Darcy

My 2009 was definitely in the “bitter-sweet” category. Let’s start with the bitter. In early August I had to put to sleep my beloved 13-year-old collie Bonnie, who was having quite a hard time breathing and x-rays showed that one of her lungs was full of fluid and had some dark areas that showed probable cancer. It was a killer for me emotionally, especially since she had been very disabled in the hindquarters and I had been using a sling helping her to get around for a whole year and had managed to make her life tolerable till the point of no return.

However, by late October—and even after a nice 10-day trip to visit my older brother Roger in Virginia—I was still experiencing a good deal of grief and—lo and behold!—I got a call from the Northern California Collie Rescue Organization and had the opportunity to adopt a new 6-year-old female tri-color collie, by the name of Darcy, whose owner had died and she had then been turned over to the rescue organization for fostering.

Darcy is a magnificent animal, but is quite a handful. She madly dashes after squirrels in our local dog park like a merciless she-wolf (but never catches them), barks at anything that dares to move on the other side of my backyard fence, and comes over and sits down near my couch and gives me the most intent of stares to make me realize that it is high time either to feed her or let her go out in the yard to do her stuff. But I’m crazy about her, and she also seems to think that I’m the best thing since sliced dog biscuits. 09.2009.

Barron

We were told Barron marked in the house, slept outside and barked – a lot – by his owner’s son who had taken him in for a while after Barron’s dad went into assisted living.  He’d had his coat shaved and was pretty scruffy looking when he arrived.

None of that was true – he loved sleeping inside, didn’t mark, and the barking, by Collie standards, was mild and solely directed at one particular squirrel.  And within days he had his vet and grooming visit and was all settled in to his new pack with Daisy (adopted 2004 and one of your first placements) and Gina.  He loves his dog bed and isn’t opposed to sharing it with Gina as you can see.

Barron is highly energetic and loves to play ball at the dog park.  Of course, like all my Collies, he never actually retrieves the ball, but runs around it and races back proudly that he did indeed herd that ball well.  He immediately figured out how to open the cupboards – something the girls hadn’t figured out until they were shown – so off to the store for some hardware to protect the treats.  He, I’ve decided, is a lot like an Internet dating ad – he likes long walks on the beach (or anywhere), cuddle time on the couch watching movies, and long, luxurious naps on Sunday afternoon with his loved ones.  

He hasn’t quite figured out all the words the girls know but follows their lead.  Without a third hand, sometimes petting is difficult for me as they all come at the same time for ear and/or butt scratching.  He often seems like a dreamer deep in thought – probably figuring out how he can fly – so he can capture that one particular squirrel who torments and teases him from the trees above our yard, and I don’t doubt that if he is given a few more years on Earth, he will figure it out. Three Happy Tails for us! 09.2009.

Lucky and Sonoma

LUCKY - First Day Home: The dogs spent the day outside, the dogs played and rested and played and rested all day.  Shelby (our Sheltie) may have fallen in love despite the age difference.  She struts right on out there with them and initiates the play, which is not really typical.  So far Lucky is doing just fine.  He minds pretty well and seems comfortable with his new surroundings. Lucky is a very good and sweet puppy.  He seems to be adjusting quite well.  We ordered him his own bed from Orvis which he seems to enjoy, however he still goes in the crate from time to time.  We left his crate (with no gate) in our bedroom next to his new bed.  Realizing the crate was his home from puppyhood we were reluctant to just disappear it. 

