National Sheep And Cattle Dog Finals

National Sheep and Cattle Finals entries must be postmarked no later than Aug. 1, and no entries will be accepted after that date.

Last date to cancel entries is Sept. 1 in order to have fees returned.

Due date for printing the program is Aug. 10.

For information on finals see www.sheepdogfinals.com.

Stock Dogs Move Livestock

Border collies are the dog of choice to herd livestock.

These canines can be beautiful. They are scary smart and crackle with energy. Yes, people can train them to do routines other than moving livestock, but what these dogs live and breathe for is work.

(It does not matter what they look like if their conformation allows them to do what they love.)

In my opinion it is cruel to keep a Border collie as a pet. Don't believe me? Go to a sheep dog trial and watch a working dog do what is bred in the bone and blood.

Sheep dog trials are held all over the country. To find a trial in the Northeast see the North East Border Collie Association site or United States Border Collie Association Web site.

Border Collies Work Sheep, Connecticut

Anyone who has ever worked livestock knows the value of a good stock dog. Read more about this particular border collie and where she works sheep, www.moodogpress.com.