Back to Buffalo

After a delightful two weeks in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota, we are now back in Buffalo, Wyoming.  We wasted no time in doing more hiking along Clear Creek.

We have also had celebrations this week.  On Monday, September 23, we celebrated the ninth anniversary of Kota’s adoption.  She came to us from Buffalo Gap, SD, as a ten-month-old pup…

and grew into a free spirit with tendencies to slay anything from an 18-pound turkey tom, 

to a small buck (with the help of Lucky Dog and Nickie),

and even sticks.

And now with the dignity of her nine+ years, she reminds us how wonderful a dog can be.  

And just whenI had decided Kota had given up on being a true hunter...on our afternoon walk today, she spied a turkey hen hiding in the tall grass beside the trail.  It was only by the Grace of God and the fact that Kota had just had supper, that the turkey survived with only the loss of a couple of feathers!  Way to Go, Kota!  You still have it!  Sadly, the ice cream the dogs shared for Kota's anniversary was such a hit that total chaos ensued.  We'll try for pictures the next time there is an occasion to celebrate.

Rue and I headed back to work sheep with Wendy Auzqui…and for me to interview a dog to join our family and bring the Bagley Pack back to full strength.  When I met Cody, I was sure he was the right dog.  He is six years old and a trained, working sheepdog.  He has trialed at the Open Ranch level, and I look forward to entering competitions as soon as we get back to Texas. Cody spent a couple of days getting to know us…and for us to know him.  He had a good time taking hikes with us…

having dog tussles with Rue…

and indulging in some spirited bone-chewing.  Then he and I got down to business learning how to work together to move sheep.  

He has a beautiful outrun, and knows how to do it all, including shedding and successfully penning sheep like we were doing here.  It's me that needs the training, and I'm glad Wendy has had time to work with us.  I will continue my training once we get home and hope I can come up to Cody's level.  We are delighted to have him as a member of the Bagley Pack and look forward to sharing his adventures with you as we travel on.  Stay tuned!