SONOMA: I believe that some things are meant to be.  I was discussing with my wife how neat it would be to have one more boy Collie like the two we had in the past before we got too old to handle a big dog.  A Collie's personality is so special and like no other dog.  Pauline, my wife, said well maybe some day one special Collie will come along that needs a home and we could adopt him.  Our house is very close to a no kill shelter where our Sheltie came from and I asked them if a Collie happened along to please call us.  We checked the paper and breeders' web sites but we were not interested in a puppy.  Well time passed and then I remembered the two Poodles we rescued in the past came from a (Poodle Rescue).  That was the wake up call, so I went to the computer and put in (Collie Rescue), and then I clicked on NorCal Collie Rescue, and right before my eyes was Sonoma.  Well the rest is history.
     Preparing to pick up Sonoma from Karen we had assembled all of the water, wipes and towels and two seat covers and the harness needed to bring home an apprehensive, possibly car sick new dog.  We leave Karen's and about 1/4 mile up the road Sonoma gives Pauline a big Collie Kissie and lays down on the rear seat and sleeps most of the balance of the 3 1/2 hour drive.  Obviously HE was more comfortable than we were.   Pauline and I were very surprised that Sonoma seemed to have no apprehensions at all with his new home.  Sonoma checked out the entire yard and all of the rooms in the house and seemed very comfortable.  The first week he was very Regal and on his good behavior.  Sonoma made friends with our old Poodle (who has since passed) and tried to befriend our Sheltie.  Shelby the Sheltie is a dog snob and making friends with her would be a real challenge for Sonoma.  However he was very successful because they  now play together and  pal around together and on occasion sleep together.   Shelby at first wouldn't pay any attention to Sonoma and now she will give him a little nip to get play chase started.  Both of them spend time in the back yard playing chase and other dog things.  Sonoma likes us to play catchit which is a throw toy like a frisby.  Sonoma has become totally familiar with his surroundings and the Collie personality has come into full bloom and is he a corker.   Sonoma is very bright and catches on very quickly. We no longer need an alarm clock because Sonoma gives us a Collie Kissie at wake up time every morning.  The expressions he gets on his face, and in his eyes are just priceless.  When he doesn't agree with you on something, he will look you right in the eye and discuss it with you.  Sonoma has been going to obedience class on Saturday for some weeks.  Of course he is the talker in the class.  What is very amusing is when the instructor selects Sonoma to show us what he wants the class to do, Sonoma becomes very regal and not a peep out of him.  I think he enjoys being the center of attention.  This might be coincidence but on Saturday morning  about 1/2 hour before class Sonoma goes to the back garage door sits and waits.   Sonoma loves to ride in the car.  One day he and I were in the garage  I had the doors open on my car and I look around NO DOG.  PANIC after a quick survey Sonoma had curled up in a very little ball on the passenger's seat ready to go; this is a Corvette and that was quite an accomplishment for a Collie his size.  Sonoma is a comedian just full of antics and once in a while (THE DEVIL MADE ME DO IT) comes to the surface but he is so playful it is impossible to get mad at him and there is not a mean bone in his body.  Sonoma and the grand kids get along just fine and if they get running too fast he herds them back to grandma.  Sonoma is the original Velcro dog but what is really interesting he is my dog during the day and Pauline's dog in the evening.  There is a chair in the living room that was originally mine but Sonoma likes very much.  Trying to preserve it for company and keep Sonoma from sleeping in it my wife put pillows on it when not in use.  Sonoma managed to get into the chair and not disturb the pillows (how creative).  Sonoma and I have come to a compromise; the chair is now covered and we share it.   All I can say is Sonoma is just wonderful and we are so lucky that he selected us to be his puppy parents.  We are looking forward to a long and fun filled relationship with Sonoma.

We wish to thank NorCal Collie rescue and especially Karen for all of the time and love they gave Sonoma.  Sonoma, as we understand it was a disaster, sick, under weight and filthy with flees and ticks and was going to be put down by the pound.  Thanks to Karen's love and efforts he is a healthy and regal Collie.

Sparky

We took Sparky for his first grooming appointment this weekend.  We've given him a couple baths at home and he did well, but Beethoven was in desperate need of a haircut, so we thought it would be a good time for both of them to be groomed.  It was a very long day for both of them, but Sparky did fine.  He was very happy to be home afterwards, but both he and Beethoven were worn out and slept well!

The boys together are adjusting and doing great.  John has become quite attached to Sparky as his new best friend.  If John is laying on the couch watching TV, Sparky will jump up and lie right on top of him to be peted. It's pretty cute.  Beethoven seems to still be enjoying playing with Sparky, often instigating the play, but there are definitely times when Beethoven gives the look of just "tolerating" him.

Anyway, just wanted to give you an update!  Hopefully Sparky hasn't chewed all over Beethoven today and ruined his perfectly groomed coat! 04.2009.

Lucky

Boomer

A quick update and some photos of Boomer.  He graduated from puppy class as one of the most obedient (VERY FOOD DRIVEN) and is doing great with training (we're continuing some in-house lessons with the kids).  You can see from his photo that he is looking very much like a coyote/dingo/jackal mix.  Somebody commented today that there is a small percentage of dog to ears! 

He is a very different kind of dog than we've had in that he is not really affection driven, but is extremely in tune with us (especially me).  He watches my every move, wants to be with me or whoever is home all the time, and takes his cues from that person.  I suspect (and you can confirm this) is that it's a herding dog characteristic.  Boomer is very smart and we're thinking we'll do an agility class or frisbie training: he can really leap high and retrieves really well.

Overall, he is a super dog who is a great addition to the family. The kids adore him and he is living a great life out here in Berkeley! 03.2009.

