Away to me

Over 80 guests enjoyed a demonstration of skill and team work between a good dog named Coop and his two-legged friend and teacher, rancher Dennis Edwards, last Wednesday morning at the arena west of Moorcroft.

Edwards, a 20-year veteran of this schooling, guided Coop throughout the demonstration with words and whistles as he explained to the audience the meanings of the terms and tones that made music in the morning air. Coop moved like lightning around the sheep before cutting out the one for which Edwards called.

At the end of the demonstration, the rancher took questions as he explained the practical uses of working with these highly intelligent and loyal animals for branding, medicating and many other instances when one person cannot manage.

Even the steers that were released from the arena for the occasion watched from the sidelines, perhaps enjoying the opportunity to see someone else chased.

The pair and their supporting cast of five sheep represented the first event of the Summer Reading Program sponsored by the Moorcroft Public Library and was considered by librarian Lacey Rasco “a great success”.