Fagan’s Faith rewarded

DEANS Marsh local Mark Fagan and his dog Faith claimed victory in the Improvers category at last month’s Moyston Sheep Dog Trials.

Mr Fagan has co-organised the Dean’s Marsh Sheep Dog Trials since they were first run 11 years ago.

Faith, on the other hand, is only three. But in the two years Mr Fagan has owned Faith, the pair have made quick progress.

The Moyston Trials were evidence of this, as Faith had only just been promoted from Novice to Improver.

Mr Fagan said it was rewarding to see the results of all the practice.

“The sheep were really hard and the dogs really had to work to tame them.

“Faith’s a very good dog. She’s very well bred and we’ve put in the training, too.”

There was plenty of competition for Mr Fagan and Faith, as 58 dogs were present to compete in the 92nd edition of Victoria’s oldest sheep dog trials. There was quality as well as quantity, with an Australian champion among the competitors.

As satisfying as positive results against strong opposition are, Mr Fagan said much of the joy came from the trials community.

“A lot of them are like retired gypsies. It’s like a big family and they’re all very friendly.”

Faith’s strong performance means she has now been promoted to the Open category. This marks a rapid rise, as in the 2019 Moyston Sheep Dog Trails Faith was competing in the Novice finals.

Mr Fagan said this will be “a huge step,” but one they were ready to take.