The Story of Mick

Mick came to us on Christmas Eve.  The result of an idle conversation over a cup of tea at the community centre.  But like a stone thrown into a pond, the careless comment from John that he was interested - maybe someday - in, perhaps learning to train a sheepdog - sometime in the future - rippled out into the Universe.  The day before Christmas Eve, a friend from the next village came to the door, asking if he was still interested in a dog.  He had been shopping in town and met the man who had sold him his own dog, who had asked him if he knew anyone who was looking for a dog.  He said he thought he might...

And so, on Christmas Eve, John headed up the coast to have a look at the dog - he would see what he was like and if he was any good, then he might bring him back.  Yeah - right!  There was never any  question of maybes... Mick came home to us that very afternoon.

He has settled in really well - very obedient and no bother around the house.  He is devoted to John and goes everywhere with him if he can.  He even waits outside while John is in the shower.

And the other day, when John and  James had gone swimming, I found Mick lying over at John's side of the bed!  I think it is love - it's very cute.

He is very good around the croft and all the animals too. He will be learning to be a sheep dog, though - John has his sights set on the local trials in 2013.

He is an 18 month old Border Collie.  He was originally owned by the man whom we got him from.  He was then sold to another man as a working dog, but after a while the new owner became ill and was unable to exercise the dogs.  He then returned Mick to the original owner (DT), saying if he was any good to give him to someone who wanted him, and if not, just to have him put down.  He is a good dog, though, and thankfully he found his way to us.  DT is a lovely man, and is very keen to help John and Mick in their training, so they will be going back for a couple of shepherding lessons once the weather improves. He has already had a run out with our friend and his dog,around some sheep. He is very quick and understands all the basic commands - stop, down,come here, away to me, etc.

And he is a lovely dog - aren't you Mikey boy? He says he is very pleased to meet you all and to be sure and look out  for him in future posts.