It’s National Black Dog Day…

It’s also adopt a shelter/rescue dog month.  So we decided to feature some tri color collies looking for their Forever homes!  We’ve heard it over and over, Dogs with black fur are typically the last to be adopted.  Which I find surprising, as I think they are absolutely beautiful.  One researcher said that it’s true there are more black dogs (and black cats) euthanized, it’s because there are more of them in shelters than any other color.  Whatever the reason, they deserve a home, so we are sharing some collies available to adopt today.

The first two collies, Artemis and Marlowe, are from Collie Rescue of the Carolinas 

The next collie, Suzie, is from the Collie Rescue League of New England

Suzie is a lovely three-year old tricolor lady.  She is affectionate, likes people and other animals and has perfect leash walking manners.  She enjoys exploring new neighborhoods on her walks or sniffing her way along new trails.  She has an average amount of energy.  She plays with toys sometimes, but would rather interact with a person or another dog.  

 Suzie's appetite is good, she likes car rides and is used to being groomed.  She has a heavy, dense coat.  She had a little obedience training as a pup, but would probably enjoy more.  She's comfortable going into strange places and downtown areas.  Suzie benefitted in foster from a routine.  She has a schedule for getting up, her two meals a day and her walks.  She is also suitable for some home offices.  

 Suzie has lots of potential.  She could try anything - obedience, trick training, maybe tracking, etc.  You pick.  She'll give anything a try.  And there's still some puppy inside her.

The next two collies, Astrid and Chester, are from Freedom Collie Rescue, in Texas.

"Astrid is a truly sweet and beautiful 2 year old smooth collie.  Although she hasn’t been exposed to much, she is slowly coming out of her shell and will flourish in a safe, loving and nurturing forever home.  She is definitely a cuddle bug with people, wanting to lay next to you and giving you affectionate licks to show her love.  And she especially enjoys the company of other dogs in the family, wanting to play or being submissive to them to gain their affection.  She would most likely do well in a home with another dog or dogs because she feels more confident with them.  She enjoys going out for walks, meeting other dogs, and letting people/children pet her, sniffing around in the fresh grass, and exploring.  However, loud sounds and busy/new environments cause her to become nervous and anxious.  With more exposure, time, and patience, she can better adjust and be more relaxed.  She also prefers being indoors, near you, or another dog, or finding a nice spot in the house to take her naps.  She’s housebroken, crate-trained, knows how to use the doggy door, and can also jump into the car.  All she really needs is a family to show her love and patience and she will return that love tenfold.  A fenced yard is required. She is being fostered in the San Antonio, Texas area Apply at: freedomcollierescue.org

Happiness is my game.  Hello, I’m Chester! My foster parents call me Chess and I am two years old. I’m a shy, but loving, and give kisses once I get to know you better. I’ve not had much of a social life previously, so my foster parents take me out to experience people, children and pets. Car rides are fun for me. People comment that I am well-mannered and calm. I’m housetrained but right now I’m wearing a belly band to minimize marking in the presence of other male dogs while my hormones calm down from being neutered. I'm up to date on my shots, and on a heart worm preventative. I was diagnosed with heart worms when I first came into rescue, and will be getting my first heart worm treatment injection in early October. I just need to remain calm to get rid of these nasty heart worms! You can foster to adopt me and the rescue covers all expenses and once my heart worm treatment is complete, I can be officially adopted!

Toys- I love them! My favorites are tennis balls and sticks. And who doesn’t like treats? My favorite outings are going for walks and running around outdoors when there is backyard playtime. My foster parents say I’m well-mannered on a leash while walking in the neighborhood, don’t pull and follow along with them. Would love to be in a home with other dogs or I’m happy to hang out with just a human friend.  Did I say I like to snuggle?  Please provide a fenced yard for me to run around, and you may apply for me at freedomcollierescue.org

If you are thinking of getting a dog as a companion, collies make excellent best friends!  There are so many wonderful collies in rescues and shelters across the country right now.  Or if a collie is not what you are looking for, please consider one of the thousands of black dogs searching for a home.  This is actually a very personal cause for me.  My first dog was a little black puppy that I adopted from a shelter.  I named her Mojo, and she was a black lab/shepherd mix.  She was the smartest, most loyal dog I have ever known.  And when the sun hit her black fur, she was just stunning.  I wish I could share a video of her beauty.  Black dogs are just as sweet and loyal as dogs with lighter colored fur, and just as deserving of loving homes.  (Black kitties too!) 

