Description

Rena arrived as a puppy during Covid, in the middle of a difficult year — and brought with her all the happy distraction a clever, playful pup can offer. Strong, fast, and athletic, she has never been one to simply follow the path laid out for her.  She has a subtle gift: appearing to follow a command while quietly bending it toward her own interpretation. Running her has meant learning to pay closer attention — not to assume compliance, but to watch for the small divergences. More patience has been required. More precision, too.  At home, she is deeply loving and eager to please. The partnership is still being built, but both dog and handler are committed to the work. They come to Soldier Hollow ready to meet the course and the sheep — and to give their best.

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.