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New England Old English Sheepdog Rescue, Inc. |
 Our logo depicts Charlie, our first Rescue dog in 1964. Drawing by Eve Andrade
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It's a dog's lifeBy JESSICA DURKIN
BOZRAH-- Sheered or shaggy, more than 100 Old English sheepdogs were the focus of an afternoon picnic Saturday at the Moose Lodge. Sheepdog owners from as far away as California turned out for the 11th New England Old English Sheepdog Rescue picnic to network, enter costume contests and share stories of their beloved pets. Some of the pure-bred animals were rescued, others were bought as high-priced puppies. Some owners showed off long-haired versions of the breed, while coats of others were gone, revealing the dogs' tall legs and slender midriff. "It's a way to say thank you for all the sheepdogs have done for me," NEOESR founder and vice president Annie Raker said of her organization's efforts. Raker, who is based in Lincoln, Mass., has has been training, showing and fostering Old English sheepdogs for 45 years, and has matched more than 1,400 dogs with owners. "I get more of a kick out of matching together an adoptive dog than when I sold puppies," she said. "It's so much more meaningful to take a dog who's had a hard life and put him into a forever home with knowledgable owners." Owners lined up with their dogs for a chance at the microphone and told tales of how they drove across states to pick up a dog, or spotted one at a local shelter, or were notified of an available dog through NEOESR. "It's a lot of fun. She makes us laugh every day, and that's what it's all about," Spencer, Mass., resident Jeanne Perron told the crowd, as she stood with her first rescued sheepdog, Sophie. Champion puppies can cost from $800 to more than $1,000 each. Males can weigh up to 90 pounds, females up to 70 pounds. The breed is rare around Eastern Connecticut. "You just don't see them," Uncasville resident Cindy Rice said, standing with her dog, Daisy. "I don't think I've run into many -- it's unusual to see all these dogs here." Through recent films such as "Best in Show" and cable television programs such as "Show Dog Moms and Dads," the media has portrayed showdog owners as fussy stage parents who are often more colorful -- and neurotic -- than their animals. Sanford Woodard, who has seen neither of the shows, said it's all about love. "I imagine that enthusiasts on any subject can be over the top," he said, as he worked a wide-toothed comb on the long hair of his dog, from head to rear. Woodard, who drove from Stamford with his two champion sheepies, Ellspeth and Gareth, and his wife Kay, was at the event to demonstrate how to groom the dog, but he and his wife have taken their doggie devotion to another level: the retired couple keep the shed grey and white fur of their dogs and spin it into a wooly-looking yarn. They have made socks, which Woodard wore Saturday, and are working on an afghan. "People who play golf are nutty about golf; people who drive antique cars are nutty about antique cars," Sanford said. "I think everybody here is nutty over their dog, and people who are not nutty about their dog shouldn't have a dog." Originally published June 5, 2005 Above, Laurel Holland of Bedford, Mass., adjusts her dog's bra Saturday during the hat contest of the Old English Sheepdog Rescue Picnic in Bozrah. Sheepdogs Molly Malone, left, and Cricket are twin sisters, wearing bras and cowboy hats. Below, Sophie, right, dressed as a bumblebee and Emma, left, dressed as a flower, wait to be judged. Judge Michelle Henry of Naugatuck, at right, makes her way down the row. ON THE WEB Connecticut Pet Adoption, General Connecticut Online Pet Resources http://www.creatures.com/CT.html HOW TO ADOPT To Adopt a Dog from NOESR New England Old English Sheepdog 49 Stonehenge Rd. Lincoln, MA 01773 781-259-8173
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