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SOLD - Heading to Arthur, Illinois!
March 2020 - I will miss her!

Little Miss "Blondie"
Wow!  She's a dandy!
​Here is her story

Picture
Blondie had a rough start to her career as a working Australian Kelpie!  After unsatisfied owners were faced with frustration, she ended up the Glenns Ferry, Idaho Animal Shelter with a very bleak immediate future.  She landed there for harassing neighborhood stock, and being a bit "out of control."  Craigslist prevailed and may have saved her life!  Her story was compelling and intrigued me!  Out of "doggy jail" she came to the home of Jumakola Kelpies in July of 2017.  One year later, she is a useful helper on a daily basis.  Here are some videos of her progress.   

I will be honest, I have re-programmed a few dogs that had bad habits before they came to our program, but Blondie was one of the funnest to work with!  Before arriving she developed bad habits running loose, and was un-trusting of people.  She was imbalanced in her mental state and unsure of her place in a pack.  Her enthusiasm, and desire to get to stock made the process worthwhile.  She quickly fell into her place in the Jumakola pack, becoming balanced and happy.  July of 2017, she had not been at my place but a few days in this first clip.    

Her very first time out of the training pen was caught on video making a nice contribution documenting her advancement.  Although not perfect, it is an excellent example of her desire to get to stock and building a foundation on bringing stock back to me.  It wasn't long after the hole in the fence was repaired, but it made a nice obstacle to overcome in this clip!  This was taken the later part of July 2017.

Proud does not begin to explain how I felt with this first trip to town thirteen months after Blondie came to our programs (Sept. 2018).  At this trial, she was exposed to Carnival fun-sounds, sirens, guns going off, trains, even human-penguins jumping off a high dive next to arena!  She has come so far since she got sprung from "jail" in 2017.  Note:  she can and will be pushy on smaller stock while her "rate" is being solidified.  This Intermediate class was a dozen well trained dogs, and she finished 6th overall.  I was very pleased! Her forte may be a classy little sheep trial dog or a right hand-helper on a sheep or goat operation.  

In this session, Blondie is exposed to training cattle for the first time.  The size differential transition from smaller goats/sheep to cattle is reflected in her ethics here on larger stock.  She may be best suited for smaller stock, although it may be too early to tell...more exposure to cattle would benefit her.  It is unlikely she would make a cattle-pairs type of dog but would be helpful to another dog for strength in that environment.  She is unlikely to get someone into trouble on cattle by being too aggressive, a plus by those who's priorities are with a less physically aggressive dog.    

So excited for Blondie's new working home!
If interested in more prospects like Blondie, contact for more information!

One year later, 2021 here is a Facebook post and update on Blondie.  Arthur Sale Barn, Arthur, Illionis, Rachel Marx writes:  
"One year ago today we drove to McCammon, Idaho, Diane Myers had a 5 year old Kelpie stock dog named Blondie listed, that she was trying to place in a good working home. I had been looking for awhile for a trained livestock Dog to help us work livestock at the barn. Diane spent all morning teaching me Blondie 101. As many of you have seen over the last year she is very well trained but her Livestock Instinct and Personality is what continues to amaze me. She knows when it's Monday, her work day. She works livestock and enjoys meeting our sellers and buyers too. To say she has adapted to her new job is an understatement from McCammon, Idaho to Arthur, Illinois Blondie's career path has suited her well. Diane thank you for allowing me the opportunity to work with Blondie."  Thank you Rachel Marx for the photos!  
​​Jumakola Kelpies
Diane C. Myers
McCammon, Idaho
​530-524-1274

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