His eyes are fierce and unblinking,

So strong you can’t break the spell,
Muscled shoulders sink lower and quiver,
Against the glistening dewy grass of the Fell.

The sheep flee in one ball of fear,
Like a flock of birds when they take fright,
Too slow for his brain and fast round up,
This is a working dog in full flight.

He screams with the anticipation,
Of his fix, his want, his need,
Adrenaline pumps through his lithe body,
And fuels him to greater speed.

The release comes at last and he’s off,
Skimming those jumps without even trying,
One tap on the box, a perfect turn and back,
With a ball in his mouth he comes flying.

From the start line he barks he’s ready,
‘Go’ and he runs like wind through the trees,
Turning and twisting around wings so tight,
Hurdling the jumps, flying tunnels and weaves.

With a bark he clears the last jump,
And he looks for his lead and favourite toy,
He’s clear and it’s fast, he’s way out in front,
He knows he’s done good, he’s a clever boy.

Out he runs to the back marker,
Dropping as he hears a command from his mum,
He shoots out of the box into heelwork position,
He’s stylish and balanced, a show off to some.

So completely absorbed in his handler,
As she is in him in return,
They’re lost in a partnership,
That cannot be taken, only earned.

Four skills that take lots of training,
And a great deal of time and dedication,
Four dogs who are worked,
And trained with love and play and affection.

But that’s where you’re fooled,
By this dog of great talent and speed,
For this is just one dog, a Border Collie,
Quite a truly remarkable breed.

Claire aka colliesrus

copy@bordercollieworld