Beau (2012-01-05) #2012-006
Tricolor Rough Male
2 years

Beau is my name and surfing is my game! But not the surfing you are thinking. Yes I am a counter surfer! You see, living in a house is something I had never done till I came to CRGI. I have to say I really do like it so far. It is always nice and warm. I get food and fresh water all the time. And boy do I love food! I also have a soft bed now too.

My foster Mom is teaching me house manners. Things like not eating off the counters, chewing things that don't belong to me and not jumping on people when I am excited. It's not easy because I just love to be near people. With some training on being a proper house dog I know I can do better because I am very smart. I would even enjoy taking some obedience classes with you.

Right now I am living with 2 canine foster sisters and I really like them. In my new home I would like a sister or brother to play with. Since I am only 2 I have lots of energy and would love to have a fenced yard to play in.

I am still learning to say "I need to go outside." It would be best if you had a crate for me. I don't really like to be alone. If I can sleep with you that would be great. If someone is home during the day, that is even better. I would be happy to keep you company all day long!

They say I am a very sweet Velcro dog. How about I get stuck on you!

Hawkeye (2011-12-17) #2011-053
Sable and White Smooth Male
9 years

Hello I am Hawkeye and I am pleased to make your acquaintance! I live in Springfield Illinois with my foster mom and all my feline and canine foster siblings. I am a 9 year old Collie mix. My foster Mom thinks I am mixed with some kind of hound. I don't bark much, but when I do she says it sounds more like a hounds bark. Other than my bark she says my temperament is all Collie!

My hearing isn't what it used to be when I was younger, so my foster mom will sometimes clap to get my attention. I am a very good boy and I don't wander off, but it would be best if my new home has a fence. She thinks it would be safer for me in case I have my back to you and don't hear you call for me. When it is time for treats I sit like a perfect gentleman and wait till it is my turn. I am housebroken but I not really sure how to tell you I need to go outside. My foster mom just asks me if I need to go when she takes the other dogs out. I only had one accident when I first got here. Since then I have been perfect!

I do not have to be crated when I am alone because I am so well behaved and my foster mom says I am very trustworthy. At night I am happy sleeping anywhere. Any old dog bed or blanket will do. I can climb stairs okay but since I am getting older it would be better if your house does not have too many. I do like kids a lot but would rather live with older ones. The little ones just run too fast!

One thing my foster mom took me to was a place called a nursing home. Oh I really liked it there! I just love to be around people that will pet my head. All the nice people there let me put my head in their laps and they kept rubbing and rubbing! I did not want them to stop so sometimes I would push my head under their hands so they would keep rubbing it.

I would really like to find a quiet home, maybe even with another dog around my age. I dream of someplace that has a big window I could look out or a warm fireplace to nap in front of. If you live in a place like that, would you like to could come meet me in Springfield and take me home with you?

Kita (2010-08-28) #2010-065
Sable and White Smooth Female
1 year

Kita has been transferred to Free Spirit Siberian Rescue. If you are interested in her you can click here to see her page on their website.

Lily (2007-07-25) #2007-036
Sable and White Smooth Female
4 years

My name is Lily. Yup just like the flower! Only I am much prettier than any flower. I am 4 years old and I came to Collie Rescue because one of the children in my family had really bad asthma. I did not want her to be sick all the time, so I told my family it was okay to find me a new family to live with.

I like to play with toys and hunt for squirrels! I like cats and dogs too. But I do not like vacuum cleaners at all. Why do they have to be so noisy? Speaking of noise, I don't make much. My foster Mom says I am really quiet. I walk really well on a leash and that I am the perfect dog!

I am housebroken and will even jump up and share the bed with you if you let me. I do not have to sleep in a crate because I am so well behaved. I would rather be near you anyway. Those people you call strangers are not strange to me at all. I call them new friends. A girl can never have enough friends right?

I know my commands and I will come when you call my name. I like it when you call my name because that means you are going to pet me. I will follow you anywhere if you will pet me!

Wouldn't you like to bring me home?

