You might also want to view the collies that have Just Arrived into SWCR, but are not quite ready for adoption.

KAIBA

Sex: Male
Color: Sable and White
Variety: Smooth
Age: 8.5
Rescued: Phoenix AZ April 2013
Fostered: Phoenix AZ
Bio: Kaiba is a friendly, loving, 8 and a half-year-old boy that displays the personality traits common to collies. He is affectionate, easy-going, readily seeking and accepting attention from us. He is always the first one to welcome us home with his collie smile and wagging tail and the first one in the morning to want a pat.

Although Kaiba did not play much when he first came to our home he now plays well with others, both human and canine. He is excellent with children of all ages and is even fine with our dog-savvy cat. In addition, he is housebroken, rides well in a car, walks well on a lead, and does not “counter surf”. Kaiba also knows to stay off of furniture, does not dig in the garden, and follows basic commands. He is easy to groom because of his smooth coat and loves to be brushed, often wagging his tail through the entire process.

Kaiba was given up by his owner because she is advancing in age and is no longer able to give him the exercise that he needs. The owner reported that Kaiba was the “perfect” dog in every way.

Kaiba takes Benedryl daily to manage allergies as well as an inexpensive enzyme supplement for digestion. The vet that examined him when he came under the care of Southwest Collie Rescue found him to be healthy in every way.

Kaiba is a fantastic dog and companion. We thoroughly enjoy his presence in our home. For more information about Kaiba, please contact Bill at bkferrell@cox.net.

DAIZE– a Collie Mix

Sex: Female
Color: Sable and White
Variety:Rough
Age: 10 months
Rescued: Farmington April 2012
Fostered: Edgewood NM
Bio: After the initial integration into the new pack, Daize has done very well.  She loves her new found doggie friends, there is a non-stop game of tug of war, chase or tag going on in the front yard.  She prefers to eat with the other dogs and seems to have found her place in the pecking order.  

She comes at a run when called and is learning to sit on command.  She is still very puppy in behavior, gets so excited, her off switch doesn't work yet.

Daize really wants to please, she loves people and would do well with a young family and/or someone who is home most of the time.  She doesn't like being left by herself, although if there were another dog for companionship, I think she would be just fine.  Daize is housebroken, she will let you know she has to go out.  At night she will find a hand or face and bump lightly with her nose, letting you know.

For more information, please contact Arlene at arlenestarkey@q.com

SANDY

Sex: Female
Color: Sable and White
Variety: Rough
Age: 5
Rescued: Rio Rancho NM January 2013
Fostered: Tijeras NM
Bio: Sandy is a remarkably great collie with a really good disposition. She is both beautiful and well trained, knows how to sit and stay, and walks nicely on (and off) leash and loves to go for a walk. She grew up on a farm in Oregon, likes all farm critters, large and small, is fine with other dogs, especially collies, and had a cat as her best friend.

Like most collies, she will pace the boundaries of your yard. She prefers being inside with her family, but knows how to use a doggie door when she wishes to go out, though you may need to assist her with this at first. She is AKC registered. She loves to have her back scratched. She eats with the bowl between her paws, and loves good kibble with a little “top meat (canned)” for a special treat.

She is spayed, current on her shots and micro chipped and is looking for her “forever” home. For more information about Sandy, please contact Arlene at arlenestarkey@q.com

FINNEAN (FINN) – A SHELTIE

Sex: Male
Color: Black and white
Variety: N/A
Age: 10-12 months
Rescued: Abilene TX April 2013
Fostered: Abilene TX
Bio: Finnean is a very playful, very sweet sheltie-mix boy. He gets along with dogs of all ages and sizes and will play all day! He loves to play chase and tug with his best friend Riley (see below).  Finn is about 10 months to a year old. Such a happy boy! He expresses his joy with a happy bark and bounces around inviting you to play with him. He is also VERY cuddly. He will sit for hours in your lap if you let him, being loved and petted. He loves nose kisses! He needs a home where he can have a playmate — and a family with whom he can relax when it's time for a rest & a cuddle. Finn is curious with cats but so far fine. He's crate trained & working on house training. For more information, contact Lee at <leemore@mac.com>.

