Here comes goodbye..

ZIPPO

The days of his prime have since passed. At 15 years of age I can still proudly say this is one of the best working dogs I have ever come across.I whelped him with my own 2 hands and  I had the privilege of training and trialing this dog. Sadly he was the prodigy of my ignorance. He was the first dog I trained to open level (15 years ago) did I know what I was doing...kinda..but not really. I had bought his mother (Maime) who was burned out and didn't want to work..but she liked me enough to work for me. Maime was a good bitch who had been treated unfairly, and ruined in the shedding ring..she would never shed again...but pro-novice was easy for her! I bred her to a dog that John Doyle had named "Bru" (he had his own troubled past) but was a hell of a dog! Zippo was my pick of the litter. When I trained Zippo I remember him having this natural sheep sense and ability to do everything. 

I remember thinking well this dog isn't half bad..I trained him to Open level, and competed in Open  for the first time in 2001  with Zippo! Zippo always flew under the radar rarely did people think to worry..but he was always in the top 5 maybe not a blue ribbon winner, but a sneaky point earner. 

 I can remember thinking at the time...who needs to know how to sort "that's professional handler stuff" until years later making the finals and needing a sort! (well I went home promptly and trained him for that!) He HATED IT! for 6 years he had held sheep closely together... and now work in between 2 groups? NO...not happening..he would do it but not with pleasure!

Zippo's first love was not trialing...although he was good at it..(went to USBCHA National Finals numerous times) his true love was ranching. He was an "old style" dog rough coat, lots of eye, pace and style. (They just don't make them like this anymore) There was no task that couldn't be done. he was a shearing partner, lesson giver, back up dog, take down a single dog and hold it (without hurting or making a mark on it dog). This dog couldn't be beat. I never had to speak to him "he just knew". There were certain students "HE KNEW" would lose the sheep, he always insisted on going with them on the field...yes he was right... and always brought their sheep back.

Zippo would NEVER lose a sheep..trialing the highland games (the last time ever for me) the sheep cheat and break up around and the dogs cannot get there to cover them, it's a game to the sheep, but wasn't a game to Zippo. When the sheep bolted he took the route up through the forest to cut them off, he quickly returned to the infield and fell over..he had hit a tree and shattered his shoulder. That Monday following he would be in surgery a major repair, that would inhibit his ability to run. He needed a biceps tendon transplant, along with other major invasive surgery..Would he work again was the question. Orthopedic surgeon said take it slow, he will trip and fall, and be unsteady until he realizes how to move that new bionic leg. Zippo did trip and fall, made my heart stop on numerous occasions...but HE WAS DETERMINED to work. I went on to continue trialing him a year later, with a tad bit of a hitch in his get along. We should all have his strength and determination in life, it's inspiring.

Zippo had the funniest personality..When a dog did a bad outrun in class...he would turn his back and not watch. When backing up a young one or a loose eyed one if I said that'll do to the dog and they didn't stop, he would gently tackle them...

I could set my own sheep with him 600 yards away lay him down...and send my dog(a different dog) on the outrun..he would turn and walk off after the lift. I could go on and on about this dog. Numerous people tried to buy him..Ron used to say "well you can ask her BUT I DOUBT IT!" Zippo is one of a kind. I am already missing his sense of humor.

Zippo sharing his bed with Pearl, who is waiting for him in heaven.

Not only one of a kind on the field but with the other dogs. He has always been quietly in charge...and a great patient baby sitter.Zippo's daily life consists of going for a stroll (leaving bed above) walking promptly back around the house to the sliding door, opening it and letting himself back in the house. He is a great house dog and he is free to do what he wishes..even if it is opening the door 400 times and just looking out. "ZIPPO IN OR OUT" we still say..as he quietly turns around and goes back to bed..(stupid annoying humans..)

Zippo at 14 years old.

Unfortunately this past year  Zippo was struck with "the old dog disease" he just simply woke up that way on a Monday morning. He was falling over, and apparently couldn't walk. He was dizzy, anxious and scared. We were told to give him the meclazine which we did. He quit eating..the walking started coming back after 4 days...however he is still dazed and so confused. He is not acting like he used to. He popped out from under the stock trailer while I was loading the sheep, sure he was gonna do the job. (he retired himself 2 years ago). He no longer lays on the porch on his bed..he lays under the car. Huh? All weekend every time a motor vehicle moved he was trotting along behind...what? Since that episode 6 months ago Zippo's condition has deteriorated on a daily basis. Strokes come and go more frequently, and they also come with lots of anxiety and paralysis  in some instances.  It's important for me to keep that quality of life up, and it seems we are unable to do that now.  This is a regal dog, and he will die with dignity.  I love this dog. This dog has been so good to me..this dog  taught me so much...I'm still trying to figure out what he is trying to tell me now...I think he's tired, it's just that simple. Zippo will be laid to rest tomorrow afternoon at the ranch. He will be with Ron and I as he passes. I will continue to try and have crazy courage...so easy to talk oneself out of this. For him I cannot..but it certainly doesn't make things any easier.

 That'll Do Zippo That'll do. Ron and I  will miss him terribly, it's a rare occasion that one get's to touch the sun (as a friend quoted to me)..Thanks to this dog, I have.

What makes a good dog..and trainer..

We often ask ourselves..

People like their own breeding..they seem to suit..we know their holes, weaknesses and strengths.

I have the opportunity to have my hands on a lot of youngsters; for clients and for myself.

I can asses them pretty quickly..

There is cast and no cast...In my opinion I NEED CAST...I don't want to much, or even big...flanks can be tight, but flanking is a must..I want a dog to move around the sheep freely.

I don't want triangles, I want circles..the dog that won't give me this is a NO for me. The border collie should be PRE-PROGRAMMED with this trait.

I don't want a "driver" at 1 year old..I want a flanker..Outruns in the future that are GOOD are a must..I can teach one to drive.

I want balance.. I want self control..I like confident and brave..I don't mind grip, but I do mind malicious..

I think as breeders we need to understand "every dog won't make it". We all love our dogs...but not all dogs are created equal. It doesn't matter "what the litter mates do"  these are all individuals.

It's hard for people to understand this..just because they like sheep doesn't make them a trial dog.

Why do breeders get so offended when he dogs don't make grade?? (don't do the breeding again..) simple solution..some breeding's work out and some do not. It's probably not the end of the world..It's not embarrassing..it is what it is..the problem perpetuates when these breeding's are repeated so why breed again before the "first batch" is tried out..this I cannot answer..

If you have a good trainer...that has a god reputation, that has good dogs consistently, and they say to you "this dog won't make it" why question that? There is no secret solution..there is a limit to how much pressure a good trainer is willing to apply..to make the dog preform, so why do people want more pressure applied?

Sometimes you need to trust who you work with, or find another trainer. Why would a trainer turn down money?? I would be glad that trainer wasn't willing to just rip you off...

Anyway just some food for thought..would love to hear everyone speak on this..How much pressure are you willing to apply to make a dog "decent"...