Rocky (2012-01-18) #2012-003
Blue Merle Rough Male
2 years

They call me Rocky but I am a lover not a fighter! I just love my people. Actually I love all people. I might be a little shy at first. But it does not take me long to warm up to everyone. I would really like it if you nuzzle my nose. And if you are not paying enough attention to me I will sometimes nibble on you to remind you I am there. I am never afraid to ask for attention whether I am licking your hand or nibbling your flannel shirt. Whenever I nibble my Foster Moms shirt she gives me a toy instead. I also have a favorite ball I brought with me. If you throw it I will bring it back to you. I also like to grab the TV remote, but my foster mom just gives me a correction and hands me a toy. I really like to chew so my foster mom has lots of bones for me. As long as I have something to chew I behave very well.

I am very happy to see new dogs, but I am not really sure how to interact with them. Sometimes they try to play with me but I don't always understand what they want me to do, so I just ignore them. What I really like are cats. They are so cute and cuddly!

You will know when I need to go outside because I will pace around till you notice me. My foster mom kennels me if she is not at home or at bedtime. Sometimes I cry a little, but then I just go to sleep. She is teaching me how to do stairs. I already learned how to go up and down the deck stairs to the yard but I am still practicing the ones in the house. If I try really hard I can get up the stairs all by myself. I might need some help getting back down them.

I heard my foster mom say that I am one of the sweetest foster dogs she has ever had. I am very mellow and don't need much more than love and a few bones. There is something very special about me, I have a blue crescent moon in my eye. My foster mom says it is because I hold the moon and the stars in my eyes!

If you want to meet me and take me home, I just have one request -- Don't forget my favorite ball!

Snickers (2011-11-13) #2011-042
Sable and White Rough Male
2 years

Another one of those traps! I knew those people were trying to catch me inside that wire box, but up till that day, I'd managed to get the food and run out before the door snapped shut. But that day was different...instead of a can of dog food, or a couple of hot dogs, a tantalizing smell drifted out. A sweet treat was dangling from the roof of the wire box. I stopped and sniffed the air - it smelled so good - and up till then, my life had very few good things in it. I couldn't resist...I stepped into the wire box and the door snapped shut, but I didn't care...the treat was mine, and was so good I closed my eyes to savor it...

That was a few weeks ago, and what happened after that has made me start to think maybe that treat was just the FIRST nice thing to come into my life. I'm only about two years old, so not 100% sure yet, but it seems that way...maybe? I was taken to the vet, who gave me shots and started to treat me for something called Erlichia, then to a groomer who bathed and brushed me and clipped my long, ragged toenails. Then I went to 'foster home' and that's when I started to figure out that maybe things were looking up.

Turns out that some people are really nice. Not all of them shout at you and chase you away from garbage cans when you are trying to eat, and they don't all throw things at you to get you out of their yards when you just need a warm place to sleep. Foster families love you, and feed you, and give you your own crate to sleep in so you can be safe and dry. I've been watching them, and waiting to see if anything changes, but more and more I'm starting to believe that maybe people are nice, and maybe I can trust them. Usually, I stay in my crate to keep an eye on things, but recently I've started to come out and it's been pretty good. I've even jumped up on the couch with my Foster Dad and you know, it was pretty nice to be near a person. My foster parents have even started to touch my head and scratch under my chin, and give me treats from their hand, and while it's still a little scary sometimes, I think I really like it. From what I've heard, a 'forever' home loves you just the same way...is that possible?

There are a lot of other dogs here, and we get along pretty well. I don't really have very good canine manners yet, and I guess I play a little rough sometimes, but I'm learning, and I like to be with them. There are chickens at my foster home, and cats, too, but I probably shouldn't live with any small animals - for too long I thought of them as lunch, and I might not understand that they aren't for me. Right now I'm still pretty nervous about all the new things in my life - I'm housebroken, but I don't like to potty on a leash, so I have to have a yard - and a yard with a really tall fence. See, sometimes I get scared and try to run, and I can jump really high when I'm frightened. While I am still learning about vacuums and dishwashers and lawnmowers and stuff, it would be best for me not to be with small children. I'll need to have a new forever family that will be patient with me, and help me by taking me to training. It'll be a long time before I can really relax, but with your help, I can do it. I know I can.

