Cumming Patch Introduces Patch Of Cumming

I recently received an e-mail from a resident who jokingly wrote that his dog “is the real Cumming “Patch.” Well that certainly pique my interest and I had to find out a bit more about this canine that shared the same name as our news and events Web site.

As it turns out Patch has some Irish ties and only fitting to share with you on this St. Patrick’s Day.

Cumming resident John O’Brien tells me that his interest in Border Collie’s came to be while traveling through Europe, for two years after college, and eventually settling in Dublin, Ireland.

John writes, “One day while I was hitchhiking across Ireland, on one of my many ventures, I was sitting on a stone wall in the country side waiting for a vehicle to come by to catch a ride. All of a sudden, sheep starting leaping over the stone wall I was resting on. Here comes an old farmer with two beautiful dogs herding the sheep like a beautiful dance. It was so natural and flowing like a river running past me—really cool. I said to the man, what kind of dogs are those? In his Irish brogue, ‘their Border Collies you yank,’ poking at me for being an American. ‘Have you never seen a Border collie?’  I said no as he kept on walking by. At that moment I knew if I ever had a dog of my own, it would be a Border Collie.”

Patch has been with the O’Brien family all of his 15 years, living beyond his expectation, according to John, but ‘still a great looking dog’ (see pictures) and still full of energy.

Patch is a little shy and likes to keep to himself, except when another critter, like a squirrel, has invaded his yard or resist the temptation of having a tennis ball tossed at him.

During his outings with the family he will befriend just about anyone, especially children.

“He knows he is very smart, good looking and simply not an average dog. Strange to say about a dog, but he has a magnetic personality that everyone loves. When we take him for walks or to the park, he ignores other dogs, but is quick to find a human to play with. I don’t think he is being snobbish, he just doesn’t think he is a dog,” writes John.   

During Patch’s early years, John would take him to an obstacle course for training, but little did he know, it was actually Patch taking him to the obstacle course for a little training!

“People use to stand and watch Patch take me through the course as I could not keep up with him. I heard on several occasions, ‘man that is one fast, smart dog.’ You also know you have a great dog when your neighbors say, ‘oh your Patch’s dad or you live at Patch’s house, and my kids love your dog.’ He is a very special dog and has certainly received a lot of love, and he gives it back ten fold,” added John.

Patch, a 15-year-old Border Collie, who is the “Pot the Gold” for the O’Brien family.