KELLY - a Collie Mix

Sex: Male
Color: Sable and White
Variety: Rough
Age: 1-2
Rescued: Alamogordo NM October 2011
Fostered: Alamogordo NM
Bio: My name is Kelly and I am looking for a special family that will love me.  I will need patience and kindness to learn that humans can be kind.  My last human beat me and finally someone saved me from that situation and dropped me off in the outside kennel at the animal shelter in Alamogordo.  The physical abuse had caused my system some problems, and I could not eat for a very long time.  I almost died.  The people in the shelter helped get food and water in me, but all my joints hurt from the auto-immune arthritis I had developed.  When the rescue took me in, I could only stand for a few seconds at a time, I had a tough time eating, and I was frightened of everyone

My first foster mom took me to Albuquerque where I met a doctor that gave me medication I needed to take the pain away.  Pretty soon I was smiling and I could even jump and trot a little.  I had almost forgotten how.  I am in a home with a new foster mom now, and even though I am still a little afraid of new people sometimes, I have gotten so much better.   I love the cats that live with me and I get along great with other dogs.   I've learned to walk on a leash and I even let people pet me if they come up slowly.   A family would have to understand that I am still learning not to be afraid, and I would promise to learn to love new humans in just a few days if they gave me a chance.  I don't mind sleeping in a crate at night, and ride in a car pretty good.  I love to be brushed and petted and I was pretty good for the groomer, too.  My back legs are still getting stronger, so if you want me to sit on the couch with you, I have to crawl up because I can't jump yet...but I'm going to be able to someday.

I just recently learned about toys, too.  My collie friend that wrestles with me kept pushing a fuzzy and squeaky thing in front of me.  I picked it up one day and she was so happy.  Now I understand that I am allowed to play with these things and we play together.  I can have my toys inside or outside and I like that.  Rawhide and bones are still my favorites though.  I have a good appetite and will find out pretty soon if I can get off my medicine and see if my body has pushed the arthritis into remission.  It feels good to be able to run and play again...now all I need is a family to love. 
 
My mom says I have a great smile, and she really likes my big brown sparkly eyes too.  She tells me I have paws like a lion and when she pets me, I use them to pet her back sometimes.  It is so nice to have a human that is kind to me.  I never thought it was possible before.   If you would like to adopt me and you would promise my mom and the rescue that you will always love me and be patient with me while I learn how to be a dog again, maybe I could come live with you.  I am a sweet boy with lots of love to give.  You can contact my foster mom, Kathy Wallis, at katwallis1@msn.com or at 575 430-2361.  

CALLAHAN

Sex: Male
Color: Tri
Variety: Rough
Age: 7
Rescued: Phoenix AZ November 2011
Fostered: Phoenix AZ
Bio:

Callahan, a strikingly handsome boy, was turned over to us after he was seized, along with four other collies, from a breeder who had neglected them.

Once we addressed some relatively minor medical issues, Callahan quickly perked up. Now he is becoming playful and even a little mischievous, and is enjoying the company of other dogs. At his foster home, his best buddy is a small, mixed-breed rescue dog, and the two of them romp up and down the hall. (He does not, however, get along with cats.)

Callahan is housetrained. He has marked some in the house, but now that he is neutered we expect that to stop. He was debarked by his previous owner, so his bark is not as loud as it otherwise would be.

We suspect that Callahan did not have much of a life before he was rescued. Now he is discovering the joys of being a collie, and we think he will flourish in a loving adoptive home.

For more information about her, please contact Bill at bkferrell@cox.net

LADDIE

Sex: Male
Color: White w/Sable Markings
Variety: Rough
Age: 4
Rescued: Silver City NM January 2012
Fostered: Alamogordo NM
Bio: Laddie is an affectionate and very handsome gentleman collie that was picked up by animal shelter staff in Silver City.  Filthy and starving, SWCR volunteers spotted his photo and went to work to save this gorgeous boy.  He has been with his foster dad and his two foster brothers (a collie and sheltie) for a few weeks now and he is beginning to put on some much needed weight.  Still a bit thin, Laddie has a healthy appetite and seems grateful for his regular meals.  Once he regains his proper weight, he will be a standard size and weight for a male collie.  Bringing back his health will take time.   When he arrived, his coat was falling out, but after getting a few weeks of good nutrition, he has stopped losing coat and he is looking much more healthy.  Laddie is what we refer to as a white collie.  He has a noble sable and white colored head, and his body is predominately white, except for a couple sable spots.  His tail has a tight little curl at the end, and once his coat returns, he will sport a full and beautiful tail.