You might be wondering what the treat was that brought me here to you. I saw a crinkled brown wrapper on the ground outside the box, and the letters on it spelled 'SNICKERS'....and now, that's me. I finally have a name, and now I wonder if I could have a family of my own, too? I sure hope so...

Darla (2012-01-05) #2012-007
Sable and White Rough Female
3 years

Darla is such a wonderful young lady her foster family has decided to adopt her!

Our foster homes have first option at adopting their foster dog. For information on fostering send an inquiry to info@collierescue.org.

Hope (2011-12-22) #2011-054
Sable and White Smooth Female
4 years

I may be 4 years old but I still act like a puppy. I am always on the go. I love to cuddle and give hugs. I will even kiss you if you let me. I really like to meet new people, but my foster mom says I need to learn not to jump on them. I just get so excited when I see them I want to give them a hug. I already know my name, and how to lie down when you ask me to. I would love to learn more if you give me those little treats my foster mom gives me. They are Yummy!

At night I sleep in a crate. You should have one in the car too or I just might try to sit in your lap. I can jump in and out of the car all by myself. Aren't you proud of me! I don't bark much unless I see a squirrel or rabbit, but I will stop if you call my name. Going for a walk is something I really enjoy. I am so well behaved I will stay right by your side.

Another thing I love to do is eat! I will eat from anywhere, the counters, the garbage or your table. If my canine foster siblings don't finish their food, I will even eat theirs. My foster Mom keeps a close eye on me because I will try to steal their treats. She calls me an Alpha. I guess that means I like to be the boss.

If you have children I would really like that. Children love to be kissed and they give me lots of attention. I can get a little scared if they throw things like footballs. With time I think I will get used to it. Having a fenced yard would make me so happy. Then I can run and play all day long!

Do you need some Hope in your life? Come and get me!

Rufus (2011-10-15) #2011-049
Sable and White Rough Male
2 years

Rufus tested positive for heartworm and is currently on medical hold while he undergoes treatment.

Simcha (2011-12-15) #2011-051
Sable and White Rough Male
3 years

My name is Simcha. I am 3 years old. My name means Joy. And that is exactly what I am, a Joy!

Everyone says I am a joy to be around. I just love to meet new people and if I really, really like you I will lick your hand when I come to say hello. I am not really afraid of noises except those big things that move fast on the road you call cars. My foster family takes me for walks so I am getting used to them now. I am learning how to be a good boy on a leash and I love to explore things while we walk.

I have a very active foster family and I like it! They have 2 children and they are fun to play with. I also have a canine foster sister and brother. I love to play with my foster sister because she is really young and active like me. My foster brother is kind of bossy, but its okay I don't really mind at all. I am just happy to be with people and other dogs to keep me busy. My foster family crates me at night or when they are not home. I do whimper a little when they put me in there. Foster mom says I have to stay in there so I don't entertain myself and get into trouble. But it's okay, it's not that bad in the crate so I just lie down and take a nap.

They say I need to learn some basic obedience. I am not sure what that means. But I did figure out what the word NO means. That is what my foster mom says when I am trying to get all that yummy tasting stuff on the counters. I am learning how to have what they call "house manners".

Do you have kids? Or maybe a fun dog I could play with? Can I come live with you? I promise to do my very best to please you. All you have to do is promise to love me and I will fill your home with Joy!

Skipper (2011-12-30) #2011-055
Sable-headed White Rough Male
4 years

My name is Skipper! I turn heads everywhere I go. You don't see many collies like me. My head is sable/blue merle and I have a white body. Everyone gives me a second look because I am so handsome! A very nice family found me all alone as a stray. Because I was so friendly they took me home with them. Lucky for me they called collie rescue to find me a home. So here I am!

