My better half found this the other evening. I'm not much on "awwww-coochie-coo-ain't-that-sweet" poems, but this one hits the spot with me.
You have an Aussie.
You have a breed that's a little over 150 years old.
You have a breed that is the only herding stock dog originally bred in America,
and is truly American, being a great big melting pot of different breeds to get
what they wanted.
You have a breed that was bred to be able to herd one thousand sheep with a few
buddies and only one human shepherd.
You have an Aussie.
You have a breed that was bred for sheep but able to think and adjust to herd
ducks, geese, pig, chickens, and rabbits And each one herded differently.
You have a breed that guarded all those sheep, ducks, geese, and rabbits, so it
made sure it kept it's eyes on you.
You have a breed that has guarding instincts as strong as it's herding instincts.
You have a breed that ranchers loved because if you needed something done, it could do it.
You have an Aussie.
You have a breed that was known as early as 1860 for it's intelligence, gentleness, loyalty and uncompromising courage and strength in the face of danger.
You have a breed that was bred to have no trouble continually moving with a comfortable lope all day. Every day.
You have a breed that doesn't care about the weather, and has worked everywhere from Antarctica to the hot dry plains of Texas.
You have an Aussie.
You have a breed that is known for incredible energy and intelligence and also being one of the most destructive dogs there is when those aren't taken care of.
You have a breed that you thought you knew what it took to raise one, and was still surprised. And still got another one.
You have a breed that has no problem running your home if they don't think you are doing it right.
You have a breed that made the list of ten most high maintenance dogs. And you weren't surprised.
You have a breed that you have actively talked people out of getting. And laugh when non-aussie owners say they can take care of it for a little while.
You have an Aussie and wouldn't trade it for the world.
We have a couple of Australian Shepherds, Poppy & Sweet Pea. Caring for them and their addiction to duty and activity is a full-time job. These dogs were born to work. My only 'gret is that they don't have 600 acres and a herd to take care of. A TV commercial with sheep, horse or cattle and they stand at attention with ears up, eyes fixed and their guttural whine-growl. Herding and protecting is deeply ingrained in them. Proud of my 'girlz', they're the best.
Sweet Pea:
Poppy:
This is ours, got him for our youngest daughter about 10 years ago. She named him Scooter. Just a pet, but he's a loyal as can be. He has the run of about 1000 acres, but no cows any more. Usually needs a bath.
How do they get so dirty?
He's got that "stare"...a beautiful, noble gaze.
I swear you could put my dogs in a NASA "clean room" and 15 minutes later they'd look like they've been mining coal...and smell like it, too.
...'jes dogs, I guess. I still love 'em.
How do they get so dirty?
He keeps his nose in the dirt most of the time catching moles and mice. Found a deer hide last fall and dragged it up in the yard. I threw it where I thought he wouldn't find it twice, finally gave up. He works on what's left of it every day. Down to about a 6"x12" piece now.
Ours was a rescue (of course), and he spent the rest of his life staring at the cat, and trying to intimidate the cat. Unfortunately for him, the cat was there first and knew perfectly well "you wouldn't dare touch me," so he would relax on the counter with his tail hanging down while the dog would go nuts in frustration. Hoagie was a good, gentle soul and he had a good life with us.
