11/04/2024
This came up in a memory and I thought it was applicable for this week as we are watching all the great dogs and handlers at the Australian Yard Dog Championships ⭐️
When Gary and I were producing “The Working Stock Dog” Magazine I often had to fill in pages and I remember late one night trying to finish a Mag and needing to fill one last page at 2am in between feeding our baby and this is the result: looking back now I laugh - sorry for the long read 🌟
The Most Famous Dog of All
Angie White
The Trial began and it was quite clear, big things were going to happen here.
No pig dogs would dare show their face today amongst the Collie & Kelpie fray.
The Dogs were keen ears pricked high, the morning sun hot in the sky
The men were restless Akubra’s down low, their wives unsure whether to stay or go.
The Judges paced awaiting the start, time passed by with each beating heart.
The crowd could feel the general unease, nothing stirred not even the breeze.
TV cameras swept the ground, every small thing their lenses found.
Newspaper pens ready and poised,
It was eerie the lack of background noise.
Then all of a sudden a Mexican wave, the crowd all awoke as if from the grave.
The Judges walked out confident and tall, then out came the Most famous dog of all.
The other dogs shrank they knew they’d been beat, the standards of this dog they just couldn’t meet.
The boss strolled in front he walked with a swagger, he didn’t talk loud he wasn’t a bragger.
He walked on the field with a laugh and a whistle, he fondled his dog while chewing on gristle.
The judge yelled “Right, we’re ready at last”, the Boss waved his hand the dog did his cast.
Excitement had hit a high fever pitch, the sidelines were crowded no room for a stitch.
Two women had fainted right up the front, I heard someone whisper “ Publicity Stunt”.
It really was plain for all to see, the dog was amazing, fantastic, lovely.
Each movement a slice of poetry in motion, some say the handler gave him a potion.
He conquered the race and bridge in a minute, and cockily eyed the pen and sheep in it.
His chest it expanded, he stood strong and proud, awaiting the loud applause from the crowd.
Reporters they mobbed him and begged for his story, he swept them aside and basked in his glory.
The boss he fell back they didn’t want him, it was the dog receiving the crowds wild din.
Then all of a sudden his whole body shuddered, tongue rolled to the side a loud noise thudded.
A hand shook his shoulder, he felt himself shake.
“Dream times over Dog - are you awake”.
