Austin, aka Hiredhand Stephen F. Austin Jr.  lives with Justin Voyles at the Rockin' C Ranch.  He is a son of Ch Hiredhand Silver Dude.  He is often called "Este Cate Efv". Which is Creek for red dog and pronounced "stacha-tay eefa".  Austin adores his people very much.  For one thing, Justin owns a Simple Simons Pizza franchise so Austin has all the pepperoni pizza he can heat.  He also has very important work on the Rockin' C.  There Austin supervises Justin while he welds to keep him from setting the pasture on fire (which has been known to happen).  He also helps drive the tractor so it doesn't run into anything.  But, his most important work is herding the cattle which he does very well.

Recently, Austin had an excellent adventure.  He was taken to a pet resort to be safely cared for while his owners divided and moved their household after a divorce.  Now, we can only guess that pizza wasn't on the menu at that resort.  At any rate, Austin jumped the 6 foot fence and went looking for Justin.  He didn't find Justin right away, but did find a nice barn with horses just like his own ranch.  For a month he enjoyed splendid hospitality while the barn's owner fed him and tried to find his home.  He was starting to feel right at home with his new, attentive pal when Justin and Austin were reunited.  Austin is now safely at home and Justin writes, "It's funny how heeler's know things. He knew I was lonely and in need of female companionship. So not only did he come home, he brought me a date with him......he will always be my shining star - he is my best buddy in the whole world."