Description
Petra (on Beth’s right) is a 9-year-old female who was born on the farm—well actually, she was born at an emergency clinic in an unexpected C-section. Petra has spent her 9 years glued to her handler’s side. She is a rather anxious dog, reserved around people and other dogs. All that anxiety goes away when she’s working sheep—she is confident and capable. Her handler loves the way Petra looks at her when they work at hand, reading body language and consistently accomplishing the task. She feels very fortunate to have had this girl as her partner.
Beth lives in Southwestern Ohio near the Kentucky border. She started with herding after adopting her first border collie from the local pound. After the dog herded her horses, getting kicked 3 times in the process, she purchased a small flock of sheep. The interaction between handler, dog, and sheep has held her captive ever since. She competes, has judged some smaller trials, and gives lessons. She and Petra have made a few Double Lifts and have a few wins and some consistent placings. She’s very proud of Petra, the first dog she’s raised and trained herself. It’s been a thrill, and the chance to run at Soldier Hollow is the pinnacle of their journey. She retired from veterinary practice 11 years ago, buying a small hobby farm for the dogs and sheep. She works on sheep now more than she ever did as a veterinarian! She has Katahdins and Cheviot cross sheep but really loves working the western range ewes.
