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Carrie’s Painting of the Week

Training sheepdogs

By Carrie Jacobson

I was trolling around the backroads between Fryeburg, Maine, and North Conway, NH, a couple of weeks ago, when I came upon a small group of people, a small group of dogs and a harried-looking clutch of sheep.

It was a sheepdog clinic. The canines were young and inexperienced, and a stocky farmer guy was training dogs and owners alike.

It was pretty fascinating. For the most part, the dogs clearly have the chasing gene – but have to learn the commands. One of the dogs was reluctant to chase, and the farmer guy dragged him over near the sheep and exhorted him, and he took off, as speedy and determined as any of them. My guess is that that dog’s been yelled at for chasing…

The rest, though, got gleams in their eyes right away, as they went after the poor, overchased sheep. It was great fun to watch, and I’d have stayed all day, were I not supposed to be at a wedding.

It’s such a miracle when any of us, humans or animals, finds his true purpose in life. I can tell you from experience that it feels like nothing else. The whole world seems to open up and shine with life, and possibilities seem endless.

If you’re looking for a fun Memorial Day weekend outing, why not try the Paradise City Arts Festival in Northampton, Mass.? It’s not such a long drive, but it is a gorgeous one. And the show is fabulous! Jaw-droppingly lovely high-end craft and beautiful paintings, too. I’ll be there, in the Morgan Barn, Booth 317. Please come and say hi.

Interested in buying this painting? Please contact me at carrieBjacobson@gmail.com

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This entry was posted on Monday, May 23rd, 2011 at 10:27 am and is filed under Carrie Jacobson. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

2 Responses to “Carrie’s Painting of the Week”

  1. Michael Kaufman Says:
    May 27th, 2011 at 1:32 am

    Wonderful painting, Carrie. And FYI: There is a wonderful, dog-friendly B&B called The Lazy Dog Inn in Chocorua, NH, near North Conway. We used to go there with Petey and we’re looking forward to going with Benji if he ever calms down enough.

  2. carrie jacobson Says:
    May 27th, 2011 at 7:49 pm

    Hi, Michael – Thanks for this note and the other one, too! Glad you like the painting. My picture of it doesn’t do it justice, though. sigh.

    Thanks for the info about the dog-friendly B&B. Always good to know -= there are more and more!

    Hope you’re well – wish I’d been able to make the meeting.

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