DAISY - AUSTRALIAN CATTLE DOG COLLIE MIX

Sex: Female
Color: Sable and White
Variety: Smooth
Age: 9 1/2
Rescued:Phoenix AZ March 2013
Fostered:Phoenix AZ
Coordinator: Bill Ferrell at bkferrell@cox.net

RILEY

Sex: Female
Color: Tri
Variety: Rough
Age:1-2
Rescued: Abilene TX February 2013
Fostered: Abilene TX
Bio: Riley is a tri-colored female collie about 2 years old with boundless energy and love. She plays so well with her best friend Finnean. They play chase & tug tirelessly. Riley is very affectionate and sweet. She needs an outlet for her energy but after she has played herself out she is happy to cuddle and just hang out with the family. Not a couch potato but not out of control either. She would be best in an active home that wants to include her in daily walks and play and everyday activity. She always wants to be right where you are. Fine with older children. No cats or small dogs please.  For more information, contact Lee at <leemore@mac.com>.

HONEY - A SHELTIE

Sex: Female
Color: Sable and White
Variety: N/A
Age: 8-9
Rescued: Odessa, TX Late October 2012
Fostered: Odessa, TX
Bio: : Honey is a wonderfully sweet, happy, easygoing girl. She is in good health and weighs about 27 pounds, on the large side for a sheltie. Because of her super-fluffy coat, her foster mom calls her "Honey Bear." All she wants in life is for you to love on her while she rests her head against you. She loves people, cats and other dogs, and would do best with at least one other canine companion. She does not do well when she is alone, and lets you know with a low, mournful howl. Honey loves to go for walks, ride in the car and sit at your feet. She does not jump up on beds or furniture. She rarely has accidents in the house if given a chance to go outside every few hours. All this lovely girl needs is a forever family to enjoy her! For more information about Honey, please contact Lee at leemore@mac.com

JOY

Sex: Female
Color: Blue Merle
Variety: Smooth
Age: 8-10
Rescued:Near Tucson AZ December 2012
Fostered: Phoenix AZ
Bio: Hi my name is Joy!  I was found wandering the desert down in Tucson, AZ right before Christmas.  When I was first found I had several very large tumors and didn't feel very good.  I've since had my tumors removed (I'm told they won't ever come back again) and am feeling like a puppy (I'm not really but it is so nice to feel good).  I'm a very good dog and love to have lots of attention, and in return I'll lay my head in your lap and wag my tail.  I'll greet you at the door with a smile and a tail wag and if I'm really excited I'll do a little doggie dance for you.  I'm not much of a talker but will bark once and awhile when I'm really happy and excited.  I do love to chew; sometimes on the wrong thing, but my foster mom shows me the right chews and I'm happy to go back to those.  I love the little kids at my foster house and will lick them when they let me.  I'm not always the best sharer but I'm learning that I can.  I'm pretty smart and can open the back sliding glass door and screen door if it isn't latched even though I have the doggie door that I use most of the time.  I like to go for walks and won't tug though I have to be reminded which side to walk on.  I do like other dogs but I don't always share nicely.  I would love to be your next companion and share with you all my joy. For more information about Joy, please contact Bill at bkferrell@cox.net

SPARKY- A COLLIE MIX

Sex: Male
Color: Sable and White
Variety: Smooth
Age:2-3
Rescued: Benson AZ November 2012
Fostered: Phoenix AZ
Coordinator: Bill Ferrell at bkferrell@cox.net

Bio coming.

GUNTHER

Sex: Male
Color: Sable and White
Variety: Smooth
Age: 1
Rescued: Kingman AZ November 2012
Fostered: Phoenix AZ
Bio: Gunther is a friendly, fun loving boy that came to us as a stray. He is about a year old and has the energy and playfulness that is to be expected of a young dog. Gunther exuberantly approaches all play activities. Whether it is fetch, romping with our collie or playing chase, he throws himself gleefully into the activity. He is affectionate without being intrusive and loves to be around family members.

Gunther’s training prior to his time in our home appears to have been minimal. But in his short time here he is already learning basic commands such as sit and stay. He is crate trained, house broken, rides well in a car, and knows how to use a doggy door. Gunther is also learning to walk well on a lead without pulling or shying away from things that startle him.

