Mattie was the first Border Collie to arrive at our house. I decided I wanted a dog that I could roller blade with and bought a book on Border Collies and shortly after had called a local breeder and reserved a puppy.

Mattie is Ms. independent, very smart and quite the character by times. She's done very well in agility considering she had a rookie handler who was also learning the game. Mattie loves to swim and play flyball and herd...to my surprise. I discovered some what late in her years that she has quite the eye for sheep and some natural herding ability.

I do enjoy running Mattie in agility. Our starts are usually a little rough and comical as she has no start line stay and will run right through me if she can. I gave up trying for a start line stay and just worked with what I new I was going to get in the ring. By the time we get ourselves straightened out after the first three jumps it's total fun out there. Mattie barks quite a bit on course and always has a blast.

Currently Mattie is sitting out from dog sports as she is recovering from a soft tissue injury.

Mattie is about 19.5 inches tall and generally around 40lbs.

Photo Credit: Mattie Ribbon & Magazine Cover (www.muddypawz.net) Mattie Dock (www.heathphoto.ca).