Major accomplishments

Bruce is an awesome dog in the tradition of his father's side of the family. Born and bred to work and work well with little or no training, he's a wonderful example of all that is right in the Aussie.  He's a clown, he's loving and loyal, he thinks very well (sometimes TOO well) on his own, he's deadly serious about his work and he will work until he drops-then get up and work some more.  Yet he can ride 8 hours in a strange motorhome to a strange place and never do more than yawn.  He's a gregarious guy, likes to get out and be social, and is proper with other dogs in spite of being a young, intact male.  I'm not saying he's perfect-if he thinks he can get away with it, he'll make a little challenge now and again.  But if that challenge is met, he will generally kow-tow to the other dog. 

Bruce lives in Penrose, Colorado with Ralf, Petra and and their young son Janni.  He started working the Everett Cow Camp near Colorado Springs when he was seven months old-with zero training.  Ralf and Petra worked him from horseback in the rugged hills of the camp, with cattle that were range cattle and pretty wild.  From there, he'd go home to young Janni and be Janni's dog, do whatever Janni wanted, no questions asked.  

I took Bruce to Cayucos in April of 1999 to Kathy Warren's stockdog clinic, where I got my first chance to work him.  He was awesome; I, as usual, stunk up the place.  He was so intense that he'd figured out how to escape from me while another dog was working, and twice he succeeded in whipping into the round pen, pushing the other dog out of the way, and working the sheep until one of the 5 of us in the pen could catch him, no easy task.  From there, he went to Ellensburg, Washington and Sharon Simmons of Westwind Aussies for further training.  He was doing very well until a moderate injury sidelined him just before Nationals (of course) in September.  So after a rest period, he'll be heading back up there for more training.  Right now, he's home in Colorado, resting and being a house dog again.  His family is so happy he's home again!

Postscript:  Tragically, Bruce was killed on August 24th 2005 in a hit and run accident in front of his home.  His family and all who knew this incredible little red merle with a heart bigger than Alaska mourn his passing and remember him as he was - best friend, ranch hand extraordinaire, protector of children and chickens, and a wise soul.  He went over The Bridge to meet again with his grandma, sister and brother as well as his aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews who arrived before him.  I know he still watches over his Janni and Petra, as well as the chickens.  Rest well, little guy.  We all miss you!