I arrived late at the sheepdog trial today (got lost on the way to this trial site that I've been to about a dozen times ). I had a really great time - it was like a North Carolina sheepdoggers reunion. Only in VA.

I won't mention any names, but someone we all know has a Noodle brag or two or several maybe by this time tomorrow. I was just floored though I've known since the first time I saw him working that he'd be a good one for Laura - but Laura is also showing herself to be a good Noodle handler!

Niners youngsters had a terrific showing too with Larky going pretty strong, Phoebe having a really nice run in Nursery (that little girl continues to impress me), and Pip - well, he got a tough group of sheep and he got them off the field. I think he would have been fine with some of the other sheep that were out there today.

Niners open dogs showed 'em how it was done too. I always enjoy watching Julie work. Julie works two almost diametrically opposite dogs and does it with a lot of class, and is a contender. I can't wait for the youngsters to get up to open too.

And, I also got to see an old friend run in Open for the first time. She was running in the lower classes when I started, struggled with her health and slow training progress, and here ten years later is finally getting to run with the big dogs. She did really nicely - I was so glad for her. She's been battling ovarian cancer specifically for a couple years now and it's wonderful and inspiring to see her keep on and if anything work even harder.

I'll have some video and pics to upload later, but I'm hoping Laura and Julie will share when they get back!

Cool!

Sounds like fun! Lucky you.