Gunther is sometimes a bit shy when he first meets someone or if surrounded by too many barking dogs. However, he tends to warm up quickly to such experiences once he determines he is safe. Gunther gets along well with other dogs and is even fine with our dog-savvy cat now that he knows the cat does not want to play with him. In addition, Gunther is excellent with children but because he is an energetic puppy he may not do as well with infants and toddlers. Because of his young age and energy level, Gunther needs to be with a family that can give him the exercise and attention he needs. He will need to continue his obedience training and will need consistent guidance to learn the “house rules” of his new home.

If you are looking for a dog with which to run, Gunther would be an excellent choice as we think he is part greyhound. Gunther is a fun, affectionate dog. He will be an excellent companion and play buddy for someone who is willing to give him the love and attention he needs as he grows through puppyhood. For more information about Gunther, please contact Bill at bkferrell@cox.net

LAD (LOUIE)

Sex: Male
Color: Sable and White
Variety: Rough
Age: 5
Rescued: Durango CO July 2012
Fostered: Albuquerque NM
Bio: Lad came to SWCR as a very timid collie, uncertain what was right or wrong. He was a kennel dog, and now lives in real house with his foster dad and another collie. And there is so much for him to learn! Get into a vehicle eagerly, not. Walk on a leash or trust a human, not quite yet but Lad is working on it. He now is happy to sleep indoors' He would very much like to go on long walks with Princess, but not until he learns how to walk properly on a leash. He is working up to that by learning to respond to a slip lead coller on leash and being trained by his foster dad to do that nicely. He wants to go out for the daily walks with Princess and his foster dad, but he needs a little more confidence to do that successfully.

What he does know is how to get along with other dogs. That he learned in his kennel run. He and his new "buddy girl" Princess are well bonded. Lad , because of his ongoing fear of travelling, can probably only be adopted in NM for he is a flight risk on a longer transport. He gains new skills daily, but he still lacks the social skills needed for a successful adoption. For more information about Lad, please contact Arlene at arlenestarkey@q.com

VIOLET

Sex: Female
Color: White with Blue Merle markings
Variety: Smooth
Age: 2
Rescued: Abilene TX July 2012
Fostered: Abilene TX
Bio: Violet is a smooth blue merle collie with one blue eye, one brown eye and mostly white fur. She's an energetic, athletic girl who would LOVE to be your hiking buddy and loyal, adoring companion. For Violet, fun is all about being with you and learning new things from you, one-on-one. She’s also wonderfully sweet, affectionate, and loves to be hugged and cuddled. She's great in the car and enjoys being around other humans. Other pets, not so much. She has one dog friend at her foster home (see our courtesy posting for Swiper); with other dogs she can be pushy to the point of aggressiveness. No cats. No small children. Lots of walks. Lots of attention. 

For more information about Violet, please contact Lee More at leemore@mac.com.

SWIPER -a Mix

A vet tech found this little guy when she stopped at a red light during a thunderstorm and he  slammed into her driver's side door. Startled, she opened the door and he desperately scrambled into her car. Two pit bulls were chasing him. She closed the door just in time and took the dog to her vet clinic. Since he had "sideswiped" her car, she named him Swiper. 

Swiper is about four years old. He is GREAT with other dogs and can read them like a book. He's gentle and respectful with older dogs, playful with youngsters and even gets along well with the high-energy collie Violet (her SWCR bio is above), who views other dogs as rivals.

With humans his motto is "trust but verify" — carefully. At some point in his past, a human probably hurt him. But Swiper loves attention and walks, and when he's verified that you're OK, he loves to be cuddled and petted. No cats, please.

For more information about Swiper, contact Michelle Perkins at  < lanshadagr@aim.com >, or call (325) 795-2952.

BEAR -a Mix

Bear is about a one year old handsome sheltie, collie, husky mix (we are just not sure) who is just full of life and waiting for
somebody to teach him the ropes. He was actually found in
Missouri and the owner was not located. He is a very active
young lad with no formal training and currently only very
limited understanding of the word “no.”

