Vesta

Vesta

ABC 317021    
Born 12/21/2007
Breeder: Darlene Hutchins

Vesta is from the Cato/Mel breeding. At 18 months she was still showing no interest in sheep. I offered to take her for a couple weeks to see if I could get her started. I had no luck. She was very submissive and inhibited. Since both dog and owner seemed unhappy I bought her back. She was very sweet, but hopelessly inhibited and entirely lacking in life skills. I figured I could place her as a pet once she learned about things like houses, cars, leashes, crates, etc.

I sent Vesta off for a month with a college student looking for a training project. There she lived in a busy house with 8 kids, several other dogs, and a pool she learned to swim in. Emily's mission was to teach Vesta to care LESS about what people wanted.

When Vesta returned from Emily's care she began to really blossom thanks to the foundation Emily gave her. Vesta went from wallflower to enthusiastic pack member. She was eager to work though at first I needed to stay completely out of the picture. Over time she learned to integrate my input into her work.

Vesta has no tension and plenty of confidence with stock. She balances nicely and will go however far is needed to get stock. Sheep move off her easily. She is a very bold dog, willing to get in tight quarters and use force if necessary while never losing her calm. I will have one litter from her as I want to keep the quiet courage she brings to the job.

She is a very sweet dog, good with kids, adults, other dogs, loud noises, etc.

Vesta has gone to NJ to manage a flock of 150 Navajo-Churro sheep. She will be very much missed next time I need to move some cranky pigs. Vesta is a tremendous hog dog, demanding compliance from aggressive pigs without losing her relaxed manner.

News from Vesta in her new home...