Liberty
We are trying to find a new home for our Border Collie.
Some quick background. We found her a year ago as a teeny pup, roaming the streets, and decided to keep her when we couldn't find the owners (no chip, no luck in shelters). She's lots of fun - has enormous amounts of energy (is a fabulous mtb dog / trail running dog - off leash even).
She's great with kids - who are 10 to 12 years and up. She's a herder - so she nips and herds very young children and sometimes a bit aggressively. (She can also be sassy with dogs who are smaller then her when she wants to herd them - but is totally submissive to dogs larger then her.)
Since we are constantly surrounded by lots young kids/toddlers, we are concerned that the perfect set of circumstances could lead to a nip in the wrong place - and want to try and place her in a home where there aren't a lot of kids chaotically running around, but in a stable, adult household. She likes order - and is super smart. Learns fast and is eager to please - but is also mischievous when trying to get your attention. She'll often grab a sock or shoe and slowly walk by you taunting and looking right at you - wanting you to chase. She's still a puppy.
Her name is Liberty - we found her on 4th of July last year.
And of course, she needs lots and lots and lots of exercise. By nature she needs to herd sheep - so a run or ride every day is ideal. If you own a herd of sheep - even better.
She's up to date on her shots. Has been spayed, de-wormed, blah, blah, blah. We've had her for a year - and love her to death. But just can't keep her because of the kid thing. We have kids. We're sad. I feel like crying. I feel guilty, please don't tell me what we did wrong in this. This whole thing is agonizing.
Please, if you know of anyone who's thinking or interested, let me know. We're in contact with the SPCA as well, who will help find a new owner - but it would be great to give her to someone we know so we could keep in touch and visit.
10 comments:
We've got a border collie at home with all the characteristics you describe...except the nipping and aggressive herding. This was trained out of him. The neat thing is that border collies are smart pups and they learn quickly. It may be worth looking into some training help from a professional -- there's a great chance your little goober can learn correct behavior if you learn correct and consistent training techniques.
Give it a go!
Best of luck, I'd offer to take her under my wing, but my roommate/owner of the house says no pets. Also, I wouldn't be able to run her to death every day.
If you ever need a dog sitter though, I work for brownies, beer and bike rides. Just ask Jeremy & Carrie.
Please contact my friend Andie at Hopalong.org....she'll set you guys up in no time! I've fostered for them for years, and they're the BEST. Good luck!
hopalong! i'll try them. thanks you guys.
we'll think about the training. we've talked to trainers before. it could possibly work.
and jason! i don't know why i never thought before about you housesitting and dog sitting! what a good idea!
House-dog sitters are the best! My dogs love this arrangement.
And dogs (especially those of the border collie (and irish setter) persuasion) are really really smart and trainable. You often just have to learn to get into their minds and convince them of what you want. They really do want to please. They are just not humans and cannot be reasoned with in the same way.
I can imagine this must be a very hard time for you all. Hang in there...and best of luck to you all, Liberty included.
Bummer to hear you have to give her up but it will be good for the dog to be in the right place.
I would take her, but we would never be able to provide the proper amount of exercise.
That and my jack russell would flip out if we did! :^)
Getting caught up theblogs that missed. Wow. My ride often had to avoid police tape so I avoided parts
if Oakland. So sorry about Libby. I know they
have a new dog but maybe check in with
Cindy & Renee. They are in your area.
Have you checked out the Border Collie Rescue yet? I don't know where you live, but if you are in Norcal, contact www.bcrescuenc.org. They will let you list her on their website.
good luck!
Barbara
i did contact them. they were very nice. we'll see what happens. we'll figure something out.
tell me you haven't retired from the blogging world?
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