The Farm Dogs



Hunting mice

I've mentioned the dogs often, but haven't properly introduced them yet.  We have two dogs, Floyd and Charlie.  Floyd is a handsome blue merle mutt.  Charlie is a Border Collie cross.  They're both great dogs, but in very different ways.

We got Floyd as a puppy.  His mother was an Australian Shepherd/Black Lab cross and his father a Rottweiler/Doberman.  Everyone loves him and he loves everyone.  He has us almost completely trained to take him along wherever we go.  In town, people will often greet him by name before greeting us, and he's welcome in quite a few businesses, because he's so polite.  He likes to show off his knowledge of the right way to behave, which makes up for the fact that he doesn't like to be told what to do.  he doesn't herd the animals, or do much guard work, or any work at all, really.  He's simply a companion.

Floyd

Charlie only came to live with us last year, when a neighbour couldn't keep him because of illness.  Our farm is his fourth home (that we know of), and he was abused at some point in his youth.  He's shy, dislikes loud noises, and is afraid of enclosed spaces.  His Border Collie blood shows in his absolute devotion to the farm animals, and he's so happy to be living with us now.  Since we've had him, he's overcome his fears to a great extent and gained a lot of confidence.  Charles (my husband, not the dog--note the difference in their names) is always kind, but he's noisy and likes to rough-house with the animals; this has helped Charlie get over his nervousness.  Charlie takes care of the place while Floyd is off gallivanting with us.

Charlie

Reading Buddies



Floyd just can't wait to go to school

Rural schools rely on community support.  Charles and I do our bit by volunteering in a program called "Reading Buddies" in our local elementary school.   In this program,children who aren't having a good time reading are put together one-on-one with adult volunteers who read with them and to them.  We go in once a week for a couple of months, and our goal is to help the kids realize that reading can be fun.  We usually have a pretty good time doing it, meeting some nice kids, and we think it's important.

"Isn't it time yet?"

Floyd has also been a Reading Buddy this year.  He's a very good school volunteer, making the kids feel loved and welcome, and being quiet and attentive during the reading.

On the way to class



Everyone's favourite Reading Buddy



Helping choose a book



Small schools all over the province are threatened with closure.  Ours was, back in 2004.  The whole community rallied and refused to let it close.  They fought, and in the end, they won.  Charles has documented this, and other B.C. school struggles, in his film, "School's Out?"  Part one of four is up on YouTube now and the other three parts will follow once a week.

Floyd, the Mouse, and the Raven

Charles, standing by the window this morning, is commenting on the scene outside.  Too bad he didn't have his camera running.

    "What is Floyd doing sitting in the middle of the field?"

    "Oh, I think he's got something."

    "Oh, no, it's a mouse.  Bad, hunting dog!"

    "He's not even eating it!  What a bad killer dog!"

    "Ha, ha, the raven's going for it!"

    "Man, those ravens don't miss much."

    Laughter

    "Look out, Floyd!  That bird's got your mouse!"

    "Whoa!  You almost got him, Floyd."

    Laughter

    "Man, those ravens don't miss much."