Laddie's foster dad reports that this boy enjoys hanging out in the house, and he asks out when he needs to head outside.  He gets along great with the two resident dogs, does not show any interest for getting on the furniture, does not jump on people he is meeting for the first time (or anyone else for that matter), and enjoys going for walks.  He stays very close to his dad when he is walking, on or off the leash.  Laddie rides well in the car and has learned how to "sit" and "shake".   Laddie was nervous at first, and was not even willing to make eye contact, but now he happily greets visitors and always wags his tail.  He is a cooperative and loving collie and he is learning that humans can be pretty cool.   He enjoyed being brushed and loves to cuddle, wagging his tail all the while.  Laddie barks very little, but if his brothers are barking, he will join in, even if he doesn't know why.  He keeps a close eye on the other dogs in his foster home and takes cues from them.  His foster dad reports that he is an easy keeper, has great indoor manners, and is eager to please.  It took him a while to settle in after his stint in the shelter, but Laddie seems right at home now and will make an excellent dog for the right family.  Laddie enjoys having a canine companion to spend time with, so he would do better in a home with at least one other dog to play with.  He also adores human touch and a kind word, so someone that is home more would really help him too.  
 
Laddie is neutered, is current on his vaccinations, and is microchipped.  He will need a patient family to help him regain his normal weight and expected stamina - he sleeps a lot and still gets tired after playing or going for walks.  That will change as he receives proper nutrition for a while.   Laddie is looking for a family to cuddle, walk, play with, and love him.  He is the perfect house collie.   If you are interested in adopting Laddie or finding out more information, please contact Kathy Wallis at katwallis1@msn.com  or 575.430.2361.

BELLA

Sex: Female
Color: Tri
Variety: Rough
Age: 11
Rescued: Los Alamos NM January 2012
Fostered: Rio Rancho NM
Bio: Bella came to SWCR a few years ago. She was adopted by an older couple in Los Alamos who loved her and gave her a good home.  Unfortunately, time caught up with the adoptive family. Mom died and Dad no longer can take care of himself, so we were asked to take Bella back into our program. 

Bella is a very sweet, loving and easy-going girl. She is, of course, spayed and current on her shots, including rabies.  She is about 20 pounds overweight, so her foster mom is working on slimming her down on a special dog food so that life is easier for her.  She also is on medications for incontinence.

Bella appreciates all the love and attention she can get. Mostly, though, she's a quiet house dog and an “easy keeper.” She gets along well with other dogs, including her foster mom's two female collies.

Because of Bella's age, we are looking for either an adopter or a long-term foster family with a lot of love to share.  For more information about her, please contact Arlene at arlenestarkey@q.com

SHELBY

Sex: Female
Color: Blue Merle
Variety: Smooth
Age: 8
Rescued: Tucson AZ December 2011
Fostered: Tucson AZ
Bio: Shelby is an eight year old blue Merle smooth coated collie who was one of 5 collies seized, along with 52 other dogs living in neglected conditions. Shelby had to spend 3 months at the shelter as the owner would not relinquish her and we had to wait until the court hearing passed. While at the shelter, Shelby was bitten by another dog and when we received her she had an open abscess on one of her front legs. The abscess has healed but she still has a slight limp as a result.

Despite the conditions she came from, she is a very sweet girl. She is good with other dogs. We don't know how she is with cats. She is not interested in toys or chasing balls. She has attached herself to her foster mom and really just wants to be a lap dog and to take it easy. If you are looking for a sweet couch potato who might enjoy short walks, this is your girl! Contact Peg Cass at 520-904-5733 or email Peggy at sneekypie@msn.com.

