When we all go around the farm in Anthony’s ute, we all have special spots because it’s really only a three-seater ute. We’re four, plus a little dog who really thinks he’s human so therefore he can’t be left behind on the chain (oh, the shame!)
Anthony drives, Rochelle sits in the middle, I sit next to Rochelle and Hayden sits on my knee. Oh, but hang on, I had forgotten someone! Rocket sits up the back on the edge of seats! He balances there beautifully, even if we’re chasing cows and it’s a really good spot for him since he doesn’t get in anyone’s way!
Rocket does come around the farm quite a bit with us and while I’m feeding hay, he’s my constant companion.
Life is cruel at times and farming is no different. Our old dog Rex is pretty much had it. Arthritis is in his elbows and his hearing isn’t what it used to be… or maybe it’s just selective and we haven’t worked it out! And as much as we love him and will miss his ability, it’s time he retired completely.
So, it’s time for the changing of the guard. This little bloke is ‘Hoggart’. He’s a six week old Kelpie and will be Anthony’s side kick for every day of his working life, starting tomorrow. He’ll start off in the front of the ute and when he’s big enough to wear a collar, he’ll be tied in the back so he can’t fall off. Our other dogs have been introduced and don’t think he’s much at all – just a little thing that jumps around their feet. Don’t worry Law and Digit, he’ll grow!
As for my poor little dog, Rocket, he’s in the wars! Last week he was sick from his needles and this week he developed a huge abscess on his neck. Our wonderful vets ‘The Swan’s’ had to put him under a general and cut him open to drain it. He’s a bit sore and sleepy from the surgery today, but he’ll be up about with no problems, tomorrow and then the drain can come out in three days time.
Rocket’s got a girlfriend! Zoey has come on a sleepover and they seem to enjoy playing together, which is a good start, but who knows if there will be puppies in the end!
We’d like some, but the hitch seems to be working out what’s got to go where! How and when! There’s been the funniest antics – working out which end is the right end, playing tag, chasing balls and much hysterical giggling from Rochelle as they jump high, dodge and run as fast as they can, as they get to know each other.
With all the exercise they are getting, they’ll be too tired to anything but sleep!
We’re enjoying having two little dogs around, if we’re lucky, they’ll be more!
After cleaning up the shed for shearing on Monday (no public holidays around here!) I was playing ’silly buggers’ with the kids. Rochelle thought she’d be smart and catch me playing peekaboo with them.
So here I am, in all my sweaty, dusty glory with Rocket who has had a ball chasing flies, sniffing out tasty morsels and amusing the kids.
Meet Bob the Kelpie and Tim! These two cheeky dogs can’t bear to be away from their owners, Rob and Helen, who are sitting inside having a bite to eat.
Much to the delight of Hayden and Rochelle, (the hysterical giggles proved this). Tim in particular kept sticking his head into the cat door thinking he was being left out of the conversation while Bob seemed to prefer the window!
These dogs are beautifully trained (sometimes they’re better behaved than our children!).
Bob, in fact is part of the Delta Society, along with his owner, who he has to take along! They specialise in bringing joy and delight to the people in Daw House, SA, which is a palliative and respite care unit.
Meet Law, our working ‘hound’. It’s far too tiring hanging around a shearing shed when there isn’t any work, than when there is something to do.
He doesn’t really look like a dog that you can’t stop when he’s working, does he?!
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