Montague is the prize (dog stories)
Montague, aka Monty, aka Monty-boy, aka Minty, aka Mint, Labrador/something (possibly Border Collie but most likely Kelpie), started life on a farm in mid-New South Wales, Australia. He is the grand-dog of famous people Phillip Adams and Patrice Newell. He came to me as a prize, a gift really. I won him after Phillip offered the pups over his “little radio show” to anyone who could convince him that their home was the best place for one of theirs. Of course I would win. This life with me is dog heaven. Everyone wants to '“come back” as my dog.
He is asleep on the floor of the kitchen now having attended to his morning walk, herding duties and breakfast. We walk down the hill every morning from the top house to the chook house half a kilometre away, feed and release them from their fox-proof night time enclosure. Then the horses. During the hot months and the cold months they wander in the early morning from the back paddocks past the top house and down to the their yards looking for chaff and horse kibble. Monty keeps watch after pushing a few chooks around with his nose and then snaps at a horse heel or two. Just reminds them all that we are in charge.
He is one of several furry PAs who slack off whilst I am working on the home computer. Stands in line at the fridge for his lick of milk each morning then his wonderful smelly self finds a position to sleep until I move from my desk.
He has his grandfather’s intelligence. Smart as a whip this dog. Sweet gentle soul. Sometimes timid but really it is more that he doesnt want to be in my way. Never been sick a day in his life. Loves a run - always out the front and happy to share that spot with any of his 3 doggy mates. Always welcomes any visiting hound.
Monty’s enthusiasm for adventure nearly cost me a front tooth once. Vertical jump into the back of the ute via my face. No remorse. Very careful to keep the face well away from the back of utes since.
When it comes to humans Monty is picky. He warms very slowly to people, regards them from a distance and waits for trust to develop. It is not a bad practice. I should have adopted it - might have saved me from some painful past relationships and friendships. You cant trust everyone. He knows it. His brother from another dog-mother Fred knows it too. Snapped at the heel of more than one no-good human in his life. Amazing intuition.
Monty is the holder of the only dog trick on the property. I point my finger at him and say “speak up” and he lets out a bark. Amuses me no end as I point and point and point and he just keeps going. No idea how we achieved this. Smart dog to have trained me so well.
from the left: Edwina, Monty, Betsy and Fred (in repose)