whats new
JANUARY 2012
The year 2011 contained both highs and lows for Martha and the MarCar Border Collies. Martha’s improved health allowed her to return to limited trialling, and so the three young dogs; Ken, Rick, and Sylvie all got opportunities to venture to the post in both BC and Washington. Along with areas of work requiring further training and experience, all showed good promise and potential for the trial fields in the future.
The year came to end with loss of Ryan at fourteen and half, and then the unexpected loss of Ceri during routine spay surgery less than three weeks later. These two half siblings will be sorely missed for a long time to come.
And finally, the miracle of new life in the arrival of the long awaited Cap X Bella litter, serves as a reminder of the continued cycle of life; continuing to carry forward the genetic inheritance that perpetuates the tradition of both past, present, and future MarCar Border Collies.
SOLD!! Litter announcement from MarCar Border Collies !!
Born December 7th 2011, Out of Bella CBCA 5338 (owned by MJ McHardy and L Larsson), sired by WinterburnCap CBCA 1440 (owned by D Marroni.)
Male puppies from exceptional, well-proven bloodlines !! Looking for your next top trial or work dog ? These little fellows are marked for greatness !
“Bella” embodies an exceptional balance of traits, that includes naturally nice method to her work with a capacity to settle her sheep, cool headed power, combined with great sensibility, and a sweet responsive nature. She has a very impressive pedigree; being one of the last, first generation daughters of Peter Gonnet’s Can Nat CH Moss CABC110231, and a maternal granddaughter of N Close’s Can. Nat CH CV Joe CABC 110407.”Bella” combines some of the best qualities of these two key sires. She is a half sister to M. McHardy’s Ceri. “Cap” is a talented, line-bred Vic grandson, and an accomplished Open trial dog, owned by Dee Marroni of Olympia. He also was very easy to start, with kind power and great natural feel for his sheep. This litter will be prioritized to top working, trial and competitive sport homes. For consideration and more information, contact M. McHardy at mjmarcar@gmail.com
Obituaries:
* Rainier's Ryan CABC 134747 : May 20th 1997 - November 5th 2011
* MarCar Ceri CBCA 1949 : November 21st 2001- November 25th 2011
Ryan and Ceri were both well known fixtures on the Open trial fields both locally and afar, having both ran at multiple Can and USBCHA Nationals over their careers. Both enriched my life immeasurably, and taught me so much over our time together. Ceri's unexpected loss was especially difficult, and has left a huge hole in my heart.
Winter 2010-2011
The year of 2010 was dominated by an unexpected acute neurological attack that precluded participation in trials or travel from home. Support from friends and local handlers came forward to assist myself and the dogs of MarCar Border Collies. I am grateful to have recovered much of my former level of functioning, and hope that 2011 will see further improvements in my stamina and endurance. I look forward to another good year with Ceri on the trial fields and off, as well as getting out to the post with my promising youngsters!
With an early spring, and good grass from the fall, the local pastures are a welcoming environment for this years’ lambs; providing a ready feast of lush grazing for their mothers’ nutritional demands, while nursing their multiple offspring! The ewes and their lambs are spread throughout the scenic pastures of Metchosin, to the delight of the many residents and visitors to the area. A smaller group of yearling ewes are due to lamb in mid April.... Click here for pictures! Follow farm updates at www.parrybaysheepfarm.com
** Interested in learning more about general lambing practices, and wishing you had some hands on experience with knowledgeable shepherds? Call or email us to arrange to stay with us for a few days, or longer.. We would be happy to provide you with a custom learning experience, covering a wide variety of topics; including health and nutrition of ewes and lambs, birthing complications, grazing and pasture management, record keeping, and all aspects of flock development.
Email: mjmarcar@gmail.com
I am available for clinics or private lessons at arranged locations. For lessons with me at home, the time of year on a working farm may dictate the type of stock or field access I can offer, as seasonal variables such as lambing, haying, etc. may affect certain training opportunities.
Training Spots for Outside Dogs
Spaces available starting in May, for in-house training for the foundations of sheep work, or to broaden your dog’s experiences. I take in only a couple of dogs at a time, and training is geared to the needs of the individual dog. Typically stays are from 4-8 weeks with me, and you may visit and learn along with your dog. Contact me for more details and availability a mjmarcar@gmail.com
Plans are already well underway for this years’ trial ! See the trial website for more information at www.msdt.ca We are pleased to welcome judge, Bill Berhow of Zamora, California.
