For sometime I have wondered what type of cross Luca is.  Although, as with some lurchers it is difficult to work out their exact parentage, I always thought he was more deer hound than border collie, which we had been told was a possible cross. Today, however, he performed a round up that 'one man and his dog' would have been proud of.

On our usual walk (Luca, Eilidh, Whistler and me) alongside a disused railway today, a roe deer broke from its cover and headed across a corn field. The bold Whister took off like a flash over a fence and after the big furry. 

In sheer panic, I tried to recall Whistler but I shouldn't of bothered , because my voice came a distant second to the chase.  Anyway, the cool, calm Luca (makes a change) wandered over and gave a sort of 'cook me a kipper -I'll be back for breakfast' look, before hurtling off after Whistler and the deer. 

To my utter amazement, Luca wasn't intent on the deer but on stopping Whistler! With a few nifty shoulder nudges and redirecting barks he quickly returned him to his now hoarse dad (well after a game of boucing up and down through the corn field).

With all hounds accounted for safe and sound Whister was put back on his lead and we got on with our walk.

They're currently working on the railway line in an attempt to reopen it, so I think they may have displaced some deer, which explains why they were there today when they never have been before.  One thing's for sure though, Whistler will be staying on his lead down there in future.

Well, all's well that ends well but guess who thinks he's the dog's b****** tonight?