G’day all! I have a small cattle station in east central Australia. Of course here in Oz, “small” means about twenty or thirty square kilometers. When you’re grazing on scrub, though, it takes heaps of real estate to raise just a small handful of beefers. It’s bloody hard work and hell knows I’ll never get rich, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world!

Well I reckon if you’re reading this, you’re not so much interested in me as in my mates. I’ve got three of the best helpers a cattleman could ask for. They’re Queensland Heelers. I expect that if you’re in some other part of the world, I’ll have to explain just what that is. They’re a breed of working dog, tough as nails. They have to be; anything less just wouldn’t survive out here. They’ll work all day in the hot sun and want more. All that aside, they’re lovely to look at, too. When they’re not all covered in muck anyway. They’re a mix of black and silver that gives them a sort of bluish colour, with tan on the legs and throat, and a bit more over the eyes. The ears stand like those of a German shepherd.

Bluey is the oldest at nine years; he’s the sire of the other two. Then there’s Luke and his sister Addie. They’re four years now. Bluey is the undisputed top dog and Luke is just a wee bit submissive. Addie is respectful of Bluey though she doesn’t take any rubbish from Luke! These dogs are part of my life in every way, not just working partners.

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