06/06/2024
I guess the best way to start to tell about Buzzards Top Notch Drover "Gus" is with a little history first. I have owned and worked cattle dogs for 21yrs now. I contacted Jim in 2013, after the devastating loss of my male whom had worked with me for 13yrs. Anyone that has felt that kind of loss can relate. After numerous inquiries, Buzzards ACDs were mentioned everytime I would ask who's breeding for size, strength, and hard working natural ability. I needed a dog that was going to work, and wasn't going to settle for less. Jim sent me Gus at around 9wks old, and my first impression when I put my hands on him was "This is a solid pup". Within an hour of getting him off the plane, I put him in a goat pen with me and he showed all the instincts off a good working dog to be, and he was only a pup. Gus is 4 now and has fulfilled all my expectations. He has finished out at 20in tall 60lbs. He'll work small to large stock, herd, drive, load livestock, and help in the sorting pens. I was recently tasked with the chore to catch a black angus bull that was wild. He was a modest 1700lbs. I didn't have access to a pen that would hold him, so had to catch and load him on open ground. After fighting him on 2 ropes for 3 hours, finally got a third rope on him. In the process of getting him tied off to a 10in pole anchored in the pasture, he broke the pole off at the ground and caught me on open ground. Now you can imagine my reaction, no where to go, he's got me. Gus was taught from a pup, if the tailgate is open you get in and out as you please. He stayed in the pick up observing the entire ordeal, as I told him to stay put. Now I was occupied by this bull running me down, hitting me and rolling me, but what I do know is the minute he was on me, Gus was on him, and I mean with force. If it hadn't been for Gus's quick reaction, and my partners help, I may not be here to tell this. I dusted my self off, got my bearing's, and asked Gus to return to the truck. We got the bull tied off to a oak tree and backed the trailer up to him, 3 ropes pulling in the trailer, 2 men behind him, he still wouldn't load. I asked Gus to return out of the truck, and within seconds of his presence we loaded the bull. Now I truly believe a smaller dog, no matter how big the heart would not have been that intimidating. Size does matter. Let's face it "You can't expect a mouse to move an elephant", you have to match size and strength with size and strength. With that being told I can take him in a sorting pen of newborn calves, and he tones it down to just a nose bump to move them around. He is truly a well bred dog, and I look forward to continuing his bloodlines. Now I don't want anyone reading this to think he is some kind of "Super Dog", but he was bred to be "Great" and in my mind, and experiences with him. He is, and a Champion in his heart.
David
