Grandpa Juice

that's my Juice, the Toy Terminator! Even at the age of 15 years young, this vibrant energizer boy could still steal the show...and all the toys!

I had the great fortune of spending time with Jan and Juice when they were living in Indiana. Juice was one of those dogs that had an incredible zest for life. You couldn't help but feel like it was going to be a beautiful day when you would wake up and see Juice entertaining himself by playing soccer in the yard outside. His endless energy was contagious as he would put 110% into every training session or clinic demonstration he took part in. I was lucky enough to watch Jan training Juice on many occasions and saw the bond between them. I even got a chance to watch his screaming fast weaves when Jan was first getting involved in agility. Juice was always up to the training challenges that were presented to him. Seeing his incredibly fast retrieves, would give you chills as he flew into a perfect front position. His heeling was flawless and smooth. Little did I know that someday I would have the good fortune of having a Juice great grandson. Having the opportunity to get to know Juice, I can actually see some of Juice's personality shining through in Score. Nancy Little, MN

There are some beings that just seem to stand out and remain in your thoughts. Juice was one of them. He was plucky, loving every moment of his life and giving 300%. He had an alert, but soft expression to his face. A body posture that screamed 'ready to rock.' He was a talker, but honest in action. He was everything I love in a dog. I remember when I first saw Juice at Jan's obedience seminar in Detroit - wow, he was dripping in drive! This dog would literally rip the mats up to tear after the dumbbell! Jan demonstrated how she taught Juice to slow down enough to ensure a clean dumbbell pick-up and the entire audience just sat there with their jaws on the ground. I trained with Jan a lot after that - in fact we would train Petey (my OTCH golden) and Juice at the same time. I spent a lot of time with Jan and this dog and can say he was definitely a treat to watch! I don't know that many people remember that Jan and Juice completed their UD on one weekend and their OTCH the very next - I do not know that anyone has ever equaled that feat. I was honored and awed to witness this team develop and mature.....Flash forward to Fresca, my Juice granddaughter on both sides, and I can clearly see Juice in her, the same prick ears, forward body posture and even some facial expressions! While nothing can replace Jan's 'Muff-Muff', I have a wonderful family member and competitive partner - and I know Juice is watching over us from the Rainbow Bridge! Susan Pence, OH

I first saw Juice when I attended Jan's seminar in San Diego in 1993. I watched in amazement as Jan used Juice to demonstrate the basics that trained this wonderful, driven, full of life Border Collie. Juice and that seminar changed my life. When Jan moved to California, I knew I wanted to train with her, hopefully a Border Collie, like Juice. Well now, I am training my very own Juice grandson, Ch/HC/OTCH Brink and great grand daughter Mist! Sometimes I see Juice in the way Brink stares at his toys, waiting for me to, "Touch it!" and in the energy, drive and never quit attitude in Mist. Here's to you Grandpa Juice, I owe much happiness to you! Carol Schiefer, CA

The first red border collie I met happened to be at a Janice DeMello obedience seminar many years ago in San Diego. I was in awe of his speed and drive and especially that split second call off of a dumbbell retrieve after being revved up. He was also a bit of a clown as he would wait patiently while Jan talked then would get up and move while her back was turned. I made a point of meeting this wonderful red dog after the seminar to tell Ms. DeMello how I admired her dog. Little did I know that a few years down the road I would be anxiously awaiting the birth of a Juice granddaughter which would be my first border collie puppy named Edge and a a few years after that I would be sitting at work watching email for the announcement of my next puppy Surge who has Juice on both sides. I not only have the honor of owning two such incredible Juice grandkids but I was so deeply honored to have shared my house with Juice in his later years. Some dogs may slow down as they get older but not Juice aka the toy terminator. I have the fondest memories of sitting on the floor and playing "touch the toy" with him as he would throw a squeaky toy next to me and stare at it until I "touched his toy" then he would take great delight and pick up the toy and throw it at me again. It was hard to believe how energetic he was in his later years. I wish I could have seen him in his obedience prime but I was happy to have spent the last few years of his life living with him and sharing his company every day. I am also thrilled to have two of his offspring that are instilled with his abundant energy and joy of living. I have met many of the Juice kids, grandkids and great grandkids and they are all filled with that same athletic ability, energy level and willingness to please. Juice was truly one in a million that has passed his legacy on to his offspring. Gail Smith, WA

