The three puppies - houseguest Tully and the resident bitch pups Madge and Beattie - paid a visit to The Glebe yesterday to meet the sheep.  We were all curious to see what, if anything, is in them instinct-wise.

In the large field, Joss the blue merle Border collie, newly a father to a wonderful litter of pups (three of which promise to have their sire's glorious colouring), was kept busy holding a flock of around a dozen sheep for the pups to introduce themselves to, and each in turn was tempted to give us a glimpse of their herding potential.

Senior sheepdog at The Glebe, the handsome blue merle JOSS

Madge, the bully at home, proved the least brave (!) in this situation, though at least  she stood her ground and looked interested, even venturing to work "piggyback" with Joss on a couple of occasions - in Jackie's words, she has potential, but may be late to start.

Lyn and Jeremy will be pleased to know that their Tully engaged with the sheep immediately, and was both fearless and gentle - one which shows a lot of promise.

Beattie exploded onto the field with bark and bustle, and never slowed down once from a full gallop - her keenness, speed and energy put us in mind of a young Mirk!  She was finally captured by Jackie's neat trick of opening the gate into an adjacent paddock and allowing the sheep to thunder gratefully inside away from this manic novice.  Jackie seemed to like her - when the weather bucks up the herding lessons proper can start.  To paraphrase from "There is Another 'Way", she's taken the sweeteners, now show her the small print.....!!!!

(Sorry no new photos this time, we were battling with falling sleet...)