The Working Ranch Blogosphere

A well-bred, cowdog doesn't have to be taught to herd cows; just as a Beagle doesn't have to be schooled to follow the trail of a rabbit. Nevertheless, all cowdogs need training so they are controllable.
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So I get chores done this morning and I’m in the process of hanging a gate and I get a call from the boss. “You wanna play cowboy this afternoon?” “I do a pretty darn good impression, so why not?” I replied.
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I had a strange happenstance, well, happen to me the other day. We had a nasty norther blow in on us, but the chores were done so it was time to find a warm place to hibernate. My wife called and said that I got a package in the mail so I headed in to check it out. I pulled out my trusty utility knife, wiped a few leftovers off from cutting hay string that a.m., dug through a heck of a tape job like the old man through some straw after his fragilè major award, and pulled out a fine looking “I love Beef” coffee mug. My wife just rolled her eyes as I had just received another fine John Wayne mug just the other day from the boss.
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Wanted: Daring individual to gather feral cattle in dense brush, swampy country. Athletic horse necessary, bovine savvy a must. Good dogs imperative. Only serious inquiries need apply. Contact Swanee River Cattle Company
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I've told these stories before, but they are worth telling again, especially during this time of the year as ranchers are gathering their cows, and making clean up rides.
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Hands down my favorite job on the ranch is when I am horseback and working with cattle. I know that as a stockman, I hate to see an animal sick. Not only do you hate to see them feeling bad, but you also hate what it does to the bottom line. Medicine is expensive and sick calves don’t eat and don’t gain weight. However, there is a part of me that enjoys seeing a C.I.D. (Critter in Distress). Now, I’m not trying to be sadistic here. Let me explain.
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As he left the North Pole it was a cold one indeed But he was toasty and warm, full of hot cowboy beans Ol' Chris wedged in the chimney then let out a toot, Pa lit the match and off Santa flew!
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When it comes to working with livestock, you have to take the good with the bad. You look after these critters like they’re your kids. Most of the time there is a lot of routine that goes with the job and one might have the tendency to get caught in a lull and let your cow sense ride off into the sunset. Then just when you think things are gonna stay nice and boring for a while…well, you know.
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Stockdogs have been a way of life since childhood. Most of my memories involve dogs, one way or another. Dogs are how I met my husband. He came to buy a dog and got a wife too!
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