Wordless Wednesday - Adoptable Collies in Rescue

Since rescues and shelters are all full, we wanted to continue sharing collies looking for their forever homes.  This week we are sharing two of the adoptable collies from Freedom Collie Rescue.  

Meet Dollie

Dollie is a two year old sweetie. Always close by and ready to get her head scratched. Super friendly and chill. We don't think she'd been on to many car rides but she is getting more practice. It also didn't appear that she'd gone up or down many flights of stairs when she first came in, but she's a pro now! Great on a leash, comes when she's called. She's part Collie and part Husky and has those gorgeous Husky eyes. Her fur also seems more Husky-like than Collie-like. No guarantees but we don't think she sheds much--not like our Collies! She gets along great other 2 dogs in her foster home. Dollie hasn't been around cats to our knowledge, but she's very laid back, so we'd expect she'd do fine. Couldn't find a friendlier dog! We are taking applications for her. A fenced yard is required. Please apply at freedomcollierescue.org

Meet Lexie

Lexie is a such a sweet collie girl. She is 8 years old. She loves attention and to be loved on. She gets along well with other dogs, but she has not been around cats so that is unknown. Lexie likes to be groomed and behaves well when there. She is housetrained and up-to-date on her shots. She also has not been around small children, so that is unknown also, but based on her personality, we imagine she would love them. Lexie does have a little age related stiffness, so joint supplements are a must. Lexie would be the perfect collie for a retired person(s). A fenced yard is required. Please apply at freedomcollierescue.org

Wordless Wednesday…Love Is

 Helping those who need a friend.

There has been an increase in collies in need of rescue.  The collie rescue groups are currently overwhelmed and need new volunteers to foster, or they won’t be able to take in the new collies that are currently waiting for rescue.  If you’ve been considering fostering, or adopting a rescue collie, this is the perfect time!  These are just a few of the collies available, but as they are bonded pairs, they are having the most difficulty finding foster or forever homes.  The first pair are especially heartbreaking, as seniors will always have a special place in my heart.

From the Collie Rescue League of New England

Meet Zamboni and Fancy

We are posting these two sweeties in the hopes someone will offer to foster them.  We are experiencing an unprecedented number of collies in need of assistance.  We had a foster home lined up, but there was a family emergency requiring the foster to leave the country.

Here is a little bit about them.  Regrettably, their owner recently passed.  The male tri is named Zamboni and is 8 years old.  The female sable is named Fancy and is 12.  Both are spayed/neutered.  They have lived with cats.  Very friendly around all people including children.  The family members are taking care of them now but cannot do so much longer.

We are committed to keeping them together.  If you wish to foster and have not yet done so for us before, we will need a foster app completed.  Contact us at fosterdirector@CRLNE.org.  We now have an electronic application.  (Yay, Doug!)  If you need a paper app, we can provide that as well.  We have world class volunteers who will help with transport.  We cover all veterinary costs, prescriptions and grooming.

We are open to adopting to the foster home if desired.  Some of our volunteers like to foster, and some end up falling in love with their foster(s) and can't say goodbye and want to adopt.  More than one board member has become a foster failure (cough, cough) over the years.  The single most important outcome is to place them in a wonderful home together.

Let us know if you can help.

