Sooz, she's a doll, too! IN that one close up of her face she's got Jack Nicholson eyebrows and that same look he gets, where one is raised higher than the other!**bg**

Our McNab Border Collie which they say is not really a Border Collie, though all are traced back to a sire named "Hemp" brought over to California from Scotland, is about 11 years old now and still as vigilant as ever, always anticipating a job to do. Though from the looks of these pix he does *rest* a lot. He really does get out and exercise, truly. Have to admit, though, his biggest job the past two years has been "clean up in aisle 5" after the grandson. My sister, who hadn't seen him in over a year walked in the other day and told him he looked "fuller"...he is not fat, I can still feel his ribs!

He is very intense but not hyper like a lot of border collies, which I like. I've never had such an intelligent and obedient dog. He was housebroken when I ofund him at about 1 year old, but we trained him with a kennel for at night, though not shut, and for when he was "in the doghouse." It was where he could go and know that it was safe and he was off-duty so could leave the cats, etc. alone. All I had to do was say "Go to bed." Still do, but now it really si just a dog bed.

The best training book I've ever read is the "Invisible Leash" written by Milani, Myrna, DVM. It came out in 1986 and there are readily available used copies at alibris and other sites. I've leant it out several times and everyone was quite happy with it.

One of the best training aids she suggests is a soda pop can with a couple of pennies in it with tape over the opening. Rattle to get the dog/cat's attention when behaving badly. She even says if they are esp. stubborn, you can throw it at their backlaegs as it is light weight and will not harm them. All I have to do is shake it and Merlee goes to his bed. To fit it in my pocket, though, so it is readily availavle, I have used a small fuse case which is just right for a couple of pennies.

Have fun, Donuel and everyone with new family members.

Giok, my sympathies in your recent loss and the declining health of your other grrl.

Blowzabella...our now-departed cat was named Beau after Beau Geste. I like the variation of longbow!

kat