Leslie's Story

Soon after being introduced to Misty, Anthony's 12 year old Australian Shepherd, I overheard him talking to her as though she were human. I found it comical at the time. But, it wasn't long until I realized he wasn't talking to a dog. He was talking to an AUSSIE! I am now sold on this wonderful breed. Not to mention, Misty is also probably the best meteorologist in the state of Oklahoma.

I've long been acquainted with Doyle Beaver, originally from southern Oklahoma. Doyle owns and operates a small music theater near Fort Gibson, Oklahoma, and has a picture of him and his dog "Chaos" hanging on the wall (seen below). Chaos was an ASCA working trial champion (WTCH) in the 1980's, one of the first with this distinction. After discovering our common interest, Doyle and I began talking about Australian Shepherds, and his history with the breed. He mentioned his old friend Ernie Hartnagle.... ERNIE HARTNAGLE! I COULDN'T BELIEVE IT! Anthony and I had been researching the breed's history, and I knew that if Doyle was a friend of Mr. Hartnagle's, then he must have been worth his salt! As it turned out, Mr. Hartnagle also has a great respect for Doyle's ability as a trainer/handler, and through our connection with Doyle, we acquired Emma, our 56th generation Las Rocosa female... Wow. Life is good!

WTCH CD Beaver's Utter Chaos and Doyle Beaver circa mid 1980s