Border Collie Demonstration at Soule Farm Days

By Tonia Evans

This fall I was fortunate to attend Soule Farm Days, a weekend event that has music, vendors, delicious farm fresh food, activities for kids and my favorite-a Border Collie Demonstration. When I was in college, about to graduate with an Associates Degree in Animal Care, I was so fascinated with the Border Collie that I did my final report on them.

Unfortunately, the library had very little on the breed and after researching further, I found that all the books I wanted to read were out of print. I was very resourceful, and somehow I found a lady in Vermont who owned Border Collies, that had copies of the books I needed. This kind lady, who I never met except on the telephone, offered to make me photo copies of every page of each book that I needed-and she only charged me the cost of the photo copies. For a girl in college, it as an amazing gift from a stranger.

I’ve never had a lifestyle that needed a Border Collie. They are high energy, and much smarter than any breed of dog I have ever known, and although they were bred over time to be smart, fast and full of wit and skill, I believe they are one of the most beautiful dogs I have ever seen.

When I went to the Soule Farm Days Border Collie Demonstration, I couldn’t help but become mesmerized once again by the beauty of these dogs. Each one has their own unique personality, some are able to control the herd better than the others, with smooth and gentle movements and using the power of their eyes, others use their quick speed as they move back and forth along a rolling landscape.

I wasn’t able to interview the owner of the dogs that day, but I hope you enjoy some of the pictures our photographer Karen McCarthy took that day.