In May 2003 I received a brief email asking if I knew the owner of Petersranch Dillon. Naturally I knew the answer (I was the owner), but what I didn’t know was that this simple question would launch me on the adventure of a lifetime.
Mark Hodges of Ad Astra Farm was looking for a stud prospect for his wonderful girl "Bear’s Aurora of Windsor" (Rory). Rory is a Hangin’ Tree Black Bear daughter and out of Silver Sliver of Windsor. Both her parents are Hall of Fame Producers and Black Bear is one of the most famous dogs in the Australian Shepherd world. Rory is certainly no slouch either. She attained her Working Trial Championship before the age of 2, went on to an agility career where she earned many titles and recently became a Certified Therapy Dog. Rory also took time out from her career to raise a beautiful litter in 2003. Those pups have gone on to earn titles in Stock and Agility, as well as Search and Rescue. Needless to say, I was thrilled for Dillon to be considered as a potential sire for her second and final litter.
Petersranch Dillon is by Hangin’ Tree Spook and out of Hangin’ Tree Rojo. This cross produced some of the finest ranch dogs in the original Hangin’ Tree line. Dillon was a full sibling to Hangin’ Tree Dude, who certainly needs no introduction. Although Dillon did not have list of Stockdog Titles surrounding his name, as his owner I knew his capabilities and wonderful qualities. I felt this cross would produce some exceptional pups and preserve the heritage of the Hangin’ Tree bloodlines.
Mark and I communicated for two years while he researched his potential sires. His extensive research is posted on the Ad Astra Farm website under "2006 Litter". As Mark and his wife live in Kansas, the only option for breeding Rory was by Artificial Insemination. Fortunately, I had collected Dillon and had 9 breedings "on ice".
In the fall of 2005 Mark made his decision. Dillon was his choice for Rory’s final litter. We made plans to ship the semen down to Kansas well in advance of Rory’s heat cycle. The excitement began to mount. Mark asked if I wanted a pup out of the litter and I was so tempted, but at the time I had young Stryder to raise and a full time job. It was hard to say no, but I knew it was the right decision at the time.
I shipped the semen down to Mark in early May and we anticipated Rory coming into season in mid summer. Sadly, in late May Dillon suddenly became quite ill and tests results revealed advanced leukemia. It was time to say goodbye to my Best Friend. I was devastated.
"The Project", as we called it, continued. I was more anxious than ever to see it come to fruition. Rory came into season and was successfully inseminated in August (all due to Mark’s incredible attention to detail and meticulous planning). Her due date was estimated at October 10, 2006. Rory was x-rayed mid way through her pregnancy and her Veterinarian felt there were 5 and quite possibly 6 pups on board.
Right on schedule Rory whelped out 6 pups on October 10th, but wait………..there’s more. About an hour after the 6 th pup was born another one appeared. It was a male. A beautifullly marked, dark blue merle with a very "old school Aussie" look about him. All told, Rory had 6 males and 1 lone female. It’s fantastic to have a litter that size when using AI technology.
Mark and Anne created a Puppy Blog on the Internet and I eagerly checked it each day to read about the litter. My heart was slowly starting to heal after losing Dillon and I began to wish I hadn’t passed on the opportunity to get one. I finally held my breath and sent Mark an email asking if there might be a male available for me. His reply was a definite "YES"!!
On December 9 th I flew to Kansas and finally got to meet Mark, Anne (his wife) and all the gang at Ad Astra Farm . I had the opportunity to meet 5 of the pups, but 2 had already moved on to their new homes out of state. All the pups were amazing and I would have taken any one of them, but that "surprise" dark blue merle was coming home with me!
Ad Astra Steel Dust is named not only for steel blue color, but also for a wonderful song by country artist Ian Tyson. In his song, Ian sings about the great, old cutting horses and how his horses are "carrying the blood" of the Steel Dust Lines. I thought the name would be appropriate, as Steel is carrying the blood of his sire and dam and helping to preserve the Hangin’ Tree legacy.
Steel traveled home like a seasoned professional and was introduced to a bitterly cold Alberta winter. He’s taken it all in stride and is becoming my new "right hand man". Steel is starting to help with chores and is showing good instinct on stock. He loves to try and work the cats and is slowly being introduced to the heifers.
It’s been a privilege to be a part of this "project" and I can’t thank Mark and Anne enough. It’s been quite a journey and I’m happy to say "The Adventure continues………….."
Stayed tuned.
Steel received his ASCA & AKC and CKC (Canadian Kennel Club) Registration papers
Steel is also DNA-VP. His eyes were cleared prior to coming home to Canada and I will retest when he’s closer to 2 years of age. Additionally, Steel’s hips and elbows will be checked (OFA Ratings) once he reaches the appropriate age.
Australian Shepherd, Blue Merle Male, DOB-2006/10/10
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Sire Petersranch Dillon |
Sire Hangin' Tree Spook |
Sire Hangin' Tree Working Blue |
Sire Hangin' Tree Red Zephyr |
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Dam Zephyrs Angel Blue |
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Dam Slash V Cherry Cola |
Sire Black Powder Toby |
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Dam Slash V Paper Doll |
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Dam Hangin' Tree Rojo |
Sire Hangin' Tree Working Blue |
Sire Hangin' Tree Red Zephyr |
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Dam Zephyrs Angel Blue |
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Dam Slash V Cherry Cola |
Sire Black Powder Toby |
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Dam Slash V Paper Doll |
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Dam Bear's Aurora of Windsor |
Sire Hangin Tree Black Bear |
Sire Hangin' Tree Buddy |
Sire Ericssons Vaquero |
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Dam Ericssons Cowgirl |
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Dam Zephyrs Angel Blue |
Sire Las Rocosa Merlin Hart |
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Dam Zephyrs Midnight Blue |
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Dam Silver Sliver of Windsor |
Sire Highlander of Windsor |
Sire Token of Windsor |
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Dam Sand Ridge Satina |
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Dam Suertes Image of Arrogance |
Sire Arrogance of Heatherhill |
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Dam Aladdins Beaucoup Bucks |
