Laysee (2010-01-30) #2010-005
Tricolor Rough Female
3-4 years

Little Laysee joined the Collie Rescue family this week, and will be needing a very special family to call her own.

Laysee is a petite 3-4 year old tri-colored female who came from an abusive situation. Her first photos showed a terrified little girl who looked ready to bolt, but so far from being withdrawn, Laysee seems to be craving reassurance, and will cling to anyone with a tender voice and a kind hand. She is frightened, and trembles almost constantly, but she keeps her anxious brown eyes fixed on whoever is at the end of her leash, almost begging for comfort.

This anxiety manifested itself in a rather negative way when Laysee went to her foster home. Laysee seems unable to share her home with another dog, and was very definitely trying to drive the resident collies away from her foster parents. For such a little girl, she proved to be quite determined and showed that she knew what her teeth were for! She did not display aggressiveness when meeting other dogs at the vet's office, or outside on her leash, but in a home situation she seems to feel very threatened and responds strongly.

We will only consider adoptive families who do not have a resident dog, and we would be very cautious about cats, as well. A home with no children, or with older children who can respect Laysee's anxiety, would be preferred. Laysee has a lot of history to overcome, and absolutely needs the full attention of her family right now - she simply cannot share at this point.

In her previous life, Laysee escaped her home several times, so we will not adopt her to a family without a fenced yard, and even then will recommend a long leash until she has bonded with her family. Life has taught this little girl that to run is to stay safe, so she is a definite flight risk if frightened. Obedience training will do a lot to help Laysee bond with her adoptive family, and we would like a commitment to this when she is ready.

Laysee's foster family have already fallen in love with her, and say that as an only dog, she will blossom into a wonderful companion. You will see this, too, when you meet her. Laysee needs someone special to help her overcome a terrible beginning so that she can be the lovely girl she was born to be. Can you be the bridge between what was, and what will be?

Update on Laysee 02/12/2010

Laysee is very much a Velcro collie who wiggles with delight when she is petted, and who has a cute way of placing a pretty little paw gently on your leg as if to say 'Oh, please, please don't stop petting me!'. Her long collie nose is put to good use, nudging a hand, and elbow, a leg -- a gentle reminder that she is in the room and would certainly like some attention! Laysee learned how to 'sit' quickly, is working on 'down' and is highly treat motivated, so should be very easy to train. Leash walking has definitely improved, and Laysee even dropped by puppy school where she did a fine job!

Laysee's foster family includes an easy going young female collie, and she & Laycee are like two little girls playing Barbies. We have seen no sign of aggression between those two, and feel that with the proper introduction Laycee might be able to share her home with a smaller, submissive female. Laycee is a dominant female, however, and will challenge a confident head of household -- so her companion will need to be carefully chosen. Jealous of sharing her people, she will push between you and another dog, and she has mastered the butt-bump to move other canines, but has not been snappy about it. Laycee seems to be a bit hit-or-miss about cats -- some she greets nicely with a wagging tail, and others she chases so again, careful introduction would be in order. Laycee has excellent recall, and has made no attempt at all to leave her fenced yard -- in fact, it is more difficult to get her to go away from the door than to get her to come back. She sleeps quietly in her crate, has no trouble with stairs and has just learned the delights of squeaky toys!

Laysee has a way to go to recover from her past, but she is definitely on the right path, and has shown herself to be willing to make the journey.

Monty (2010-02-06) #2010-011
Tricolor Smooth Male
9 years

Monty is a striking, tri-colored male who brings to mind images of old Hollywood, tuxedos and Cary Grant. This gorgeous boy has just a hint of a swagger, and that little twinkle which tells you he has seen a lot of life, a lot of love, and he is looking forward to tomorrow's adventures. Maybe he won't be involved in a glamorous bank heist, or have a torrid shipboard romance with a madcap heiress, but life will never be dull with Monty!

