Lori Z

No new pics sorry, I'll take some soon. I just had to share.

This morning we had a rain/sleet. Phil let the dogs out in the very back opening the gate that leads out to the back acreage with the fruit trees. The dogs did their business and Phil called them back. No Ginger. We went out to the gate, calling and whistling. Gin was way in the back, la dee dah, wandering around in that old dog way. We were in our slippers so I didn't want to run down there in the mud and slush. Sebastian was next to us dancing around and after we had called, clapped and whistled he barked excitedly then took off down to where Ginger was. He took over, gently, slowly herding her back to the gate and to us! He knew we were calling her and took charge. It was freezing cold, windy and we couldn't just leave her out there because that gate goes to the pool when she comes in but not a problem because we have super doggie! AND he is only 7 1/2 months old. He was careful and patient as he guided her back.

My breeder will tell me, "well that is a collie for you." but I've never had a collie before. I can tell you I'll never be without one again. Phil, who doesn't give praise lightly was amazed as he watched Seb slowly, patiently bring her up to us, said "Sebastian is turning out to be a special one and very kind".

Plus he is an A student in class and is always the "demo" dog. We are doing the C.L.A.S.S and he is taking his "BA" in two weeks. He is ready but I'm waiting to take it with the class, then we will do the CGC.

Lori

PS, If you are wondering where Eli was...well it was slushy, freezing, muddy and windy...he went back inside through the dog door...LOL LOL.

dobegal

My Grandparents had collies on their farm and they would herd my sister and I back up to the house when they would call us in from playing. At the time I never liked it hoever now I look with fond memories.

HarvestMoon

He is such a good boy. What an amazing story!!

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ZeldaRules

That's awesome, Lori! I would be so proud. With my parent's border collie I can say "Where's Zelda?/Go find Zelda!" and he will actually go run around the street looking for her and find her when she has gotten loose. There is NOTHING that can compare to a herding breed, IMO.

Lori Z

It's strange, he has taken it upon himself to look out for 15 year old Ginger. He saved her from drowning in the pool about 8 weeks ago, don't remember exactly when, and now this. I'm just so proud of him.

Lori Z

Yup, you know I am a herding dog person. Something about them. I didn't expect such a young collie to watch out for another dog. After all he isn't an aussie or border collie and the collies are supposed to not have that old fashioned instinct like some of the other herders. Frankly they are not considered as intelligent as the other two nowadays. However, Seb is very smart and certainly is intuitive. Plus I love hugging him and burying my face in his ruff.

ZeldaRules

Why aren't they considered as intelligent as the others? I have loved every collie that I've met. They are super dogs.

Lori Z

A lot of people say the brains have been bred out of them along with true herding instinct. They have been show dogs for a very long time and not many are working on ranches, certainly not here in the US. Nothing like the borders and aussies. After living with Sebastian I don't know if it is true. Maybe for some lines and maybe it depends on the part of country you live in and the breeder *shrug* I do know they are more stubborn than the other two and maybe that is part of the problem. I'm not sure but Seb seems bright and he certainly is intuitive so "whatever" LOL LOL. You are in Texas right? Here in California I've only actually met collies in the old days, I haven't met a collie for a long time in a club or out and about. It makes me feel good that you know some and love them.

astra

I TOLD YOU LORI!!! I remember when you were doing your research about the breed and you and I had many conversations via PM. I tried to tell you just how SPECIAL this breed was and how I could never picture my life without a Collie. I LOVE how Seb has taken Ginger under his wing and looks out for her And there is NOTHING like putting your face into a Rough Collies mane! I also LOVE kissing Kinder's loooong face I am SO HAPPY that you are getting to experience those very things about the breed that I was trying to type into words. Welcome to the world of Collie lovers

Lori Z

Yes you did, you really did. I love to kiss that long nose and I love it when he gently touches my cheek with his cold nose.

LindaH

You got a winner...congratulations!!!

Got a feeling there are going to be many many more stories like this.

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Faireview

I grew up with rough collies and am not surprised by your story. When we were kids, our first collie, Heather, would not let us play on the swing set in our backyard. She would gently, yet forcefully, pull us off because she decided we were not safe. Years later, we had her son, Traveler, and a golden retriever. They got out of the yard and ran to a school blocks away one day. Some people were at the school were able to get the golden into their car, but Trav wouldn't go with them and came home to my frantically searching mom. Traveler would frantically look at her and get her attention, start running towards the school, come back to her to keep her coming, run in the direction of the school...you get the drift. He was taking her back to where he had last seen Buck, our golden.

That dog and I ran the neighborhood every summer - he was a good and tolerant friend.

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Chase

Patches Mom

Herding dogs are very intelligent & know what their people want them to do.

Lori Z

Yes they are.

What a great story!!! Thanks for sharing.

I hope so Linda, I really do. Thanks!

wantsaDobe

I think you need to write a Chicken Soup type of book. I would like to reserve my copy in advance please.

Lori Z

Dog Stories for the Soul. hahaha.

brw1982

GOOD BOY, SEB!!!!

I'm so happy for how perfect he is for you and your family. I love him more with each story. Collies truly are wonderful dogs.

(Also...I burst out laughing when I read Eli went in the dog door to get away from the cold yucky outside. LOL LOL LOL Of course he did. He's a Doberman, dammit. )

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Old Drum's Crimson Crisp, "Fiona"
Old Drum's Fiery Rumors of Taliesin, "Tali"

Lori Z

It is weird. When we lived in the mountains Eli didn't mind the snow or cold at all. Now that we are in the high desert he is dismayed when we get the freezing weather. LOL He will stick his nose out, look up at me, back up into the house. hahaha.

I have to say Sebastian is fitting in perfectly and he is just what I hoped for at this time in my life. I did so much research, so many of you guys helped me and went through it with me. I appreciate so many of you playing the breed game for years with me.

Sherryh

I loved your story...........Thank you for sharing!!

hjgrl

Oh I just love him more and more with every story. I can't wait until you post some new pictures of him.

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Tollers-n-Dobes

Stop it! You're making me want a Collie one day!

Seriously though, he sounds like such a wonderful boy and the perfect addition to your family. I love your stories and pictures of him.

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