Herding

In June I had the privilege of photographing some really amazing dogs owned by Alison Hunter. We traveled to the beautiful coast of Central California to her cattle ranch, Eagle Creek. It was really amazing to me to see how each dog played a major role in the success of the team. These dogs loved what they were doing. I'm very excited, because Alison has invited me back to her beautiful ranch for a big herding later this year.















Toots is the 8 yr. daughter of Boomer and Jessy. Alison describes her as a wolf in sheep's clothing. She is used for all cattle work. Gathering, sorting, loading, and she is one of the best when cattle are hiding in the thick shrub. Alison thinks she's the "perfect" dog and so do I!





Tate is a 2 yr. old black tri female. Tate is the back up dog and does all the necessary chores with one of the other dogs to help her out. I considered her the Designated Player of herding!





Jessy is the matriarch of the pack. At 12 yr. this black and white Border Collie is officially retired (she doesn't know she's old). In her day, she was one of Alison's best sheep/cowdogs ever. Jessy could hunt and bring cattle from over a mile away all by herself. Now that she is retired, she is the family's spoiled companion.

















Rita is a 20 mo. old tri colored Border Collie. Her desire is bigger than life! She's Alison's right hand man when it comes to gathering and handling cattle in the big pastures. She can head, heel, drive, and stop 'em. One double tough little dog! Her 30 pound frame of might can stop and turn a herd of 70 running mother cows with no problem. Rita is still learning the ropes such as loading chutes, trailers and patients. She will hopefully be the filler of Boomer's shoes.





Ariliss is a buckskin 4yr. old Black Mouth Cur. His position in the pasture is to be the perimeter security from hogs, dogs, coyotes, and big cats. He is also used for handling tough bulls, mother cows, and buffalo (oh don't forget squirrels). A jack of all trades! Not to mention... a few weeks before I arrived he wrestled a wild bore and won. He's the protector of the pack. Ariliss was also the first one to greet me at the ranch with a nice sloppy kiss!
All the dogs are trained to hunt squirrels, because squirrel holes can cause costly broken legs and sprained muscles. The holes are dangerous for the ranchers, dogs, and cattle alike.





Boomer is a slick coated 10 yr. old McNab male and is used for large wild and tough cattle. Mannering a 2000# bull is his favorite thing. He heads and heels and is very serious about his job. He is best at loading chutes and trailers. This is when I learned that Alison prefers to work with non-barking cattle dogs. She says that it's all about the power of the eye, and not the intimidation of the bark that is important. In this picture, you can see that Boomer is getting down low and is in a pounce position to simulate a predator. He will stare into the cattle's eyes until they turn. If they don't turn Alison will give him the okay to give a little nip on the nose to turn the stubborn cattle.
If Alison pulls him off before the cattle turn he will look at you like... "but... I'm not finished yet!"

Alison supports and asks that you please vote for the Arizona Border Collie Rescue so they can receive a donation from Chase Bank.


~Brenna
www.brennaorozcophoto.com
brenna@brennaorozcophoto.com