Allisha Hunt with Sam, who she describes as a flirt with the cows in the paddock. PICTURE: LACHLAN BENCE
SAM is not one to shy away from a kiss or two.
Always a flirt with the cows in the paddock, the border collie pup has made a habit of getting close enough to the dairy cows so they can lick his face and show him some love.
Owner Allisha Hunt said he had been friendly ever since she got him.
"I found Sam at a working stud in Digby, near Hamilton about 12 months ago," she said.
Ms Hunt and Sam live and work on the AJ Trigg & Sons farm at Bungaree where she started her apprenticeship nine years ago.
"I did my apprenticeship in general farming and soon learnt the importance of having a good working dog by your side," Ms Hunt said.
In search of a new best mate, Ms Hunt knew what she was looking for -
a pure breed border collie.
"Collies are better with sheep rather than cattle but they are a quiet and temperamental dog and that's what I wanted," she said.
"Sam is perfect and an all round good working dog."
Ms Hunt said it was time spent around older farmers and their dogs and watching dog trials which taught her how to train a working dog.
"It takes about three years to train them so we have a long way to go, but Sam has made a great start and he's a fast learner," she said.
"If you have a good working dog, they provide a lot of help. However, we do have our moments," she laughed.
Ms Hunt said Sam was still a pup and very energetic and loved to snuggle.
"He is great around children and very good natured," she said.
"You've got to have a good partnership and as long as you treat them right and have patience, your dog will become your best friend."