Belles and Whistles BC

09/07/2026

It meant so much to me that Belle stayed so physically and mentally sharp right up until her time of passing. ❤️

In the days leading up to losing her, she was still literally airborne, leaping for discs like she always had. That was Belle. Full of life, determination, and that spark that made her her.

I always imagined I would get the chance to retake these pictures someday—maybe dressed a little nicer, maybe with everything a little more put together. I thought there would be more time.

But now, these pictures are some of what I have left to remember her by. And somehow, that makes them even more precious.

I wish I could have frozen time right there.

I am so incredibly thankful for the years, the adventures, the lessons, the laughter, the challenges, and every ordinary little moment we were lucky enough to share.

Belle gave me a lifetime of memories.

And I will always be grateful that, right up until the very end, she was still Belle. ❤️🐾

09/03/2026

Throwback to Belle on the houseboat that we rented!

Our dogs are more than just working dogs.... they are great pets and family members too ❤️

I'm pretty happy to say Belle got to go on two houseboat trips along with a handful of her puppies!

Man I miss her.

08/23/2026

🐾 ISO: Fun Dog Events! 🐾

We’re looking forward to getting out and about a little more and having some fun with the dogs! We’d love to find some fun events to compete in, train at, or maybe even try something completely new. 🐶💪

So tell us—what fun dog events are happening that we should check out? Maybe a competition, a training opportunity, a new sport, or just something fun to experience together!

And if you’re looking for someone to join in, we might just be your people! 😉🐾

Drop your suggestions below or let us know if you want to adventure along with us! ❤️

08/21/2026

08/17/2026

🚜 FOR SALE! JOHN DEERE AMT 🚜

Looking for a handy little machine with a whole lot of personality? This John Deere AMT is up for grabs! 💚

And it comes with a picnic table attachment! 🧺🌾 Perfect for events, tours, showing off the property, or simply taking a leisurely ride out into the field for a little lunch break. Because who says utility and fun can't go together? 😉

We also have the original box!

This is one of those machines that you don't realize how handy it is until you have one—and then you wonder how you ever lived without it!

🌱 Handy
🚜 Versatile
🧺 Picnic-ready
🌾 Farm-approved

Don't miss your chance to bring this one home!

📩 Message us for details and to make it yours!

08/12/2026

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08/08/2026

Throwback to herding in Ireland.

As many of you know, one of my greatest passions is experiencing dogs across the world. I love going back to their roots—seeing what they were originally bred to do and understanding them at their core.

I feel incredibly blessed to have had the opportunity to study dogs in different countries, observing them in the environments that shaped them and watching them continue to perform the jobs they were bred for. There is something truly special about seeing Border Collies gather sheep on the hills of Ireland, livestock guardian dogs protecting their flocks, or working breeds carrying out generations of instinct with confidence and purpose.

Those experiences have changed the way I view dogs. They remind me that beneath every breed standard, every sport, and every title lies a purpose. Understanding that purpose helps us better understand the dogs we share our lives with today.

The more I travel and learn, the more appreciation I have for preserving these incredible instincts and honoring the work these dogs were created to do.

08/04/2026

Throwback to over 10 years ago when I first fell in love with raising goats.

We've had some truly special ones over the years, and every breed and every cross has taught me something different. Each has its own strengths, weaknesses, quirks, and challenges. They all require a slightly different approach, and learning to appreciate those differences has been one of the greatest lessons of all.

Today, I'm incredibly thankful for the New Zealand Kikos we raise. They fit our goals and lifestyle so well, but that doesn't make them the "best" for everyone. It simply means they're the right fit for us.

What I love most is that these experiences go far beyond conversations about goats. They've taught me about genetics, management, patience, adaptability, and the importance of choosing the right tool for the job rather than expecting one answer to fit every situation.

Whether we're talking about livestock, dogs, businesses, or even people, the lesson remains the same: understanding strengths, respecting limitations, and working with what something was designed to do will almost always lead to better outcomes.

I'm incredibly grateful to have spent the last decade learning these lessons and even more grateful that I get to share them with all of you.

07/31/2026

Throwback to when we put together a display showcasing working dogs throughout history, featuring the working Border Collie.

I spent an entire year pulling this project together, learning about sheep, wool processing, and the incredible role they played in shaping agriculture and our history. It gave me a whole new appreciation for the partnership between people, livestock, and dogs.

One of the reasons I love antique farm shows is that they remind us how quickly the world changes. Animals, equipment, and new discoveries have continuously shaped the way we live. Looking back helps us better understand where we're headed.

The same is true for our dogs.

Many traditional jobs have changed or become less common, while entirely new opportunities have emerged. Border Collies now haze geese at airports, detection dogs help with conservation efforts, scent dogs detect diseases, and countless dogs are finding modern outlets for the instincts they were bred to use.

I don't think we've seen the end of that evolution. As technology advances and society changes, I believe dogs will continue to find new ways to work alongside us. Their jobs may look different than they did 100 years ago, but the partnership between humans and dogs is as valuable as ever.

What future predictions do you have? What jobs do you think dogs will hold 20, 50, or even 100 years from now? I'd love to hear your ideas!