Standsure Border Collies

Dirk is a strikingly handsome, hunk of a dog, standing 22” at the withers and weighing approximately 45 pounds. He has a very nice structure and a soft, thick coat.

During the first 9 weeks of his life, Dirk’s nick-name was “Tank” as he managed to get more than his share of food and seemed to have the distinct impression that the world revolved around him. Reminding Dirk that it’s not all about him is something I have to do every day. But that doesn’t prevent him from trying!!

I don’t think I fully appreciated what I was in for when this hefty little puppy came into my life. Needless to say, for a novice agility enthusiast at the time, who had only experienced the sport at a leisurely pace, WOW - did agility ever become a whole new game for me! Dirk is a lot of dog – high drive, very intense, with a large, powerful stride and fast. He is ALWAYS up for the game and plays hard. Even as a puppy, he was a serious worker and extremely focused on the task at hand. As well as being confident, Dirk is very honest and tries hard to do what is being asked of him. He is patient and forgiving, especially during our training sessions. So often I have the sense that he is doing his job – if only I could be the team partner he really deserves to have!

At the core, Dirk is a gentle, sensitive soul and easily takes things to heart. He is always the first to greet me at the door with his trademark “roar” and is the first dog to jump on the bed for morning snuggles. He is a loyal companion when we go on our long walks along the Saskatoon riverbank, at our Aberdeen hobby farm or at the cabin at Lac La Ronge. You can always count on Dirk to find something to play fetch with!

Earlier this spring, Dirk was put on sheep for the first time as an adult dog and demonstrated a natural working ability in the field. Sheep herding is something I hope to do more of with him and our border collie puppy, Karma in the coming months.

In the last 2 years Dirk has been affected by a panosteitis like condition that has prevented us from training and competition for long periods of time. When his symptoms subside, we pick up where we left off and continue on our path to learn to be the best team we can be together. We still have a long way to go, and with a lot of help from our friends, some days it actually feels like we are getting closer!

Dirk is an absolutely wonderful dog and I love everything about him. As I’ve told Kim many times, I feel that I got the best puppy in the litter and I wouldn’t trade him for the world!!