We had opportunity to witness an outstanding demonstration of skill and training thanks to handler Shanda Zettle Hyllested, who owns Shear Bliss, a shearing business in the Grande Ronde Valley near Summerville, Oregon. She brought her dogs Lacey and Beth, along with a few sheep, to present three herding demonstrations for us.
Lacey and Beth, a mother-daughter duo, have each won several herding competitions in the region. They responded instantly to Shanda's voice commands and expertly maneuvered the ewes in front of a large and appreciative crowd. Shanda's presentation included a fascinating and informative explanation of the four commands she and her dogs use to herd sheep.
Always a crowd favorite, the lithe, intelligent canines were a welcome addition to the 2023 Athena Caledonian Games attractions. We look forward to hosting Shanda and her dogs again next year.
(Learn more about Shanda on her Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/people/Shear-Bliss/100057591093552/)
NOTE: Sheepdogs have been absent from the Athena festival for nearly a decade. The last sheepdog trials held in Athena took place in July 2014 because the following March our event organizer passed away unexpectedly, and we have been unable to secure a new organizer. We have missed hosting the lively dogs and their handlers.
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