Zion Will Be The End of Me

Training continues sporadically. The dogs had a few days off due to a Rugby tournament in Aspen; we were supposed to start back up today, but the 4-wheeler wouldn't start. The temperature has dropped significantly the past few days and the engine wasn't liking it. Bill's working on it today, so we can go back out tomorrow. It's  gotten to the point where it feels strange not to wake up in the dark and go harness dogs.
Then again, I needed a little time off. My shoulders were starting to kill from the constant pulling. As soon as I unhook a dog, they proceed to lunge toward the line, attempting to pull my arm out of socket in the process. Zion is the worst. He's the largest dog in the kennel and I just don't have the strength to contain him. I get dragged down to the line and no matter how tight I hold him in between my legs, he always manages to squirm free. I've bitten my tongue a couple times now when he's jumped up and slammed into my chin. It doesn't help that I'm trying to hold him in between my legs to harness him and my feet are barely touching ground; he's just so damn tall. As soon as he is harnessed, he's a beautiful sled dog. The perfect runner. I just need to get stronger I suppose. Oh, and more agile. I need to also work on hopping over chains with two full water buckets; Whitey wrapped me in his chain the other day and pulled, so now I have a beautiful bruise encircling my knee.
This is the price I pay for loving these dogs and this sport. I get over it as soon as we start running and they look over their shoulders with happy grins.

This past week has certainly been animal filled for me. The 2011 National Sheepdog Finals took place in Carbondale. 150 Border Collies all trained to herd sheep. I went up three times, including the finals yesterday. These dogs are incredible, pure intelligence and drive. They want nothing more in life than to herd and, yet, they are perfectly trained to leave the sheep when needed. The handlers had to stay at their post as their dogs worked the sheep across a massive field, through gates, and into a pen. It was no easy task as the sheep were not cooperative in the least. The dogs did the best they could though and it left me speechless.

On the opposite side of dogs, I have started fostering cats for the Colorado Animal Rescue Shelter. I currently have two kittens that are having a little trouble gaining weight. They have kept me constantly entertained with their antics. When they're not running around my apartment, they are snuggled in my lap and purring happily. I hope to foster for the rescue shelter throughout the next year. It's a good source of companionship for me and a good experience for the cats.

Hopefully, Zion will be easier on me tomorrow...we'll see. I'll just have to cuddle with the kittens to prepare for it!