How are the two dogs related?
Vicki: They are half-brothers — same father, different mother.
What are their personalities like?
Mark: Ollie is the active one.
Vicki: Ace is more reserved due to his injury.
Mark: Ace is more of a thinker.
What are their favourite things to do?
Mark: Ace loves a ride in the ute and if I get out to go somewhere he will sit in there all day with the window down.
Cassie: Ollie loves to swim.
Vicki: Any water will do. He will go down to the dam and swim or chase the ball.
Cassie: We have a fountain that he likes to play in as well.
What are their working abilities like?
Vicki: Ollie likes to chase the horses.
Mark: When we had sheep they had an instinctive manner about them but they have never had any formal training.
Vicki: Even Ace with his awkward ways likes to help.
Do they have any bad habits?
Vicki: Ollie will run down the fence-line and bark at the neighbours on a quad bike, which is a bit of a problem. He will also smack you in the foot when you’re not paying him attention.
Cassie: It used to be cute but now it hurts.
Where do they sleep?
Vicki: They have their own kennels.
Mark: Ollie goes in there willingly every night because he likes a treat. Ace is a bit more stubborn and takes a bit more time to convince.
Vicki: Ace thinks he should sleep inside.
What does Ace’s injury stop him from doing?
Vicki: He takes high steps, walks awkwardly and he can’t jump. If he chases a ball, he tends to fall over. He likes to be involved with what we are doing but he’s just a bit awkward.
What would you do without them?
Vicki: Life would be a little bit boring. They are always there to pat and be a companion. They are like my fourth and fifth children.