SHILOH

Sex: Female
Color: Tri
Variety: Rough
Age: 6 months
Rescued: Tucson AZ December 2011
Fostered: Tucson AZ
Bio: Shiloh is a 6 month old female tri colored rough collie who recently came in to rescue after being diagnosed with epilepsy. She has been on an inexpensive medication since November 22nd and has been seizure free since being placed on medication. Shiloh is a very playful youngster who enjoys playing with her foster family's Australian shepherd.

She has made herself at home as you can see from the photos. Because she is so young, she still would benefit from some obedience training. She is very loving and will make an excellent dog for any family. She will be spayed prior to placement. For more information about Shiloh, please contact Peggy at sneekypie@msn.com.

LADDIE BLUE AND MACK [Macgregor] BLACK

Sex: Male
Color: Blue Merle
Variety: Rough
Age: 8-9
Rescued: Amarillo TX, November 2011
Fostered: Amarillo TX
Bio: Introducing the Blues Brothers! Laddie and Mack are two dynamic, sweet, and beautiful blue merle brothers who were released to SWCR after the loss of their "dad", who will be dearly missed. They were the pride and joy of this dear elderly gentleman and his wife, who raised them from puppies. We are told they are brothers, and both should be turning 9 in February 2012. For upper middle aged fellows, they still have plenty of pizzazz and energy, and love nothing more than to initiate chase-me games with each other and their foster home collies early in the mornings!

While their dad's frail health prevented a lot of training or walks in later years, the boys have come around very quickly in their foster home, and are learning what it means to be house dogs! They are not destructive, and very quickly learned to use the doggie door so that there has never been an oopsie in the house. The boys are still learning to politely sit for treats, and love to go on long strolls (with 3 other dogs!) through the neighborhood - they are so well-mannered on the leash that the foster mom is able to walk all 5 doggies at one time!

These brothers have never been apart, and separation would be devastating, particularly for Laddie. Mack is a little more extroverted, but he is very protective of his brother. So, an ideal situation for these Blues Brothers is to keep them together in their forever family! They would be overjoyed and have so much love and affection to share. As foster dogs, managing two has not been an issue at all - they are usually very easy-going, and handle most changes and traveling very well.

A forever family for these two should appreciate and love collies, and have a great sense of humor about the occasional quirk (such as checking out what is on the kitchen counter!). The dogs will do best in an environment where they can safely run and exercise in a yard or safely enclosed area, though they will mostly want to live in the house with their family. They are not pushy, but want to be where the family is, and they will be very comfortable in a family with other calm, non-aggressive dogs. They are strong caution if not prohibited for cats - so far, the dog-savvy foster home cat has been very mistrustful, and while the boys have not been aggressive, they still are learning that kitty is a family member and not to be bothered or chased. The boys would also benefit from some obedience training, provided in the home or in a class setting - home manners would be helpful, though these guys are so smart, willing, and food driven that showing in obedience or rally would not be out of the question for them.

Mack Black and Laddie Blue are UTD on all shots and bordatella, and they just were neutered and groomed, courtesy of DJ Stubben's Amarillo Welcome Partner and Pet Ministry. Many thanks to DJ and her wonderful volunteers for doing all the leg work on getting the brothers to SWCR and their Amarillo-based foster home. For more information about these boys, contact Arlene at arlenestarkey@q.com.

JESSE (UPDATED BIO) !!!

Sex: Male
Variety:Rough
Age: 2
Rescued: Louisiana, December 2010
Fostered: Santa Fe NM

Bio: Jesse is a sweet young collie who was rescued by collie lovers in east Texas and transported to SWCR. He adores people and other dogs, and is gifted with a sense of play: He can get even the grouchiest dog to come play with him. He's also a wonderful companion who loves to hang out and do whatever you're doing. He's affectionate and likes to give kisses and put his head in your lap. And he's a great snuggler. Though Jesse is deaf, his vision is fine and his foster mom has taught him to sit, lie down and stay using simple hand commands. She says she often forgets he is deaf because he communicates so well. He's a very smart boy and a fast learner. He loves to go for walks in but must be kept on a leash in unfenced areas. Jesse would do well in a home with another dog or as an only dog. He's such a lover that he would fit in well either way. He's also fine with cats. He does not, however, like to be left alone for long stretches of time. This terrific collie is looking for a family that will treasure him and keep him safe. Jesse's current foster family will be moving soon, and he cannot go with them. If you are interested in fostering, adopting, or for more information, please contact Lee More at leemore@mac.com.