In 'An Affair to Remember" Deborah Kerr told Cary Grant "Winter must be cold for those with no warm memories" but that doesn't apply to our boy. A beloved family member for nine years, Monty has nothing but warm memories of the people he owned for so long - and he is looking forward to adopting his next humans! It shouldn't be difficult to find people who suit Monty - he loves everyone, and greets strangers with warmth and enthusiasm (in a debonair way, of course!). Monty lived with a cat in his previous home, and is very fond of the kitties in his foster home, as well. He is good friends with the male collie he is bunking with now, and also loves children of all ages.

Monty, as all old-school silver screen stars do, has beautiful manners, but he will need to refine them to match your household. Fortunately, he is eager to learn his 'lines' and will quickly adapt to what you'd expect from your leading man. Very much like the 'Best Actor' winner at the Academy Awards, Monty does like to talk a lot but since he came to us debarked, it's not as disruptive to listen to him thank everyone from his third-grade teacher, on! At nine years of age, Monty is definitely more of a Cary Grant than a Brad Pitt, but you'd never guess that he isn't much younger - Monty has a vigor and enthusiasm about life that will charm you.

So, If you like your martinis stirred, not shaken, and are looking for a stunning collie to join your family, casting calls begin now!

Zeus (2010-03-02) #2010-003
Sable Merle Rough Male
5 years

If you are a fan of beautiful collies with uniquely colored coats, you are going to fall in love with Zeus!

Zeus is a sable merle -- beautiful, silky silver and black hair frames this boy's strikingly marked face, and his chocolate brown eyes are accented by a thin band of black from the outside corner up to his ears. His coat is a medley of shades of sable ranging from light to dark, and is incredibly soft. This is one beautiful collie!

If that wasn't enough, 5-year-old Zeus was blessed with a personality that is just as wonderful. Sweet and affectionate, Zeus loves being in love and while not pushy about it, is always nearby for a scratch behind the ears, or a kiss on his forehead. He has an endearing way of pushing his elegant nose under your arm, or beneath your hand as though to scoop up all the love he can get. If you don't take that hint - he'll stretch into a long bow and serenade you with a melodic 'whhoooo whooooo whoooo'. Who can resist being sung to? Zeus plays with toys, and while he won't retrieve a ball, you won't mind when you see his enthusiasm for chasing one. His tail waves behind him as he glides over the grass and he stops at the toy with the most pleased expression on his face "Here it is! I've found it for you!" You can see his delight in helping you.

Just to keep him from being absolutely perfect, however, Zeus does need some extra attention about what he eats. It was necessary to extract several of Zeus's teeth when he came to rescue - most of them up front - so he'll need to learn how to manage meals again. Right now, he is eating canned dog food exclusively as his gums heal, but we are hoping that in time he can transition to dry. Zeus does not know how to go up & down stairs and while he may learn with patience, perhaps a home with few stairs, or no stairs would be best. He has a similar problem jumping in & out of a car, and seems a little nervous riding in one, but this, too, can be worked on.

Zeus has lived with a parrot, and with cats, and while his previous owner said he was a little too enthusiastic about playing with kitties, we have not noticed this tendency - as a matter of fact, he has been very good with the felines in his temporary home. A reminder of 'leave it' will help with any desire to pursue kitties. Good natured and inquisitive, Zeus plays well with the resident collies in his foster home - both male & female - so we think he would be fine with a canine friend. He does get a little jealous when he feels too much attention is being paid to another dog, and will bark in protest and if that doesn't work, will bring you a toy. Clever boy! Zeus does have a strong herding instinct, and so would be best with children old enough to understand this trait and not be intimidated by his persistence. We'd like to have a fenced yard for Zeus, as he grew up with one and is used to running off his excess energy in the safety of a yard. Zeus walks nicely on his leash, and knows the command 'sit' - which he is happy to do!

You'll catch your breath when you see this gorgeous boy - and two seconds later you'll lose your heart. Are you ready for this much happiness? Zeus is here to deliver!