Simon

Michele and I got the dog run area "puppy proofed" today, and have arranged for Teresa to visit once daily to eat and play. Simon and Katie are getting along well, although Katie has set boundaries, such as which bed is hers. It is good to see her assume a lead dog position. She very much wanted to play with Simon when we got out of bed this morning, and I think she is happy to have a willing playmate. We had to have him sleep with us last night, which was a little tough for my first night back home, but oh well. I can sleep on my next vacation.

He goes to the door, and the only accidents have been when we are not paying attention. Although unsure of the wet grass at first, he now does not seem to mind the rain, and willingly goes out in it. Perhaps, he takes his cue from Katie, who doesn't mind the rain when she feels like being outside. He likes fetch and playing tug, and already knows "sit", and is learning "shake". 02.2009.

Max

Lady

After looking at the Nor-Cal Rescue site for almost a year, I saw Lady, so I responded.  She has been a wonderful addition to our lives.  The first month she did not want to get in the car to go anywhere. I would take her on short trips and not take her out until we came back home.  9 months later she is our greeter in my new jewelry and art gallery. Excited to come to work and lay by (or in) the front door, waiting for her regulars to come by. 

Michael, the Schnauser, is her favorite suitor.   Lady and Gracie (our Rottweiler) have developed a good relationship, typical siblings.  Their attempts to play together is a problem. Gracie likes balls and Lady likes stuffed animals.  Gracie loves to be growly when playing- Lady says if you’re going to growl, forget it, I'm a lady.  Gracie will give her the ball, but to no avail.  When uncle Pepper visits all play very well.   10, 60 and 120 lbs. No toys required - a zipping they go with Gracie picking up the rear. Lady is a love bug giving hugs to everyone.  There may be a rescue sheltie joining our family in January.   We'll see... 02.2009.

Bernie

Hi Karen: I wanted to give you a quick update because I know how “Mamas” worry about their “babies.” WE LOVE BERNIE! In my heart I had a wish list of things that would constitute a perfect puppy for us, but I thought that no puppy could be that perfect. Bernie hits everything on the list. He doesn’t jump up much, he is a good boy about potty training, he loves to play but he is also calm and goes to his crate when he is wants to sleep. The first night he whimpered a little but he was so tired that he quickly fell asleep and did not wake much during the night. He was in our room and his crate was situated so he could see and hear us, so I think that helped. We have him going out first thing in the morning to go potty then he eats and then plays. We are trying to keep a similar schedule to the one he had with you.

Yesterday morning Bernie played and stayed awake until 11:00 and then he slept until 2:00. He also had several puppy naps the rest of the day. He is eating really well and seems satisfied. He likes to put our hand in his mouth but when we let him know not to and he stops. Sid, our cat, is not as reactive as I thought he would be and even came up to Bernie to sniff him. Bernie likes to look at Sid and wants to walk forward to meet him, but we tell him “no cat” and he stays. So far things are going better than I had imagined and I think Sid will come around. Sid was bored with his life and needed a puppy to mix things up anyway.

Jessie and Taylor

2008 was a difficult year for my husband and me.  Within a single month during the summer, our two beloved Bernese Mountain dogs passed away, due to cancer.  It was a devastating loss.  As the months passed, we learned to adjust to the sadness but the feeling of an empty home nev er left.  There was an unspoken understanding that some day we’d want to have dogs again, but talking about it was too painful.  Finally, a day arrived when the subject was hesitantly raised, quickly abandoned, but surfaced again a few days later.  Soon there was open discussion about how we might go about finding the right pet, perhaps a dog of a different breed, perhaps two, and this time, perhaps, offering a home to a dog in need, instead of a puppy.

These conversations escalated into an active search, including an internet review for collies, a breed we had both admired.  Within a day or two we found NorCal Collie Rescue and, sure enough, among all the beautiful dogs pictured and described, there were two older bonded females, a sable and a blue merle.  Their picture and their story seemed to be written for us.

Our intent to move slowly was immediately abandoned.  Within a matter of days, these two beautiful girls were at our door in the company20of their foster family.  They never left.  We had found two of the most gentle and well mannered female collies we could have ever imagined.  Our home is full again and more importantly, our new girls (Jessie and Taylor) have a place where they’ll be loved and treasured. While we’ve always admired people who devote themselves to the well-being of animals, this first hand experience has given us a new measure of respect for them.  Of course, they enhance the lives of the animals, but they also set a high standard for the rest of us.  We owe a debt of gratitude to the exceptional people at Nor Cal Rescue, but especially to Sherry and Rick, who fostered our girls until we could find them, and enabled us to return to being a full family again. 12.2008.