TAFFY

Sex: Female
Color: Sable and White
Variety: Rough
Age: 5
Rescued: Albuquerque, NM
Fostered: Phoenix, AZ

Taffy is a big, beautiful collie that was rescued in Albuquerque in July. She was cooperative even though she had a serious case of "collie nose" that was no doubt extremely painful for her. A short time after arriving at her first foster home, she started pushing around the other female collies in an apparent attempt to have all the human attention for herself. There were a few noisy skirmishes with the resident alpha female there and Taffy worked to rearrange the 'pack status' at her foster home. We are not sure if the behavior is temporary or if she will continue to exert her 'will' to become the head of a collie household or not. We will update her bio as we discover more about her.

Taffy came into rescue with a dirty, matted coat and was in desperate need of some TLC. Presently, Taffy is in a foster home where she is loved by the whole family, and she gets along famously with her humans.. Her nose is being treated, and it may require daily care for quite a while. Taffy will need to be kept out of the direct sun except for very short periods of time to help her nose heal.

Taffy is a sweet collie that gets along great with kids, but may have to be watched around other dogs due to her desire to be the dominant female. More photos will be posted as we receive updates from Taffy's foster family. For more information about Taffy, contact Bill Ferrell at bkferrell@cox.net or Cindy Reel at REELRACER@aol.com.

LOGAN

Sex: Male
Color: Double Dilute
Variety: Rough
Age: 1
Rescued: Plano, Texas, December 2010
Fostered: Santa Fe NM
Bio: Logan is a sweet, happy, smart, silky-soft boy who loves other people and other dogs. He's an easy keeper once he gets used to you and the routines of your house. Logan also is blind and deaf, the result of a merle-to-merle breeding. He does see light and shadow, however, and he responds to very loud noises. He'll memorize your house within days so he doesn't bump into things. Just don't move the furniture without telling him!

He loves to run and play, and it would be great for him to have a dog buddy who could see or hear. He also loves going on walks. It makes him so happy that he prances. Logan is quite self-directed. When he wants affection, he comes over to you and asks. When he wants to play, he comes over to you and assumes the play position. Otherwise he's happy to be doing his own thing, whether it's sniffing the great outdoors or curling up next to another dog and taking a nap. He also loves his soft toys, and plays and cuddles with them.

A warning: Logan's senses of smell, touch and taste are highly developed. His foster mom says it's best to think of him as a toddler. You'll need to toddler-proof your house, because when he smells something edible he eats it. He is not a barker. He barks when he needs something, such as needing to go outside. He also barks when he's excited by someone new visiting the house. He loves to meet visitors, smell their faces and kiss them. To learn more about Logan, contact Lee More at leemore@mac.com. And be sure to visit his foster mom's blog at http://marymcgivern.com/Logan/

SCOOBY

Sex: Male
Color: Tri
Variety:Smooth
Age: 9
Rescued: Bosque NM January 2011
Fostered: Alamogordo NM
Bio:: Scooby would rather lie down than sit, but doesn't seem to have trouble walking or running.  He has finally learned the doggie door, and is housebroken.  He is heartworm free and up to date on his shots. Scooby met the cats, but is not interested in them much, and gets along well with his two foster family home collies, Lily and Mojo.  He loves toys that make noise and has found the water dishes.  He is great on a leash and loves to be petted and talked to. He is curious and friendly. 

He is learning to handle the tile floors at his foster home, and knows to go slowly to keep traction.  He knows that the soft crate is his very own and he goes in it to sleep regularly.  He is a very sweet boy, though, with good manners and a loving personality.  For more information about Scooby, please contact Kathy at katwallis1@msn.com.

