Peter has been the most consistent puppy on livestock since the first exposure to sheep at 6 weeks. Whenever we would show up to Y-Knott Ranch he was always rubbernecking the sheep and wanting to put poor old senile ewe Oprah back with the flock. He’s got a great call-off of livestock and he’s inherited Lucky’s desire to not only cover sheep but prevent them from breaking away. He recently showed me he not only drives them from behind but he’s quite prepared to take on the heads of some ornery rams… at 16 weeks old!
So, when ranch-hand Jeremy approached me about an appropriate puppy there was no question that it had to be Peter! I am SO HAPPY to share that Peter Parker has left on the adventure of his lifetime — he’s gone to be the future right-hand working-cow-dog to Jeremy on the Simpson Ranch by Cochrane, AB. Jeremy looks after 1,000 head of Hereford Cattle with his current working partner, Kinkz, who’s a 12 yr old border collie/kelpie cross who barely looks over 9 yrs. Kinkz will show Peter the ropes over time and help ensure the transition is seemless as he slows down into retirement. I’m confident Peter will be spectacular whether working off a quad or with Jeremy on horseback. Once Jeremy & Peter have bonded they will continue Peter’s training on safer sheep and goat livestock with Billie Richardson until he’s ready for the cattle transition.
Family life looks good on Peter as he is quite delighted to have hugs from 7 yr old Skye-Ann and cuddles from Jeremy’s wife Kris. Tho Kinkz is all work, their 1.5 yr rescue Buzz is all play so Peter shouldn’t have too much withdrawal in not having his Superhero brothers to play with anymore.
Peter’s placement is a co-own basis so that I can show him in conformation periodically. I’m sensitive to the working nature of his new home so his appearances will be strategic for sure. Being as close as he is also means that I’ll be able to keep treating him as a k9 massage client to ensure we stay ahead of any wear and tear as a result of being a working ranch dog.
While Peter could have easily lived a life in the city with an active family where he would never see another sheep, it would have been a terrible waste of his innate talent. It has been a long time coming but I could not be more excited for him and I welcome Jeremy, Kris and Skye-Ann wholeheartedly to the Reel Family! It truly is a perfect match!