Zamboni and Fancy, a beautiful pair of bonded seniors

Meet Milo and Buckwheat

Here's a couple of fellas lookin' for their furever home... meet brothers Milo & Buckwheat! They are funny, four-year-old boys who like to go on adventures! They grew up around Lake Champlain, so are no strangers to the water, and the Adirondacks gave them lots of opportunities to hike. They like doin' whatever you're doin'!!! They like cats! And are snugglebunnies! They are vocal, protective, and like to herd things, too, including children. As such, we feel like they'd be best suited to a family with middle-school age children and up. If you're interested in fostering (or adopting) these two striking, sable 'n white fellows, email our foster director: fosterdirector@crlne.org

Check out Milo & Buckwheat in our latest Instagram reel! Milo & Buckwheat

And from Freedom Collie Rescue

They are coming in faster than we can keep up!  We  just took in six Collies in the last week and a half. We’ve been asked to take two more today. We do not put our Collies in boarding so we need Foster Homes so we can accept them into our rescue.

If you are in Texas, and you think you may be able to foster, please go to our website and click on applications at the top and then click on Foster application and you can fill it out online.  We cover all vet bills, heartworm prevention, and cover dog food expenses. Please apply at freedomcollierescue.org

Meet Chester and Pepper

Two more sweet arrivals. Chester our rough Tri had a good grooming and is now worn out. Pepper our pretty smoothie also was groomed and both are settling into their foster homes. Big shout out to William for picking up these two and to Cecelia and Brad for a 3 hour drive to get Chester. Thank you Angela for your transport support too! Six collies into rescue!  Five we had prepared for and one was a surprise surrender. Working on fosters for two more waiting to come in. If you are in Texas and can foster for us, please go to our website and fill out a Foster application. We cover all vetting, heartworm, medication, and food.

Help us help them! 

Where have all the collies gone?

 Collies have this remarkable ability to make people smile.  When older people see a collie, the rough variety in particular, they are transported back to their younger years.  They often remark, “I always watched Lassie on Television, never missed an episode!”  Others will talk about going to the movies, to watch the old Lassie movies on the silver screen.  Some will tell us stories of their childhood collie, back when the collie breed was more popular.  Invariably they will say, “you never see collies anymore.”

It always makes me wonder, if people have such fond memories of collies, why aren’t they more popular? Is it that people don’t know how to find a collie rescue group or a reputable breeder?  I do know that there aren’t a lot of collies available through rescue, at least in comparison to other dog breeds.  This is due, in part, to not being one of the more currently popular breeds, so there aren’t as many litters produced each year.   Since there is a high demand, you will see a lot of advertisements for litters of yorkies, labs, goldens, French Bulldogs, and so on.  But I think it’s also because there is such a strong network among collie breeders that whenever a collie ends up in a shelter word goes out immediately, and the collie is pulled from the shelter.  The Collie Rescue Foundation’s motto is “all collies belong to you and me,” and this is a reflection of how collie owners and breeders feel about our breed. 

As for obtaining a collie puppy or adult from a reputable breeder, I’m beginning to think people just don’t know where to look. A couple years ago,  I was at a park with a couple of my smooth girls, and I was surprised to see a stranger enter with a blue Merle, smooth collie!  I didn’t know anyone else in my town had a smooth collie.  I immediately approached her to say hello, and we began talking about smooth collies.  As I know all the collie breeders in our State and surrounding areas, I asked her where she got her boy.  She told me she drove down to Tennessee to get him, as she couldn’t find any collie breeders up here!  I was shocked, as the East Coast in particular has always had more collie breeders than any other area of the country.  So why was it so difficult for her to find a reputable collie breeder?

Last week I was at a nearby pet supply store, which has a few do-it-yourself dog bathing stations.  I had my Scarlett in the tub, giving her a bath, and other customers kept stopping by to comment on her.  Some wanted to tell me she was beautiful, some couldn’t believe how good she was being, some wanted to know what kind of dog breed she was…and one couple wanted to talk “collies.”  They were long time collie owners, and were excited to see another collie.  They said they had an 8 month old collie puppy at home. I asked where they got him, and they named a town about 40 minutes away.  I knew of this breeder, and he wasn’t someone I would recommend.  He doesn’t health test, he doesn’t put any titles on his dogs and doesn’t belong to any breed clubs.  (I’ll get to why that is important in a moment.)  So how did this very nice couple end up getting a puppy from him?  He was the only collie breeder they could find!