Lizzie

Finally hair ALL over--underbelly, inside legs,tail,shoulders, neck, etc.etc. We don't even call her our Borzoi anymore, and everyone else now says what a beautiful collie, instead of "what is she?  She gets along great with our other collie-but her playmate is the rescued German Shepherd. She loves to grab long sticks and small logs--go up to him, and then start running. He can't catch her and she loves to tease him and show off that she is faster than lightening. I really have never seen a dog run this fast. She is the happiest dog I think I have ever known. 09.2008

Bowie

We all have heard about a “man’s best friend.” Bowie is a girl’s best friend. He’s big, furry, fun loving and occasionally goofy. He would rather do nothing more than greet the kids when they arrive home from school. Amanda and Connor could hardly imagine life without a greeting committee of collies at the end of the day. They get full court press every afternoon.

Learning to wake up to be at kindergarten for the 8:05 am bell takes some adjusting. When 7:00 am rolls around, Bowie dutifully goes to wake Amanda up for school. No morning would be complete without Bowie kisses.

Not all dogs are cut out to be with children. Bowie has the patience of a saint. He has had his whiskers “painted” for a make over. He’s been dressed in Hawaiian shirts, bows, Halloween costumes and “jewels.” He has loved every minute of it. He is happy to play any games the kids can cook up. Some days its class and he is the student. Other times it’s hide and seek. It’s hard to hide when a dog stands outside your hiding place as your tell.

Everyday ends with story time. Bowie never misses story time even though dinner is being cooked downstairs. He could miss out on a yummy snack. No matter, story time is the time for kids and dogs to gather around the big bed. He would not miss story time. Many of the books feature Bowie’s canine friends. Literature is full of dog stories.

Growing up with a dog is a very special experience. My husband grew up with a collie. She has long since passed away but she will live on in his heart forever. Amanda will never forget the big puppy joining her family when she was a kid. Kids and dogs go together like peanut butter and jelly. Bowie’s life as a family dog may not be as glamorous as a Hollywood dog. He is cut out for his work. He is happy in his new role as alarm clock, playmate and snuggle bug. 09.2008

Shasta

Sorry that it has taken so long, but I realized that I owe you a long overdue Rita update.  If you will recall, we adopted her over Labor Day Weekend, and I sent those first weekend photos.  We renamed her Shasta, and that name has stuck.

First and foremost, let me say thank you for choosing our household to be Shasta's forever home.  She is the most perfect wonderful dog ever, and she chose me to be her person.  Although of course we artificially engineered that by not letting Dan do anything for her; right from the get-go, we made sure that I attended to her every need.  Dan was not allowed take her out, feed her, give her treats, etc.  I did it all and still do it all for her, the positive result being that Dan has his dog Bailey (Sheltie), and I have my Shasta.

Through consistent feeding, I was able to get her weight down to 50 pounds.  We walk both of them to the Pet Food Express and weigh them every few weeks.  This week she was 50.4 lbs and last week 50.6 lbs, so she is pretty much stabilized at that weight.  Please let me know if you think that is the proper weight for her, but I recalled that you still wanted her to lose several pounds; she was 56 lbs when we adopted her. 

Her constant presence next to me is always so reassuring and calming for me.  She spends hours with me in my home office (where ever that may be) and is the perfect travel companion.  I will send you a photo summary from Christmas 2008 - May 2009 so you can see how she is doing.  From Lake Tahoe at Christmas, to Denver for three weeks in January, Lake Tahoe in March, Sonoma wine country in April, and Carmel/Monterey May, she has been with me.  I never would have made the drive out to Denver by myself (because Dan had work commitments), but having Shasta on the drive with me made it seem like a fun road trip, and I think also made it safer for me because people always see Shasta/Lassie first and are immediately friendly towards us both.

As you can imagine, we routinely get lots of Lassie / mini-Lassie comments when we are out with both Shasta and Bailey.  Sometimes we correct people that one is a Collie and one is a Sheltie, but other times we just pass and let them think that we have the momma Lassie and baby Lassie.  Actually the other day, something happened for the first time:  I was walking Shasta (Dan was way up ahead running Bailey), and a man driving a car across the street yelled out the window "Pretty dog!"

I still love grooming her, and she is very tolerant of all of the brushing.  I affectionately term her as "My walking fur explosion".  She is getting better at letting me groom her feet, but definately prefers not to have her nails trimmed.  So her front black nails are generally too long; I've had them professionally trimmed before, but I also bought a nail grinder instead of the nail clippers and bribed her with treats to deal with the nail grinder.  I also think I have finally found the right combination of teeth cleaning treats to reduce the amount of brown stains on her teeth; I definately see an improvement in her teeth, and thankfully our vet said she doesn't need her teeth professionally cleaned; I would be very leary to put her under general anesthesia for teeth cleaning.

