99
Because every town needs a park, a library and a newspaper
Carbondale’s weekly
community connector
Volume 11, Number 31 | September 12, 2019
National sheepdog trials return to Strang Ranch Photos and text by Roberta McGowan Sopris Sun Staff On a crisp, cool September morning at the Strang Ranch in Missouri Heights, 500 sheep came figuratively to do battle with the 150 border collies trying to herd them. But, don’t worry, the dogs are highly trained herders, and the sheep also know the drill. This is the setting for the 2019 National Sheep Dog Trials to be held Tuesday, Sept. 10 through Sunday, Sept. 15 at the ranch. The event is organized through the United States Border Collie Handlers’ Association. The canine participants are among the top open dog and handler teams in North America. Also taking part are Nursery dogs, those under 36 months old who have won or placed in enough trials to compete for the title of National
Nursery Champion. As Bridget Strang, daughter of Kit and the late Mike Strang, explained, “I have always loved competing in dog trials. I’ve traveled to beautiful places around the country. And I adore all of the dogs, especially my seven-year-old border collie Ben.” “This year is the fourth time we’ve hosted the finals,” she said proudly. Strang explained why the family wanted to bring the trials here for the first time in 2011, “With our personal mission to conserve ranch land and educate about sustainability in tandem with showcasing the Western heritage we hold so dear, it was an easy decision to bring this wonderful event back to the valley.” The American Kennel Club describes border collies as affectionate, smart and energetic, “The almond eyes are the focus
of an intelligent expression — an intense gaze, the Border’s famous ‘herding eye,’ is a breed hallmark. On the move, borders are among the canine kingdom’s most agile, balanced, and durable citizens.” Volunteer Sharon Northrup from Crawford, calls the dogs “bilingual: they understand both whistle and voice commands.” And the dogs have learned what to do with the water filled metal horse trough placed near the handlers’ waiting area. They jump right in, enjoying the coolness and then vigorously shaking off the water after hopping out. The best teams compete for over $40,000. Sheep dog trials are modeled directly after similar events in Britain, where the border collie originated. The trial course tests the ability of a dog to manage sheep or goats properly under the differing circumstances encountered every day. Continued on page 6.
$
7
99
970.963.5880 On the SE Corner of Hwy 133 and Main Street in Carbondale
core 6pks