On the first day of the Zamora trial (Friday afternoon after
the last run of the day was completed) they had a little ceremony to honor the
memory of Bill Slaven. Many of the handlers gathered at the trial field and there
was a bag piper playing the pipes. Many of the family members were there. They
had a couple of enlarged color photos of Bill Slaven, taken there on the ranch.
Dusk was starting to settle. Handlers were relaxing, and many had a cold drink
in hand. Several of us had our dogs with us and I had Spot there with me on a
leash because I’d been giving him a walk after Coal’s run. Spot had never seen
or heard a bag piper before and it was a new experience for him, but he didn’t
overly react to it.
Dr. Madigan from UC Davis spoke (the same veterinarian who
spoke at the funeral) about Bill Slaven. It was a similar speech only shorter
and a bit lighter, with remembrances of Bill Slaven and his family, mostly
based in the experiences during and following the devastating Zamora fire in
2006.
It was a fairly brief gathering, but very nice. I think it provided
some closure to those folks who were unable to attend the funeral. The family
had made up little gift bags for each of the handlers, which was very
thoughtful.
It was strange
though, that during the ceremony, here came the trial sheep out from their
holding area, just walking across the field (sort of backwards on the cross drive line). But no one was out
there shepherding them, and it seemed like no one had let them out because
literally everyone there was gathered ‘round to hear Dr. Madigan. The sheep
were just walking and grazing; there was no loose dog out there with them or
anything. It was quite a backdrop for Dr. Madigan’s talk. A friend standing by
me nudged me with her elbow…whispering, “who do you think is behind those sheep?”
It was very fitting. I have to say it was strange being there all day at the
trial with no Bill. I kept expecting him to appear on his quad bike, on the
first day. The second day was a bit easier. But…who was shepherding those
sheep? It is not hard to imagine who.
No comments:
Post a Comment