All in all, adopting Shasta was a major highlight of 2008, and she continues to bring lots of joy and happiness to our lives on a daily basis.  Dan has probably gotten tired of all the times I say "She loves me!" when she follows my every move or lays right down next to me or wiggles her way between our two chairs to be next to me. 09.2008

Morgan

"This dog is not socialized, has failed his behavior test, and cannot be adopted.  He can only be taken out by a licensed rescue organization."  These were the words I heard when I called the Pinole Shelter regarding a Collie that Billy Reiydelle of NCR had alerted me to.  I placed a quick call to Billie, and after commenting that she had been to the Shelter the day before and the dog was fine, suggested that she pick-up the dog, keep him overnight with her four Collies, and bring him by the next day if he passed muster.

Morgan was very frightened when he arrived, cowering when we gave him quiet reprimands, and even when we raised our arms to play with him  He didn't like the leash, slinking away when it appeared.  It took a good amount of calm patience and praise to get him to come and be hooked up, but when accomplished, he was ready for a walk.  The biggest problem, if you can call it a problem, was that he wanted to greet and play with every dog he saw.  This resulted in tractor-like pulls whenever we were within fifty yards of another dog!

We have had Morgan, who we think is about two, for a year now and he is maturing nicely.  He still likes to play with every dog (unless they convince him otherwise) and approaches them in a less impetuous manner.  He has also decided that meeting and greeting new people is a lot of fun.  Many people on the reservoir where we walk call him "Happy" because that's what he is when we walk.  He is aware of everything around him, and is the most curious of the four Collies we have had  He obeys commands...mostly...we are working on that.

We are very pleased to have him as a family member. Thank heavens for Billie and NCR.  You can imagine what the Shelter would have done if they had not pulled Morgan out! 06.2008

Dana

After losing our 13 year old American collie "Pinky" who we also adopted from NorCal Collie Rescue at 10 years old, it was way too quiet at our house, but, not for long. We salvaged a 6 month old border collie "Rascal" from a most assured train wreck of a living situation, border collies do not make good condo dogs. We have enough room for her (as you may know, border collies are serious working dogs – non-stop action), but we were having a hard time keeping her occupied and a bored border collie is not a good thing We call it " destruction derby", Rascal calls it keeping busy! So, we decided Rascal needs a friend.

Our experience with adopting Pinky was so wonderful that NorCal was the obvious place to start looking for our new family member and there we found Dana. She had been in a very bad situation and was being fostered by a wonderful volunteer. The night we picked her up, she climbed right up into the car and onto my wife’s lap and into our lives. Dana hasn't looked back. She has so much grace, is so well behaved, and like most collies, she is incredibly loving. She and Rascal have become best friends. Dana loves to play and can, at 7 years old, keep up with Rascal pretty good. She loves to go anywhere especially camping, she walks on her lead like a master, and has great manners.

Thank you NorCal Collie Rescue for saving all of these wonderful dogs, giving them a positive future, and giving all of us a chance to love them. Like us, it’s really all they want! I know now there will always be a collie in my life. 01.2009.

Leo

As a NCR area coordinator, I received a call to go check out an older collie who had been left at a local shelter. I found an older male collie whose owner had died and the family had surrendered him to the shelter, which is unfortunately a very common scenario. He was abandoned there along with his chocolate lab companion. I took him out of his kennel and we had to walk past his old friend. I will never forget the lab’s sad expression and I am haunted by my decision to only rescue Leo. I tell myself all the time that we can’t save them all, but it doesn’t ever get easy.  Leo was in the worst condition I’ve ever personally witnessed. I had to wash him five times to remove the filth and cut most of his heavily matted coat off. He loved the warm water and being groomed. Leo’s age was reported to be 12 years which meant he would be hard to adopt out. My beloved collie Belle had passed away and I was looking for another older collie, so I adopted him myself.

He is the most energetic older dog I’ve ever seen. He can run hard and fast, and has tremendous stamina. Cosmetically he has many flaws and wouldn’t win any dog shows but he’s very cute and his personality is pure collie. He is really sweet, loving, protective, and loyal. He has also become best friends with my other collie Sky, who needed a friend, which is great. Old timers have such a calm, grateful nature and in my opinion they are well worth adopting. We definitely count the love, not the years.  We love Leo very much and we’re glad he’s a part of our family. 01.2008.