If all the stars stopped shining, Juice’s energy could jump start the entire universe! I believe he did everything as fast as he possibly could so he could live more life! His enthusiasm for life was obvious to everyone who saw him in the obedience ring, where he was famous for his retrieves. I was so excited to witness one of Juice’s perfect scores, but even more so to be on the receiving end of his signature hugs and snorts. I am blessed to share my life with Clue, Juice’s son (Hob Nob Eye Spy). Clue is now 13 and still going strong, especially enjoying his toy terminator legacy. Clue is a well-known figure at the park, where kids line up to play ball with him. Clue makes sure each and every kid in the park gets a chance to throw the ball for him. Clue is a happy boy and still even has that Juice spark!

I believe in miracles and soul mates. Hob Nob Paint the Town Red, aka Sketch, has brought so much love and laughter and healing to my life. Like Juice, Sketch also does everything at top speed; even her inherited hugs and kisses! I never taught Sketch formal attention – her eyes never left mine and still don’t! To this day her favorite way to go for a walk is to be in front of me, walking backwards so she can see my eyes. And her eyes are always bright and full of anticipation and joy, just like her dad’s. I think of Juice and know I am blessed to have Sketch as my soul mate.

The memory of watching Jan DeMello & her amazing Border Collie Juice work together made a lasting impression. When I began my quest for a versatile, sound, & attractive border collie, I was excited to learn Juice's daughter Chisel was presenting the world with a litter of pups. Luna came in to my life and nothing has been the same. I have been thrilled to share my world with her. Luna even saved my life, when she protected me from a charging whitetail deer buck, putting her own life in danger. When another litter of Juice grandbabies came along, I had to have Stitch, whose sense of humor and love for adventure keeps me going on days I might not otherwise. Both girls are my constant companions, always ready for the next adventure--agility, tracking, herding, or just hiking and ATV adventures. I could not manage my daily chores on my 1200 acre farm with sheep, llamas, ducks, geese, chickens & guinea fowl, without the hard work and help of these two Juice grandkids. Playing with obedience exercises has been such a thrill with these two girls, I am very tempted to return to competition in this as well. At the end of every day, it is their "Heart" that I feel and I am so grateful to have them in my life. Thank you Grand Pa Juice, and Jan.
Kari Wahlquist, AR

When Juice looked into your eyes, he touched your heart, and when you looked in his, you fell in love. I had seen spectacular videos of Juice and Jan performing but did not have the honor of really getting to know Juice in person until after to retired, although I think someone forgot to tell him he was retired, he always seemed to be in motion. I witnessed how quickly he could grab a toy; destroy it in record time, all the while I’m sure grinning inside. He was always young at heart, with an intense joy of life. His hugs and snorts are almost as well known as his high achievements in the ring. Juice had an unbreakable bond with Jan something we all wish and strive for. Juice's great intelligence, sense of humor and exuberance for life are only a few of the wonderful traits that he passed down to Fable, who I can proudly say is a snorter. I am blessed to share my life with Grandson Fable, and Great-Grandson Topic. Juice you touched my life beyond words. Yvonne Anderson, WA

I am lucky enough to have two boys that have been Juiced! My Slider has a double helping of Juice as he is a grandson and great-grandson of Juice. When one of my herding instructors commented that Slider just keeps going and going like the Energizer Bunny, I just smiled to myself, knowing that was one of Jan's nicknames for Juice. Slider has that boundless energy and just the happiest personality with a joy for life. I'm also very happy that he inherited the signature Juice hugs! When I went to pick up Slider, I was lucky enough to get to meet Juice and I enjoyed a few of those hugs from Juice himself. I have treasured photos and videos of Juice, Chisel, Slider and his littermates from that time.