Unfortunately, these type of dog breeders are the ones advertising their litters in local papers and on Craig’s list.  Both are sources that reputable breeders avoid, as they want to ensure their puppies end up in safe, loving homes.  So breeders who do not health test or title their dogs, or belong to collie clubs, are where the general public are finding their new puppies.  Health testing is important, as you don’t want to find yourself with a dog that has a genetically inherited (and preventable) health problem.  There is no way to predict all future health problems a dog may develop over his or her lifetime, no one can foresee every possibility, but this is a good place to start.   And a breeder that has titles on their dogs has proven a few things. One, their dogs have good conformation, meaning they meet the breed standard. Two, they have good temperaments and can compete in herding, obedience, agility, nose work, pet therapy, or many other sports and activities.  You can find these well bred dogs by looking for reputable dog breeders who have earned the AKC title, “Breeder of Merit.”  And finally, it’s important that a dog breeder is a member in good standing of their National Breed Club. Breeders who are members of the Collie Club of America have to adhere to a code of ethics that others do not.

There are resources for finding a reputable collie breeder, which I will share below.  I hope they will help aid others in finding their future collie, as they are out there, just waiting to meet you!

How to find a collie:

Collie rescue is always a great option, especially if you are looking for an adult collie. Here is a link for the Collie Rescue Foundation’s website: https://collierescuefoundation.org/   They have links to collie rescue groups all over the country on their website.

The Collie Club of America has district directors for different regions of the country.  They can often provide contact info for CCA collie breeders who have puppies available.  You can find the list of district directors here: https://collieclubofamerica.org/contacts.html

You can use AKC’s website to search for Breeders who have earned the title of “Breeder of Merit”  by clicking here: https://www.apps.akc.org/apps/breederofmerit/breederofmerit_list.cfm

You can also reach out to your local collie specialty club, as they will know who has puppies, adults, or upcoming litters planned.  I don’t have a comprehensive list of local collie specialty clubs yet, but I may try to put one together.  You can usually find them by searching online for “local collie specialty clubs,” and many have Facebook pages (***I want to specify these are collie club pages, not Facebook groups) where they announce their upcoming shows and events.

***I do want to caution you against utilizing the various Facebook groups as your main source.  I have seen people recommending collie breeders with poor reputations or limited experience with the breed, and trying to convince others to buy their next puppy from these individuals.  While I do believe they mean well, this is not an ideal way to find a heritage breeder. 

He needs your help! (warning - graphic pictures)

I had another post I was going to share today, but something happened yesterday, and since I can't stop thinking about this dog, I'm going to post about him.  His story is heartbreaking, and it makes me so angry that anyone would do this to a defensless dog. 

I apologize for the graphic images, but they are the only pictures they have of this collie.  He has been given the name "Lad."  Which to collie lovers is a special name.  We named our first collie, "Lad," because of what this name meant to us. Albert Payson Terhune wrote many stories about his collie, the very first collie named Lad.  These were mostly fictional stories about Lad's very real characteristics - loyalty, bravery and love for his family.  So we as collie lovers, and Terhune fans, use this name for our special boys.  Just as the name "Lassie," brings to mind a heroic female collie who loved her boy and saved him from many dangerous situations, the name "Lad" reminds collie lovers of all the wonderful traits we find so endearing in this breed.  So it is a fitting name for this collie, who has suffered so much at the hands of humans, and who in spite of this abuse, still loves us.

Lad is an 8 month old rough collie.  He was shot in the face 5 or 6 days ago.  This broke his jaw in two places, and since he has been wandering alone and in pain for the last 5 - 6 days, his wounds have become infected.  And because of his broken jaw, Lad has been unable to eat or drink.  He is emaciated, and even though he should weigh between 70 - 85 lbs, this poor puppy weighs only 41 lbs.

Lad is safe, but needs help.  You can read more of his story, and updates on his condition on Facebook, by visiting "The Arrow Fund."  You can also make donations, to help this poor baby recover from this horrific ordeal, the info on how to donate is below.  No donation is too small, as ever dollar helps.  And if you can't donate, a prayer for Lad's full recovery is just as valuable!