I now live with 3 canine foster siblings and 3 children. I love them all! My foster Mom says I am not shy at all. I am so easy going I can get along with anyone. I don't bark in the house much, but do like to let passing dogs know I am around when I am in the yard. A fence would be good for me because I enjoy running back and forth watching things pass by.

I do not sleep in a crate at night but my foster home has a dog's room, where we all sleep. I only had one accident here because I forgot to tell my foster mom I had to go outside. New stairs are a little confusing for me, but once you show them to me a few times I get used to them. I don't pull on a leash either but I do need some practice walking on one.

If you are looking for a dog that will stay by your side, I am your guy! I will even try to sit up front with you in the car if you let me. I have been known to steal shoes. I don't chew them, but it sure is fun to hide them!

Do you have any toys I can play with? I like toys. I do like to chase a ball, but you will have to go get it yourself because I have not learned how to bring it back yet. Maybe I could come home with you and you can teach me?

Smokey (2011-09-26) #2011-048
Blue Merle Rough Male
5 years

If you look up synonyms for sweet here are some of the words you'll get: Beloved, Cherished, Dear, Favorite, Special, Treasured...all words that describe Smokey.

5 year-old Smokey was found running stray in Southern Illinois with his brother Bandit. It's amazing that he was running because he had a hip joint that kept popping out! As a result, Smokey had FHO hip surgery and is recovering quickly. To learn more about the FHO surgery, visit this website: http://www.fhoguide.com/FHO-surgery.php.

Smokey is a laid back, wise dog that is just happy to be in a loving home. He is smart and quick to learn the rules. He loves both dogs and cats. He is a welcoming dog and is warm & friendly. And of course Smokey is always willing to share a few collie kisses! He is learning his name but always responds to a friendly voice.

With one blue and one brown eye, Smokey is a strikingly handsome example of a Blue Merle and will warm up someone's home this fall. If you're lucky, it might just be yours!

Toby (2011-11-30) #2011-057
Tricolor Rough Male
5 years

Please meet Toby! Isn't he handsome? Toby is a 5 year old tri-colored young man who really wants to find his forever home. He is so well behaved and trustworthy his foster family has never had to crate him. Toby even likes his feline foster sibling! Toby is a lover too - If he isn't getting enough attention he will come up close and look you in the eye till you reach out and give him the attention he craves and deserves. He loves to have his ears and rear scratched! No need in getting him a bunch of toys since he really does not care for them. But boy does he enjoy his walks. He walks well on a leash and would even like to jog with you. Of course he will bark and say hello to all the people he meets along the way.

Toby is a little unsure of stairs but his foster family is working on this with him. He is also learning to sit, stay and heel. With a little more training he is sure to be a great addition to any family. Since Toby has plenty of energy and gets along with cats, dogs and loves to meet new people he will fit most any lifestyle. I know he would love to meet you! Wouldn't you love to bring him home with you?

Tristan (2011-12-15) #2011-058
Blue Merle Rough Male
10 years

Have you ever seen a more handsome Collie? I doubt you have. Look how cute my one ear tips. My foster Mom says it makes me special. I had surgery to remove a fatty tumor when I came in to CRGI. Now I have a shaved spot on my side. Don't let that distract you because my coat is absolutely stunning! I bet you would have never guessed I am 10 years young either. With age comes wisdom. I am wise enough to know if you leave goodies on the counter or table they are mine! ALL MINE! Don't listen to my Foster Mom if she tells you to put them away when I am around. What fun is that?

My Foster Mom says I have a warm spirit and calls me a Love dog with soul. If you want to take a walk, I'm your guy. If you want to cuddle on the couch, I'm your guy! I do not bark much unless I am outside with my canine foster siblings. They must be barking at something important so I just join the fun! I also live with cats but they don't bark and are not much fun to play with. But it's okay if you have one of those, I don't mind at all. I would rather hang out with my foster family anyway.

Speaking of family, I am looking for one to call my own. There is nothing I want more than to give you my paw to show you I will love you forever! I am not picky at all and would happy anywhere. I am easy going and just want a warm bed and a best friend. After all, a dog is man's best friend right?