to learn how to work him so the instructor, Carol is running him for her. He is doing very well and Sharon noticed and asked about him. Well it is Robbie's Dad and he is now down in NC! I must do a road trip to see him work stock.

What a small world!