Theodore - "Gift of God"

There could not be a better name for Ted! I got Ted as a started dog from Scott Glen. I thought about changing his name to Tweed or Teag but Ted stuck. Then one day I heard Scott call him Theodore and I knew I made the right decision. Ted came to me the same year my GSD Thorn left due to hemangiosarcoma. In the months they were together I marvelled at how similar they are. I called Ted "Thorn's little buddy."

As I am working so hard this year, determined to work my dogs and trial more, I feel like I am getting to know them again. I have been blessed with very good dogs and am having a wonderful journey with them and with the people they've introduced me too as well!


The pictures in this post are of Ted working at Louanne Timmons Twa's Phantom Ridge Ranch yesterday. We are working in a smaller area to get my handling in shape as it is rusty, and my timing is so slow! Ted moves FAST and he is a big boy so he needs to listen to stops, lie down and time commands or the sheep blow by where they should have stopped or turned. So here we are, working on things - and as Ted gets happier and more settled, my mind also calms down so I can enjoy the work.

That'll Do Ted, Good Boy

Ted is not only handsome, he is a kind-hearted dog who really just wants to please and to be loved. He is everyone's favourite, and one of those "ambassador dogs" that helps you make friends wherever you go. I can't imagine a dog more suited to me and thank Scott so much for making this match!

As I wrote in the blog post yesterday, Ted has suffered the same lack of work as Jet due to life changes and big moves and getting off the path - but we are now sorting this out. All of my dogs track, but Ted has never been keen on it - he only wants to work sheep, and I respect that. Lately he has been in "Ted Heaven" as we focus on getting out as often as possible. I did try to trial Ted last summer, but we had not had enough practice and everyone with sheep was off trialing, so I just decided I would go "wild west" and do my best with him despite it all. He ran his heart out for me and I know we looked as green as I felt. I still felt proud of him, and got my feet wet! Anything good he did in that trial was a testament to the foundation put on him by Scott. Now it's up to me to build on that, and we are working hard at it!

I can't thank Louanne enough for the training opportunity and help.

Ted is the sire of my Blackthorn Ben pup. Ted's father is Scott's Pleat, and his mom is a dog named Tess, a working cow dog who is owned by Brad Brechley in Big Valley east of Innisfail. You can see the pedigree here.

Ted is such an athletic dog, I look forward to trialing with him for years to come.