I have long had dogs from Janice but never went the ‘red’ route until almost two years ago when I got Charter, a great grandson of Juice. I was so excited to finally have a pup with Juice behind him! (I saw Juice perform a couple of times in his prime and I will NEVER FORGET IT). I now see his wonderful attributes coming out in Charter. I was incredibly fortunate to be able to also add Spree, Juice granddaughter, to my family last year. She is one of a kind, a star at herding as well as agility. These two dogs are so loaded with versatility, talent, and personality. They are pure joy to live with and work with. I know Spree gets her ‘snorting’ gene from Juice, and Charter his sheer love of life. Thank you Juice for passing on your best qualities. Kathy Kelly, CA

Jekyll is my first Hob Nob border collie and she is quite the energetic girl! At almost 9 months of age I am thrilled to see some of the characteristics of her legendary great, great grandfather Juice coming through in her beauty, her driven attitude, intelligent expression and love of toys! She is often seen with 2 toys in her mouth while kicking along a third with her front feet! Such talent!

I am so grateful to have this small part of Juice to share my life! Thank you Jan! Reggie Rogers, Colorado

Like Widget and Trivet, Juice has had an enormous influence on me regarding the type of Border collie I've always wanted to own and train. From the time I first saw him at 2 years old, I've admired his sense of humor as well as his intelligence and drive to work. When Jan bred him to OTCH Starfire's Skye, the litter was advertised as "A Perfect Litter", which turned out to be not too far off the mark as Blitz and 2 of his littermates (sister Kahlua and brother Seeker) achieved a 200 in the obedience ring. Blitz is my reluctant first Breed CH, and my over-eager obedience dog, having earned quite a reputation in Southern California as the 90 mile an hour dog who stares at shoes and throws toys at anyone he thinks should be playing with him. Like his father, Blitz is known for snorting when happy, grabbing me with his paws, and generally having an opinion on everything! Most of all though, he is my constant companion and devoted protector. I am so grateful to Jan for entrusting me with one of her special boy's special sons and so happy to see Juice still going strong and looking great at age13. Sharon Ferguson, CA

Pictured on the left is Hob Nob Keepstone aka 'Stoner'. He is the handsome red tri son of Chisel and littermate to Bezel and Spree pictured above. He is lovingly co owned with Susan Rhoades who also has Juice's son DuPont.

Bottom left is litter sister Luna who is teaching owner Kari Wahlquist all about the fine art of herding sheep and running agility. Kari also has a Juice granddaughter named Stitch and together these girls are turning heads in Arkansas!

Bottom right is Hob Nob Stone Mosaic aka Roady who is being expertly handled in agility by his young owner Kristen Nelson. Together this dynamic team can always gather a crowd running the agility course!

Although I never had the opportunity to see Juice shine in his younger years, I have had the pleasure of seeing him often in his retirement at Hob Nob Land. I can see many of Juice's special characteristics displayed in his grandson, Roady. Roady is my absolute dream come true....he is smart, funny, easy to live with, loves to make you laugh, and brings such joy into my everyday life. In addition to being my best buddy, Roady has become the best agility dog a girl could ask for. I could not have asked for a better dog. Roady is my pride and joy, and I am forever grateful to share my life with this talented Juice grandson. Juice is greatly missed, however his legacy will live on forever in his many outstanding offspring.

Juice is the whole reason I have red Border Collies today...

I remember when I first met him at the World Series in1993...he stole my heart, not only was he beautiful but he had brains and a great sense of humor!!!

I am very fortunate to have both his daughter Blush and his grandson Jag!!!
To me he was one in a million!!!
Thanks Jan!

Jeffrey is a gift! He is my heart and soul dog.
His sweet, gentle nature has attracted many people. Apparently Jeffrey has inherited the snuggle and grunt gene from his grandpa Juice.

"Back in 1995 I went on a hunt for a red border collie that had "the look" - an expression of incredible intelligence, quiet patience and intense passion coupled with sound structure. I combed the country looking for such a puppy - for 4 years! Then I found my Rose (Norwood KMAC's Red Hot Rocket, a Juice Granddaughter). At 8 weeks, she had "the look". I had heard about Juice for a long time and was thrilled to have a Juice Granddaughter, but then I realized that Rose had Juice written all over her. She snorts when she is excited and hugs as her babies do. Then sometimes she just looks at me with those adoring eyes - the ones that I see in Juice's pictures. Juice is still with us - he is in of all of his kids and grandkids! Juice will certainly be remembered for his wonderful qualities but more importantly as having a significant impact on the development of the breed here in the United States. We at Patriot as well as the rest of the Border Collie fancy will feel his loss for a long time!"

Jana Brady, Patriot Performance Kennels, Memphis, TN"