Charlie (2010-01-29) #2010-002
Sable and White Rough Male
5 years

Howdy, everybody! My name is Charlie, and I'm a 5 year-old sable & white male who just recently hitched up with Collie Rescue! Now, I'm right grateful to these fine folks for helping me out, and working so hard to get me a new place to live, but I'll be honest with you - I have seen more new stuff in the past few days than I have the whole of my life! See, I used to live in a pen in the back of a house in a kinda rural area, and I'm sure not used to seeing all this commotion on a regular basis! Heck, yesterday I saw a truck as big as a house and all I could think to do about it was to bark! It went away, so I guess that worked pretty well. I also went to some fancy barber shop where they washed me off and brushed and combed and clipped me like I was some sort of city boy, but I will admit I feel a whole lot better without those mats in my hair. Don't tell the boys, but they even gave me a pedicure!

I have been to the vet, where they diagnosed my pink nose with something called discoid lupus - collie nose - and gave me some medicine that's supposed to help it out. From what they say, it's not contageous, and while I'll have it my whole life, if I stay out of the sun, and wear sun screen on it, it is manageable. If you want to know more about lupus and collie nose, ask the fine folks at Collie Rescue - they'll be glad to tell you more.

Now, I'm living in a house these days, but I gotta admit - that's pretty new to me and I'm just learning the ropes. I like it fine - it sure is warm and there are some nice places to sleep - but it's gonna take awhile before I'm used to all this fuss. They have these things called vacumns that put up quite a racket, and some fancy machinery called a dishwasher that is pretty strange, but if you'll be patient with me I know I can learn to get along just fine with your city ways. I've also noticed that ya'll want to pet me a lot, and to tell the truth, I didn't get much of that where I'm from. I might act a little skittish about that, too, in the beginning, but I'll come around.

So, that's the nuts & bolts of me, Charlie, and if you can give me a little time to figure this stuff out, and would let me come live with you, well, I'd be right grateful.

Duke (2009-10-09) #2009-069
Sable and White Rough Male
4 years

We'd like to have you meet Duke, a beautiful, gentle 3-year-old male collie who has had a rough start and needs your good thoughts as he recovers!

Duke came to Collie Rescue after being neutered somewhere else, and developed a pretty bad infection. Our wonderful vets saw him through that and Duke has been resting and recovering in a loving foster home for the past week, gaining strength for his next obstacle, which is heartworm treatment.

Duke's foster mom says that he is a sweet boy, and a joy to have. We discovered that he is blind in one eye, but he seems to have adjusted to this and doesn't seem to have any trouble getting around. You do have to be thoughtful when approaching him from that side, though, since he can't see you and might be startled. He isn't a chatty dog, but when he does bark he has a gravely 'woof' that is surprising coming from such a pretty collie! He is housebroken, and gets along well with other dogs, but for all that perfection isn't above trying to sneak up on the couch for a nap, or to beg for a treat at dinner! Duke loves people, and soaks up attention - but returns the favor with collie kisses and a wagging tail.

Heartworm treatment will begin for this sweet boy next week, so let's all mark our calendars with good thoughts! In October, lets remember what a 'treat' it is to have wonderful collies come to us for love; in November let's 'give thanks' that the supporters of Collie Rescue make it possible for us to help these high-needs dogs, and in December let's all ask 'Santa' to help Duke find a new home in 2010!

Elliott (2010-02-06) #2010-007
Sable and White Rough Male
3 years

Elliott is a new arrival into Collie Rescue. He is heartworm positive.

Granger (2010-02-08) #2010-012
Blue Merle Rough Male
1 year

Granger is newly arrived to Collie Rescue.

Laird (2010-02-24) #2010-018
Tricolor Rough Male
6 years

HEAR YE, HEAR YE! THE LAIRD OF COLLIE RESCUE HAS ARRIVED!

Yes, Collie Rescue readers, royalty is amongst us. Laird is traveling incognito, so is not wearing his crown, but he is definitely in search of a new kingdom. This regal tri-colored male is 6 years old, and has the exquisite manners of a nobleman. Laird's lady-in-waiting (AKA his foster mom!) has one hand in a cast, and she has no problem taking Laird for his daily walks - this well-trained boy strolls beautifully on his leash, surveying his domain with the utmost regard for his companions.

