CasselCreek  Australian  Shepherds

CH  Laredo Lonesome Dove  RA-MCL  CGN  CD  (ASCA ptd)
"Deets"

My buddy, Deets
Deets is my pick puppy from Niki's first litter.  I chose him for his "presence", his heart, his expressive face, his loyalty, his focus, his rich color ... in short, I love everything about him. 

There are not too many places where you will find me without Deets.  He's quite content to spend hours in the van, happily riding along, just to be with me.  And, the feeling is mutual. 

He's the boy to teach me about "the fancy" ... not because he's an expert, but because he's not and neither am I.  We're learning about the show ring together, and whether we win or lose, I know I am always taking the best dog home!

As for herding, he's given me the courage to get out there and have fun.  Who better to learn with than your best friend.  The road trips we take together are always fun, when he gets spoiled with ice cream at the DQ, and gets to sleep on a hotel bed! 

We've recently entered the world of competitive obedience and as we build confidence together, we also build our skills.  He's achieved his Rally Novice title and we're working toward our Advanced. 

NEWS FLASH ... June 5, 2005 ... Together, Deets and I passed his Canine Good Neighbor evaluation.  Congratulations, buddy!  I'm so proud of you.  It's amazing how far this boy has come in the last year, and I'm very proud of all of his accomplishments. 

We've recently started using Deets to move our little flock of sheep on and off the pasture in the evenings.  He still occasionally likes to rush in, just to keep me on my toes, but is really getting the hang of this herding game and is fast becoming a useful ranch hand. 

* Sarah Hodgson, Dog Tricks For Dummies

DOB  April 4, 2002
Eyes ~ CERF'd annually (clear)
Full dentition, scissors bite
Natural earset
CKC, ASCA registered

photo ~ Freeze Frame

Lethbridge, Alberta
June 25-26, 2005
 

Deets and I enter our first Obedience trial EVER, first time in the ring we qualify and come away with a High in Class. 

While posing for our picture, photographer Nancy Anstruther tosses a toy to get Deets' attention.  He leaps 5 feet in the air, grabs the toy, and jumps and springs all over the ring, playing with his "prize".  Silly dog.

Guarding his "trophy gopher"

Not looking like much of a "show dog" today

Obedience

Rally Advanced Magna Cum Laude ~ RA MCL
Calgary AB, November 12 & 13, 2005, All Bright Dogs
Under CARO judges Sarah-Jane Petti & Jennifer Fraser,
Deets earns his Rally Advanced title with an average score over 190, and Magna Cum Laude distinction. 
Deets worked wonderfully, had lots of fun, and made me proud ... as always. 

Conformation

2004

Altered Best Opposite
Australian Shepherd Fanciers of Alberta - Calgary AB
July 31, 2004 - Judge Wendy Maisey

Best of Opposite - EKC, Edmonton AB
April 17, 2004 - Judge Mark Houston-McMillan

Photo ~ Wells Photographic

Heartfelt thanks to Tammy Sawatzky for bringing out the best in our wonderful boy!
 

Reserve Winners (3-point Major)
Australian Shepherd Fanciers of Alberta - Camrose AB
March 28, 2004 - Judge Mary White

Best of Breed - CKOC, Calgary AB
March 6, 2004 - Judge Peter Machin

Photo ~ Freeze Frame

Best of Breed - CKOC, Calgary AB
February 28, 2003 - Judge J. Council Parker

Best of Opposite Sex - CKOC, Calgary, AB
March 1, 2003 - Judge Lawrence Stanbridge

Best of Opposite Sex - CKOC, Calgary, AB
March 2, 2003 - Judge Edward Wild

Photo ~ Mikron

        Many thanks to Scott Leitz for his expert handling

Winner's Reserve Male - AKC, Calgary AB
February 1, 2003 - Judge Sue-Ellyn Rempel

Best of Breed Puppy - AKC, Calgary AB
February 2, 2003 - Judge Beverly Capstick

Photo ~ Mikron

July 2002 - Deets, sister Luce, & myself on our first "show trip" to the ASC of Montana Cow Country Classic in Lewiston, Montana.  Both pups were entered in the 2-4 month non-regular class.  They were fine, I was terrified !

July 12 - FIRST - Judge Ken Silveira 
July 13 - Fourth - Judge Carol Ann Hartnagle
July 14 - Second - Judge Ann Camper

Photo ~ Alanna Leach
 

Herding Fun
WASCA Herding Clinic with Roy Sage, ASCA Trial
July 24 - 27, 2003, near Leslieville, AB

At just 15 months old, Deets really proved himself this weekend as a strong working prospect.  Perhaps in a little too much of a hurry, we'll have to work on teaching him to "walk up" and hold them "steady".  He had a great time with the ducks, especially since he'd never seen one before!  Special thanks to Roy Sage of O'Sage Aussies for a wonderful clinic and lots of encouragement. 

Herding pursuits since then have included an 8-week session at Olds College with Danai Frewe, a couple of Scott Glenn clinics, and a clinic in Pincher Creek with Joanne Wells.

We're looking forward to our ewes coming back home in the spring so we can get back at it!