A story of one man and a remarkable dog

GRAAFF-REINET — Robert Kingwill is no stranger to Graaff-Reinetters.

This man of great character and tenacity, recently retired to town, was born into the Nieu-Bethesda district and was struck with profound deafness as a result of illness at a very young age.

His mother was determined that he lead a life like anyone else and encouraged him to lip-read as opposed to using sign language which she believed would set him aside from those around him even more.

He attended Union High School where he excelled in sports despite his disability - constantly visually checking on that which was happening around him, and the reaction of others, as an indication as to whether he was performing correctly or not.

Robert has always been a great lover of his sheepdogs, who have brought him great joy throughout his life. According to Robert 'All my trained dogs supported me as they understand (that I) am hard of hearing…'

Robert's relationship with his dogs began in 1967 when, as a young farmer on Gordonville, he was given a pup – Scamper - by Chipper Kingwill who imported his working dogs from Peebles in Scotland.

In training Scamper, Robert soon realised that this remarkable young dog had the ability not only to collect Merino sheep but also enjoyed herding all kinds of creatures including cattle, ducks, geese and pigs! Working with the staff on Gordonville, Scamper soon became an integral part of farm life.

In 1971, Robert was encouraged to enter Scamper in a working dog show in Grahamstown.

This show was the first of its kind in the world as the dogs were to work under lights. Many dogs failed in these unusual circumstances – and the commentator made this clear to the disgruntled crowd. Perhaps because Robert could not hear the surrounding negativity, but when their turn came, he sent Scamper forth to do his work regardless of the 'clever sheep' refusing to enter the gates under the bright lights.

Much to the delight of the crowd, Scamper notched his first big win, expertly herding his sheep into the fold and taking the McIntyre trophy home!

At another show in Queenstown, where Robert's wife Phillida commentated on proceedings, Robert and Scamper brought the crowd of more than a thousand people to their feet, as Scamper herded not only sheep but cattle, pigs and geese up the ramp and into a waiting bakkie! Robert blushes proudly as he speaks of the standing ovation that he remembers as one of the most wonderful moments of his life!

Robert's fame grew and following this show, the chairman of the Melbourne Sheep Dog Club invited Robert and Scamper to take part in an exhibition show in Australia. Robert and Scamper got all their 'dogs' in a row and were ready to attend the show which was to take place in two months from then. In an unfortunate turn of events, this wonderful dream never became a reality as Scamper would have had to be held in quarantine for six months and they never boarded the plane for Australia.

The story of Robert Kingwill is a heart-warming one of hard work, dedication, love and an amazing therapeutic bond between this man and his very special dogs.

Homemade Kennels for Pepsi and Scamper at Gordonville.