It was somewhat of a surprise when I realized that Hawk and I were in the running for the OBCC Reserve Open Champion.  I was very pleased that he ran so well at Butternut Creek and managed to capture Reserve.  Hawk’s been a superb 1st Open Dog for me and has won his fair share of red ribbons and prize money.  It takes a naturally
talented dog to place a Novice handler in the ribbons in Open, and he has managed to do that.  Now that I’ve been in Open for four years, I feel that I now have the experience to claim Open handler status, but I do wonder how long it would have taken me to get there without Hawk.  As he’s progressed from young enthusiastic youngster into his 6th year, I’ve noticed some subtle changes developing.  Just last week I sent him on the away side to gather the black face Scotties from the bush in the large field (they were spread out over about four acres), and instead of flanking away around past 12 o’clock he simply slowed down about 10 o’clock and gave them the chance to flock together into the center and then lifted them gently and brought them down the field.  That is a mature dog that understands sheep, and knew not to waste his energy roughly pushing them together like he did as a youngster.  Patience and wisdom comes with age, and although that statement might be questionable when considering the human race, it’s most certainly true when speaking of border collies.  It’s been an interesting fall, keeping Hawk sharp and moving forward with Holly, two totally different styles and a drastic difference in speed.  I don’t think that I have to mention who the speed demon is!

2004 should be an interesting year.  I’m hoping to qualify both Hawk in Open and Holly in Nursery and perhaps take a trip out to the Nationals Finals in South Dakota.  I had fun running Hawk in the Nursery in Oklahoma and I feel he deserves the chance to run at least once in Open at the Nationals.  It takes a great dog to make a good handler, and I’m honored to be part of a talented group who work and play in Ontario.  Special thanks to all the OBCC members who organize and put on trials and support trialing in Ontario.  Without you there would be no Champions.  THANKS!