Duncan's Story
Written By Bethany Bridgham

Duncan arrived in late November 2002 to find my household in a shambles. I had been Aussie-less for over 6 months and my standards had clearly plummeted without a herder to keep me in line. Since Duncan firmly believes he's got a career in management, it was his duty to stick his nose into just about everything from the get-go. Every task accomplished since his arrival has been performed under his supervision and with his snout sometimes stuffed into places where it doesn't belong.

Problem number one was the over-populated shoe closet. Shoes everywhere! Leather shoes, canvas shoes, sneakers, sandals, hiking boots - they all had to go. Duncan selected 10 pairs for the first round of culling and dispatched them at every opportunity. (Of course, I would have preferred he consult with me first about his selections but I guess underlings don't always understand the ways of management.) Next on his agenda was the cats. Cats on the counters, cats on the beds - who was running this place ? Unfortunately for Duncan, the cats had been at this game much longer than him and had already brought one overly exuberant Aussie boy into line. After a number of scuffles and negotiations that carried on for some time, a peaceful accord has been reached. Duncan agreed to allow them their above-ground prowling and they permit him to engage in an occasional chase which keeps everyone fit and alert.

Once the house was in order, Duncan was ready to expand his horizons and successfully completed his basic obedience class last Spring, although "come" remains a situational suggestion, with the outcome dependent on whether he finds me or the far corner of the park more interesting. We'll go back this Fall for an advanced class with a special emphasis on prioritizing "suggestions" from me. Despite his busy agenda, Duncan has also managed to find time for a girlfriend. (She's the "big-boned" one on the right in the second picture.)

Overall, he is a real tail wagging, grinning, goof ball of a "joy-boy" and has brought much fun and delight into the house.