He can be very rambunctious and a bit rough in his play with
both people and dogs. Still, it is hard not to like him as he is
just a happy guy. He is housetrained and will use a dog door.
We recently took him to see an eye specialist and they
determined that Bear had been born with eye sight but lost all
vision due to a toxin at some point in his young life, possibly
invermetin. His blindness only marginally slows him down or
otherwise hampers him. Bear is neutered and is current on
shots and micro chipped. For more information about Bear, please contact Bill Ferrell at bkferrell@cox.net

Hello!  I am Hannah, 5 years old, and a mixed breed. I have been spayed, vaccinated and micro chipped. I do doggie dances when I’m going to eat or go on a walk.  I will play with children of all ages.  My behavior is the best when I am the only pet because I like attention.  Please take me home with you and give me tender, loving care, and I will return it.

SHASTA

Sex: Male
Color: Tri
Variety: Rough
Age: 7
Rescued: Tucson AZ October 2012
Fostered:Phoenix AZ
Bio: Shasta is being treated for Valley Fever. but will be adopted by Claudia when her health issues have been resolved.

BLAKE

Sex: Male
Color: Sable and White
Variety:Rough
Age: 8 months
Rescued: Clinton UT April 2013
Fostered: Rock Springs, WY
Coordinator: Arlene Starkey at arlenestarkey@q.com

Blake's broken toe would not heal correctly, so it was amputated. He will not miss it and should be cleared for adoption as soon as the vet releases him from his medical hold which should occur soon now.

KIRBY - a puppy, a Sheltie or a Collie

Sex: Male
Color: Sable and White
Variety: Rough?
Age: 6 months
Rescued: Las Cruces NM February 2013
Fostered: El Paso TX
Coordinator: Bettina Ross at
collies6629@cs.com

On medical hold to cure his mange.

RANGER - a Collie Mix

Sex: Male
Color: Tri
Variety: Rough
Age:9-10
Rescued: Naco AZ March 2013
Fostered: Alamagordo NM
Coordinator: Kathy Wallis at katwallis1@msn.com

On medical hold to evaluate joint pain in front leg. He has bone cancer, so that is not good news.

SLIM

Sex: Male
Color: Sable and White
Variety: Rough
Age: Undetermined
Rescued: Phoenix AZ January 2013
Fostered: Phoenix AZ
Bio: Slim will be adopted as soon as his medical issues are resolved.

HERSHEY

Sex: Male
Color: Tri Color
Variety: Rough
Age: 5
Rescued: Phoenix AZ August 2011
Fostered: Phoenix AZ
Bio: Hershey is a very distinctive looking rough-coat collie who gets a lot of comments about his unusual color.  That is actually the result of his having Canine Cyclic Neutropenia (Gray Collie Syndrom). It is a genetic stem cell disorder that occurs in Collies. This disorder is caused by an abnormality of the stem cells in the bone marrow from which all blood cells are developed. The result is a cyclic fluctuation in blood cell numbers.

Hershey has a "spell" about once a month for two days where the number of neutrophils drop dramatically, then rebounds. During his spell, he is mopey, doesn't want to eat and he drools a lot. The rest of the time he acts like a normal dog. Affected dogs rarely live beyond 3 years of age and often die within the first few weeks. Hershey is about 5 years old so he is definitely different. We have consulted some specialists and some feedback suggests that since he has lived this long that he may live a relatively normal lifespan.  Symptoms of this condition are that the dogs are typically smaller, have gray noses, gray coloring, are prone to bacterial infections, bleeding issues, bad teeth, and have small eyes. Hershey is not on any treatments nor has he had any treatments in the past. He was on an antibiotic when we received him for swollen gums, but hasn't had any problems since.

His medical issues are a shame because he is just a laidback, sweet boy. He is very friendly and loves attention. He is usually quiet except when his foster parents come home, then he will bark. He would rather be inside then outside or wherever his foster parents are. He is housebroken, uses the doggie door, like to ride in cars and walks well on a leash. He gets along with other dogs, rabbits, and kids. We don’t know if he gets along with cats but would be shocked if he did not. He doesn't play ball or tug. Doesn't seem to want to play with other dogs, but he will roughhouse with his foster parents.  So Hershey would be fine in a wide range of homes.  

Hershey is now on permanent medical hold. He is to frail to be adopted.