SKUDKA

Sex: Female
Color: Blue Merle
Variety: Smooth
Age: 9-10
Rescued: Phoenix AZ  December 2010
Fostered: Phoenix AZ
Bio: Skudka is rather flashy with the significant amount of white coloring that she has.  She was turned into our rescue along with two other collies due to the owner’s inability to continue caring for her.  The owner was experiencing significant medical issues.  She is a pleasant girl and would actually be considered the most active of the three collies that we took in from this owner. She enjoys a mile stroll everyday and short games of fetch.  Unfortunately, a lump was found in her mouth and she was diagnosed with oral cancer.  With no good treatment options she was placed on a new diet and a is holistic treatment.  Two months later the lump in her mouth and the thickening on her jaw was gone.  A biopsy was performed on the area and no active cancer cells were found.  We now believe that her cancer gone and she can live out the rest of her life to the fullest.

For more information about Skudka, please contact Bill Ferrell at bkferrell@cox.net.  

SADIE

Sex: Female
Color: Blue Merle
Variety: Smooth
Age: 9
Rescued: Phoenix AZ, September 2010
Fostered: Phoenix AZ
Bio: : Sadie is about a nine year old smooth-coated blue merle.  She was in the Maricopa County Animal Control as a stray and we removed her in early September.  She is a pretty mellow girl and spends the majority of her time lounging on the pillows throughout her foster home.  She has been well-behaved with no behavioral issues.  She has gotten along fine with the other household dogs (big and small).   She is a fairly independent girl but will occasionally seek human attention and has begun to follow the foster parents around. She is housetrained. We believe she would do best in a quieter household and small children would probably overwhelm her.  We believe she would be fine with cats.  She has not been much of a barker and has been de-barked. Given her activity level and good behavior she would be fine in a smaller home or even an apartment without stairs. She will probably need a dental prior to adoption.  Her rear area does not seem very strong but no major issues getting up or down. All in all, Sadie is a sweet older girl just looking for a quiet home to spend her remaining years. For more information about Sadie, please contact Bill Ferrell atbkferrell@cox.net.

DELILAH - Shetland Sheepdog

Sex: Female
Color: Tri-factored Sable and White
Variety: N/A
Age: 5 years
Rescued: El Paso TX March 2010
Fostered: Phoenix AZ
Bio: Delilah was picked up as a stray in El Paso and left unclaimed.  She was clearly terrified and very traumatized when we first visited her at the shelter, but we could see that, beneath the filthy and matted coat was a beautiful girl. Our friends at Animal Services arranged for us to foster her until the period of time in which her owners could claim her ended, so we were able to pick her up early.  Delilah is a girly-girl, and was obviously someone’s princess at some point in time.  She is very good at being brushed and loved on, and is housebroken. She will need to be spayed but she is negative on all tick-borne diseases and heartworms.Delilah seems to get along okay with the other cats and dogs in her foster home, but she cannot interact much at this point in time. She is currently suffering severe mobility issues, and was either hit by a car or kicked by a horse. Delilah has five breaks and dislocations in her pelvic area. Since calluses have already begun to form as the body begins to heal itself, our vets have recommended that we keep her very quiet and crated for a month to see how the natural healing evolves.  At that point, we will evaluate her mobility and determine whether orthopedic surgery is called for as well. We hope to get her to the point where she will be mobile enough to be the perfect princess for a new family to adore.

HUDSON

Sex: Male
Color: Sable and White
Variety: Rough
Age: 3
Rescued:Tucson AZ November 2011
Fostered: Abilene TX
Bio: This handsome boy has excellent recall, and is good with other dogs. He needs a bit more training before he will be the collie he can be. He doesn't walk well on the leash, but he doesn't pull or stop, he is just all over the place. He loves toys and LOVES being petted and kissed.

He is neutered, groomed and current on his shots. But he came to SWCR with a few health issues that are being resolved. He is covered in scabs. You can't pet him without hitting a scab. H e is being treated for tick fever and valley fever.

He will be adopted by his present Foster family in Abilene TX as soon as his medical issues are resolved.