We had a major herd move on the only two mild days this summer. We were dreading moving cattle in 90 degree temperatures, but the weather took mercy on us and it stayed in the low 80’s with a nice breeze.
We did it without Martha, Anita’s border collie that has been a mainstay on the ranch for many years. She failed this spring quite suddenly and goodbyes were in order.
Martha stood out from the other herding dogs on the ranch. They’re mostly red or black with white markings and full coats. Martha had a mottled black and white coat, smooth, with prick ears, rare qualities in her breed.
She was always kind to people and animals and really wanted to be a partner to anyone who knew what they were doing with the herd. If they were just hollering, Martha would ignore them and wasn’t above working on her own! Anita told me that when Gary took Martha they were “a match made in heaven.” As Anita said, “Martha thought she knew best, and Gary thought Martha knew best too, so it worked great!”
I remember one brisk morning when we were gathering the Brush Creek field. We had a long way to go to start the cattle home for the winter. Gary had Martha with him, well mostly anyway. Dot and I were up the creek on a steep sidehill trying to reach a few cattle on the ridgeline. Here came Martha through the sagebrush!? She helped Dot, got the stock headed down, and then hurried back to Gary.
Anita described Martha as “having scope,” meaning she would naturally look around to see livestock that were way out and go fetch them. If the herd was all together she made sure they stayed that way, tucking them in nice and tidy with her constant back and forth motion.
The sheep that live in the corral out the front door of Gary and Anita’s house were Martha’s own personal property. They had an agreement – the sheep relaxed and didn’t pay attention to Martha if she was just patrolling the yard or lying at the corral. But when she got serious, they did her bidding. Martha was still tending her charges when she fell ill.
She had 4 or 5 litters and her progeny are working dogs like her. Martha would never quit if she thought you needed her. Anna’s Stella, Martha’s granddaughter, is the same way.
I’ve thought of a Pratt Ranch Hall of Fame and who might occupy the ledger. Certainly Sly, the sorrel quarter horse who tended little kids and dudes from the city, then could turn a cow (hard) for Mark, would make the cut. My Beauty dog would be there of course, the one that taught me the joy of a working dog companion. Rocker and Mac, equines, and Jack and Susie, canines, would be remembered. And so would Martha. These exceptional animals weren’t just helpers, but played integral roles in getting the work done that is required of ranching. They had not only intuition and drive, but something more that I struggle to describe. Something about partnership that is reserved for your most loyal of friends and family. They made our work enjoyable, nay, doable.
They leave big holes when they go. In the daily workload for sure, and in our hearts and souls at days end.
all photos by Anita
