Retiring Simon
When a person spends years trying to accomplish something, it can sometimes blind them to what is really going on. I’ve been working Simon on stock off for 3 years, trying desperately to see that spark of ability and instinct I’d seen years before. Maybe to both our detriment? I don’t regret working him as it is through working him that i’ve made some really wonderful friends. In honesty it is because I’m him that we have Molly and that is a blessing without a doubt.
But I’m done punishing myself for not being a good enough handler for Simon. He’s a tough dog. I’m not retiring him because he can’t work. I’m retiring him because he really only does it because I ask him to. The difference didn’t become obvious to me until I started working Molly. I saw what it looked like when a dog worked out of desire with joy. Sometimes too much joy… but joy.
Paul is intent on finding something for Simon to do since Molly will be working stock and he won’t. Since he’s not ball crazy, maybe we will end up trying the big dog in agility. A sport where you tug at the end! Hallelujah!
Young Simon taking on a ram.
Going around on the flank.
Learning cows with Ron Green.
Personally I think agility would be a great idea for Si – - I know a place you can start him on sundays….