The real workers!

There are some very special workers at EP Cambridge Australia who have not been given their well deserved 5 minutes of fame on Cambridge Chronicles! We have here a team of kelpies which Matt has selected or bred and then trained up to take on the unique task of herding alpacas. In order to be suited to such a task you need dogs which are gentle but firm - a little dose of bravado is a bonus when they find themselves in a standoff with a defiant alpacas. Matt's Kelpie collection descends from two very skillful animals. Firstly there was Cody who I was not fortunate enough to observe in action as he died prior to my arrival. Cody was an Australian Champion and by all accounts an exceptional dog who exhibited prowess and unrivalled competency in his management of large herds of alpaca.

At the same time as Cody came on the scene Bundaberg arrived. A small black and tan bitch with a knowing eye and willing approach. Bundy continues to work to this day at the ripe old age of 12. She is selective in who she will be work for and Matthew remains very much the centre of her world. She senses immediately when the family are leaving on an extended trip, howling her grief for all to hear. Bundy excels at her art. Now she is slowly but surely passing the mantel to the youngsters. It is amusing to watch them swel with confidence when she is around, or equally to see the earnest, careful consideration with which they execute her patented moves when she has chosen to sleep a little longer.

Brew and Boxer are the offspring of Bundy and Cody. Each has unique elements of their parents and strive daily to be their equals. You can encapsulate Brew quite simply using one word. Enthusiasm. She will do her best at every opportunity, working for whoever may need her help. She is a gorgeous girl with a zest for life!

Boxer is one of those dogs who can steal your heart in an instant. Master of both playing the goof and paddock procedure he is a gentleman amongst Kelpies. Everyone loves Boxer even when his antics are less than helpful! Boxer seems to have that vital component of instinct, his exuberance can be his undoing yet it is his charm as well.
And along came these guys! In the middle you have the irrepressible Cody - main priority in life is to be loved! May well be lacking in grey matter but you certainly have to love him! And on the right is his brother Ozzie, my dog. Main priority in life is food, enjoys sleeping and that covers it!