Laird's last castle was commonly known as a 'townhouse' so he is accustomed to city living and does not require a fenced yard as long as you are willing to walk with him for the 'necessary'. Inside, this striking boy is just as well mannered, and relishes the attention of his loyal subjects. He loves to be brushed, hugged, and if you lay on the floor, well, it won't be long before Laird joins you for cuddles.

Laird's good manners extend to meal times, and he, like many members of the gentry, prefers to nibble a little throughout the day - perhaps to keep that trim waistline! - but the resident collie in his foster home is helping him to learn that one should dine when the opportunity presents itself - in other words, 'you snooze, you lose' as far as the kibble goes! Laird displays no food aggression toward other dogs, but did on one occasion sneak a sandwich from the countertop - rank hath it's privileges, after all!

Laird has lived with older children, and with a female canine companion. He does not get on the furniture, so no worries that your laz-y boy recliner will become his new throne, and while he may travel well in a golden coach, he isn't crazy about riding in a car. He doesn't fuss, but could use some practice with this more common form of transportation.

Now, no need to sound the trumpets or roll out the red carpets - Laird insists he is just a regular collie looking for a loving home like all the others. Can you help end Laird's quest for Camelot, and share your kingdom with our royal boy?

Sadie (2010-01-27) #2010-001
Sable and White Rough Female
3 years

Please welcome Sadie to Collie Rescue! She is something of a celebrity as she is our first collie of 2010 - and while she is pretty enough to be a movie star, she certainly is no diva! This petite girl is anxious for a family and is putting her best foot forward to find one. Sadie is a 3-4 year old sable & white female who is as dainty as she is sweet. Picked up as a stray, Sadie was clearly once a beloved housepet and is familiar with all things domestic - she can climb stairs, isn't afraid of the vacumn and sleeps comfortably in her crate. She is an affectionate girl who will bump you with her pretty nose when she wants attention - but is well-mannered enough not to be too pushy about it! Sadie walks nicely on her leash and gets along well with the resident male dog in her foster home. We don't know how Sadie feels about cats, but imagine she would do fine with felines.

Sadie won't arrive with an entourage or in a limo, but she is sure to be the star of your household - and she is anxious for her next role!

Triton (2010-01-04) #2010-004
Tri-headed White Rough Male
7 years

The tree was placed at the curb, lights removed from the house and the last pine needles came up from the carpet when you vacuumed yesterday, but the miracle of the holiday season has one last story we'd like to share with you...

Legend has it that if you wish on the brightest star you see on December 24th it will be granted within a week. Triton was a stray on December 24th - a thin, matted, hungry collie roaming the streets searching for a place to sleep and perhaps a mouthful of food to help keep him warm on that bitter cold night. Did he turn his face skyward to see a reassuring twinkle in the sky, and did he wish for a home - a family - for love? He must have - for the very next day a police officer cruising down the quiet City street turned his head at just the right moment and saw Triton shivering in an alley. A few days later Collie Rescue had arranged for his transport, and within a week he was with us, and in a loving foster home.

Somewhere there is a special family who was also touched by the light of that star - and Triton is patiently waiting for them to appear. A loving, attentive collie, Triton will fit easily into your home, and effortlessly into your heart. He is a stunning collie, with a snow-white coat to remind you of the season he came to you, and just enough smudges of color to make him easy to find on a winter's day. Triton's coat was cut back due to the extensive matting, but is already growing in and by next year he will be simply gorgeous.

Triton does have a little stiffness in his joints and is being treated successfully with an inexpensive medicine. We imagine that good food and a warm home will also help. Triton gets along well with the resident collie, who is a little older than he is, and should enjoy the company of another dog. We would prefer a fenced yard for Triton.

Holiday magic doesn't end on January 1st - so tell us; did you see the star that night, too?