Meet The Gang: Life With Our Wonderful Dogs
- Wendy Brooks
- Jan 15
- 3 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to share your life with a lively pack of dogs, let me introduce you to our gang. Each one has a unique personality, a story to tell, and together they make our home a place of constant adventure and affection.
Holly: The Ball-Obsessed Sweetheart
Our eldest, Holly, is a Jack Russell Terrier cross with a dash of Yorkshire Terrier and Springer Spaniel. She’s got the compact body of a Jack Russell and the boundless energy of a Springer. Her greatest joy? Tennis balls! If there’s one nearby, she’ll sniff it out and guard it with the tenacity of a rottweiler. Though timid by nature, a ball in her mouth transforms her into a brave little dynamo.
Holly is also our most reactive dog, famous for her banshee-like shriek—whether she’s excited for a walk or startled by a loud noise, you’ll hear her before you see her. Despite this, she’s earned her Kennel Club Good Citizens Gold Award , and even tried her paw at agility. She’s happiest when she’s with me, and she’s the sweetest companion you could wish for.
Cora: The Affectionate Mischief-Maker
Cora came to us as a part-trained sheepdog. She’s gentle with sheep and humans alike, and she’s a great help with our small flock. But above all, she’s a cherished pet. Raised in an outdoor kennel, Cora sometimes struggles with household rules—left alone, she’ll chew or swallow almost anything, edible or not! This has led to a few close calls and even a hospital stay, so we keep her safe in a puppy-proofed room when unsupervised.
Her affectionate nature shines brightest with children, earning her the nickname “Cora the Cuddler.” She’s produced two beautiful litters, and her puppies are known for their lovely temperaments and strong work ethic. We kept one of her daughters, Kaytee, who’s now part of our gang.
Jill: The Speedy Tornado
We got Jill as a puppy from a local farmer friend. She’s gentle, affectionate, and resilient, though a bit timid at times. Sheep can be intimidating for her, but she’s always eager to help gather the flock. Jill is our little tornado—she loves to race across open fields and needs a job to keep her focused, whether it’s herding games or searching for hidden treasures.
Agility training revealed her true athleticism. She’s fast, fearless, and a bit reckless, making her a challenge for any handler. My instructor now works with her, and together they’re forming a great partnership. But when the agility session ends, she’s still my baby.
Kaytee: The Determined Dynamo
Bred at home, Kaytee is Cora’s pup. I knew she was meant to stay with us when a prospective owner considered choosing her. My pulse quickened and I felt slightly nauseous—my relief when they picked another puppy was all the sign I needed. As a youngster, Kaytee was fearless and determined, always climbing and jumping, often getting into trouble.
She was reactive to traffic, dogs, and anything that moved, so I started her training and socialisation early. She adapted quickly and now competes in agility, having won into Grade 2. She’s driven to work and please, and though she’s not trained on sheep, she shows natural talent and would excel as a sheepdog. Her stamina and bravery are remarkable.
Fleck: The Gentle Farm-dog
Fleck joined us as a two-year-old, part-trained sheepdog. He’s a striking tri-merle with one blue and one brown eye, and a gentle, easy-going nature. He lets the girls lead and avoids conflict, preferring to accompany John as a loyal companion. Fleck loves to work and play, but as a former farm-dog, he’s cautious indoors—he sticks to the kitchen and rarely ventures further, even for treats. He’s happiest just knowing we’re nearby.
Pack Life: Lessons in Leadership
All our dogs live together peacefully, though relationships have shifted since we lost our eldest Collie, Fran. There’s been some tension between Jill and Kaytee, who were once inseparable. In a multi-dog household, especially with several entire females, hormones can complicate things. That’s when strong leadership and good training are essential—we never leave the dogs to resolve disputes on their own. Instead, we guide them, ensuring harmony and safety for all.
Final Thoughts
Living with this gang is a daily adventure. Each dog brings something special to our lives—joy, laughter, challenges, and endless love. Their stories remind us that every dog is unique, and with patience and understanding, a pack can become a true family.
This makes me want to come and join in with all the fun and love! So gorgeous to hear about each dog's personality and how they live together as family. Thanks for letting us in to share something of the joys and stresses of pack life!