Nancy is of course in real life my little Anushka aka as Fiesta Anna her pedigree name, Anna, Noosh and Miss Violet.
She has very good genes - both parents excellent trial dogs...Fiesta Jodie and Princes Wally
NANCY OF THE OVERTHROW.
Maureen Clifford ©
A Border Collie, white and fancy, goes by the name of Nancy,
she was born out on the ranges where the Iron bark thickly grows.
Her Mum old 'Fiesta Jodie' came in pup to 'Princes Wally'
and the pup was jokingly called Nancy of the overthrow.
The farmer he wasn't happy. It was getting close to shearing,
his best bitch knocked up and cannot work and that's an awful blow.
He'd three thousand head to muster and despite his bluff and bluster
he relied far more on his dogs help than anyone would know.
The pup is a little beauty with bloodlines that just do me
proud as punch. She is the smartest dog that I've seen in a while.
She is lightweight, white and fluffy, but with her I'm always happy
and her antics whilst out mustering they always make me smile.
And I sometimes rather fancy that my little bitch, my Nancy,
has been on earth before. Is there another dog juxtaposed?
For she knows just what to do and there is no discussion, true
it is in her genes. When working sheep, she's never indisposed.
In my wildest flights of fancy I have visions of my Nancy
working in the ring and trialling , beneath a judges stare.
As she gets her three sheep yarded, my directions she's discarded
for she's doing what comes naturally and works without a care.
She sees a vision splendid. With waving tail and gait extended,
she quickly blocks the ram and turns him, not an easy feat.
And I'm filled with admiration when she has an altercation
with a stroppy ram who thinks that she is small enough to beat.
For she stops and gives him eye, and then creeps on him kind of sly.
He stamps his foot undecided. Should he go or should he stay?
Then with lightening quick precision not a moments indecision,
she swings on him quick and he decides he'd best be on his way.
As the stock are slowly stringing, 'cross the paddock with the ringing
of the lead sheep's bell somnolent tone on this the final push.
My life is blessed and thrilling, and my sweet Nancy is so willing.
I am privileged to work alongside this bitch from the bush.
I often take the time to ponder, as my gaze slowly wanders
'cross the paddocks that surround me, full of fine Merino sheep.
Where the air is unpolluted. No ringing phones or loud music
and at night when sheer exhaustion brings to me the sweetest sleep.
It is a lucky man I am and I thank my God once again
as I enjoy simple pleasures that the city folk never know.
Now out here on open acres with my sheep and dogs around me
I share natures glorious gift with Nancy of the overthrow.