Update: Lad now has his own page -

Lad's page

THE ARROW FUND - COLLIE SHOT IN FACE -

UPDATE -WE NAMED HIM "LAD" - HE IS IN CRITICAL CONDITION

"LAD" IS IN BAD SHAPE - HIS INFECTION FROM THE WOUND TO HIS ...MOUTH AREA IS SEVERELY INFECTED. THIS WOUND FROM A GUNSHOT HAPPENED ABOUT 5 TO 6 DAYS AGO. SO HE HAS SUFFERED THAT LONG UNABLE TO EAT . PERHAPS HE GOT SOME LIQUID FROM SNOW - WE ARE UNSURE. HIS JAW IS BROKEN AND THERE IS DEBRIS OF BONE AND TEETH EMBEDDED IN THE GUM AREA. HE WILL REQUIRE SURGERY WHICH WILL MOST LIKELY INVOLVE EXTERNAL FIXATORS ON BOTH SIDES . THIS SURGERY IS NOT POSSIBLE UNTIL THE INFECTION HAS CLEARED SOME. HE IS SEVERELY EMACIATED - HE IS A LARGE DOG AND ONLY WEIGHS 41 POUNDS ! HIS FUR IS COVERING UP -WHAT LOOKS LIKE A SKELETON ! HE IS A 1 ON A BODY SCALE OF 1 TO 9 . 1 BEING THE ONLY NUMBER HE COULD BE AND STILL BE ALIVE ! HE WILL BE SEDATED LATER TODAY AND A FEEDING TUBE INSERTED . HE MUST BE FED SLOWLY - HE IS SO BAD HIS BODY NEEDS TO LEARN HOW TO PROCESS FOOD AGAIN. FOR NOW - HE IS ON PAIN MEDS - (WHICH HE WAS PUT ON IMMEDIATELY AT BLUE PEARL ) , IV FLUIDS , AND IV ANTI BIOTICS. THE SHELTER WILL BE IN TOUCH WITH US - AND THIS CASE IS UNDER INVESTIGATION . OUR THANKS TO THE SURGEONS AT BLUE PEARL AND THE STAFF . "LAD" IS JUST A BABY - HE IS ONLY ABOUT 8 MONTHS OLD !

"Lad" was picked up last night by animal control in Davvies County. I commend the shelter- they sent him directly to a Vet. Sadly, when I called and asked what he had been given at the Vet . The answer I got shocked me - he was NOT given any pain meds, IV Fluids , or anti biotics. Very sad because this could mean life and death to this boy, as critical as he is.

The Arrow Fund will need your help - you know we want you to send love, light and prayers to "Lad " . You also know that this case is going to be costly . We would really appreciate any and all donations ! You may donate on our website at www.thearrowfund.org and checks may be sent to The Arrow Fund P.O.Box 1127 Prospect, Kentucky 40059.

 Thanks for supporting The Arrow Fund - we appreciate you all !

Working together we can make a difference.......

 ~Peace~The Arrow Fund~

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=593964904020119&set=a.369891666427445.88338.369877699762175&type=1

This link might not work, so you can search for "The Arrow Fund" on facebook, and find Lad's story there.

Time Warp Tuesday and Tuesday's Tails

So there is now "Time Warp Tuesday" here in Blogville, where we post pictures of our dogs - then and now.  And there is also Tuesday's Tails, where we spotlight a shelter or rescue dog in need of a home.  We couldn't decide which one to join, so we are doing both!

This week we decided to share these collies:

We had featured these collie mixes last year, and sadly, they are still looking for homes!
THE PUPS ARE GROWING UP ....and need families to love. To adopt Lucie or Lester or both, contact:
Phone: #985-674-3688 or #985-863-2156 or #985-201-9552
Email: louisianacollies@yahoo.com
 




And for Timewarp Tuesday, we decided to do something slightly differentm and share a picture from 2010, back when we had just 3 collies, Abby, Lad and Holly.  It's hard to believe it's been over 2 years since we lost our sweet boy, Lad.

 

And this is our pack now:

Holly, Scarlett, Kori, Ryder and Abby