All eyes in the Cariboo have been focused skyward the last few evenings as we nervously viewed the great jagged bolts of lightning streaking the night sky.
Somewhat sadly, many border collies have suffered hellishly as electrical storms turn into nightmarish experiences for aging collies. I don’t know what it is about the breed (maybe other breeds are similar; I’ve only had collies) but the terror is abject.
Even the hint of a storm (sensed hours ahead of us) addles their brains so thoroughly that all sense of reason deserts even the most intelligent dog.
At the first crack of thunder, some will run blindly (in whatever direction they are pointed at the time), not stopping unless they are physically restrained while others cower (become immovable objects) and many exhibit other inexplicable out-of-character behaviours.
Our dog is of the age; he appears wild eyed and panting at the sliding patio door, begging to be let in ages before I sense a change. Once in (still not feeling safe) his behaviour is totally off-the-wall as he tries to squeeze behind the couch (not even a Chihuahua would fit) or he scoots under my computer station, cowering at my feet. It’s hard to observe his palpable, mindless terror.
Canadian cattle industry eyes continue to look southward; as the U.S. drought continues unabated, it will be a huge factor, affecting fall cattle marketing strategies for most Canadian agricultural operations as so much of what we decide (how, what and when we sell) is often based on a bet-guess-strategy, albeit a well-researched guess (based on reading, studying/industry news/tracking sales/trends).
The Pharo Cattle Company’s newsletter, Cowboy Logic, quote of the day for Aug. 8, sums up one outcome quite nicely — “Bad decisions make good stories.”
But, I would add, “good stories are told time and again,” so no matter what you decide (the outcome) we have it covered!
Liz Twan is a local rancher and freelance columnist for the Tribune.