Bordie Colie just showed up.

[Sadie's Mom]

Hello,

 

I ran across this board, while I was trying to research info. on bordie collies. A female collie showed up at my house 4 weeks ago. She had a collar but no tags. I've contacted all the vets in the area, placed a ad in our local paper,contacted the Alabama Pet Registery, with all her info. Took her to the vet to see if she has a mirco chip, & she didn't. The vet said she is about one year old.

 

I didn't won't to call her "Girl"...so I call her Sadie. She's very gentle & sweet. But she doesn't like enclosed places. Tryed to see if she would come into the garage, at night and she wasn't haven't it. I didn't won't to force her. Purchased a doghouse....put some treats inside, but still she didn't like it. We've have a huge shop/gameroom...but nope, didn't like that either.

 

We've have a yorkipoo inside and they have made friends, but she doesn't want to come in. *sigh* We also have a dalmation, but he is in a kennel. They too have made friends.

 

After reading several threads on here, it has given me lots of insights on BC. Because she is so young I'm not going to push her. I'm spending about 2 hours a day total outside working with her .

 

I still haven't heard anything from a owner. And she has been in heat. I know next to nothing about bordie collie except what I have read on the net. Feeding,personality,training,traits,etc. From what I can tell, you really have to be willing to invest your time and affection on these dogs. We have 15 acres & live in rural area. So she seems very content.

 

Any advise you can give me I would really appreciate. I would like to get her spayed.....She's been here 4 weeks. How long should I "hold out"???

 

And is there anything that I can do , that I haven't done to contact the owner?? If she was my dog, I would be heartbroken to lose her. So I can only imagine what a family would be going thru. My husband thinks she was "dropped off". I don't know...

 

I know this forum is mostly for folks that have had BC's for years ... But I really would like some advise. And I'm willing to learn.

[powerfulgazelle]

Welcome! And bless you for taking her in!

 

Perhaps you could post a picture of her here on the boards? Include the general area where you live...perhaps someone will know her? Also consider asking folks who drive your area regularly (mail carriers, etc.) if they know her.

 

Our Kip was picked up as an untagged stray by the dog warden...we adopted him from the pound. He was held for several weeks with no one even asking after him. He was trained (sit, lie down, come, speak, gimme paw), so clearly had had some sort of owner. I always wonder why the owner wasn't crazy looking for him...

[Sue R]

Welcome, and thank you for caring for this lost/dumped little girl!

 

You will be able to learn a great deal about Border Collies in particular and training/caring for dogs in general here. Don't be afraid to ask but do be specific as specific questions are the easiest to address.

 

As for spaying, contact your vet now and find out just how soon you can take her in and get her done. Some vets will not spay a bitch in season, some will. Some will not spay a pregnant bitch, some will. I would err on the side of caution to avoid an unplanned litter and hope that your vet will take care of this now if it is feasible in terms of her health.

 

Some of the nicest dogs get lost and may travel, one way or another, many miles and never be reunited with their families. Some of the nicest dogs also get dumped, for whatever insane reason a person might consider sufficient to be so cruel as to dump a dog. You seem to have gone to great lengths to find her family and maybe it's best that she's with you, instead. She seems like a dog that never was inside or confined. Hopefully, with gentleness and kindness, she will come around to view your home as hers.

 

My daughter and her husband recently adopted a lovely dog from a shelter, part Border Collie, and all lovely manners, personality, affection, and charm. What was he doing wandering outside a vet's office? Well, maybe he strayed or maybe he was dumped, but no one seemed interested enough to claim him from the shelter, and he has a loving home now.

 

Very best wishes!

[Sadie's Mom]

That's a good idea thx! And I will also try a catch my mail carrier. I'm on dial-up...so it will take a while to upload. I will try a post a pic this evening.

 

She is black/white and both eyes are real light blue.

[Sadie's Mom]

As for spaying, contact your vet now and find out just how soon you can take her in and get her done.

 

 

When I took her to the Vet....he said he could spayed her on March 10th. Do you think that is enough time, as far as the owner contacting me? I'm not sure of the laws here in Alabama. I haven't gotten that far in my research.

And if the owner shows up...Should I asked for papers, vet bills, picture etc.? I wouldn't won't to just "hand her over" to anybody.

 

 

I have no problen in giving out my location...it's already out there, with the ads I placed.

I'm located in Albertville, Al.

 

Gotta get going right now...but will check in later. Thank-You so much for the advise already given.

 

 

Another question: It's suppose to get down to 35º tonight and snow tomorrow. Should we just pick her up and put her in ther garage?? I don't won't to ad to any anxety,,,but it will be so cold outside.

[desertranger]

Oh my. Hugs and kisses for you and your new friend.

 

You have a BC and have now entered a world of amazement and amusement for the next 15 or so years. Sadie is the most intellegent dog in the world and will do anything to please you. She will be sensitive to your feelings and emotions so a lot of physical contact is in order. Petting, scratching, hugs and hand holding. If she hasn't already she will bond very closely to you and if the original owner ever shows up to claim her you might have a problem giving her back. Not that you won't give her back, but Sadie will not want to leave. Try to look at it this way. You have adopted a child and that child needs you. No other dogs can do that. Also please bear in mind that Sadie has the intelligence level of a 5 year old and is definitely smarter than a fifth grader.

 

She may not come in because she was raised as an outside dog or she may have unpleasant memories of being closed in. Working with her you should eventually be able to get her inside. My cardinaly rule in training BCs has always been lead your dog, don't push them.

 

One last thing. Right now reading every topic on this forum and asking questions of us will be a great asset for you. It's a lot more personal than a book and it will help you transition from a sane person into the insanity that is a BC.

 

Love me, love my dog.

[Sadie's Mom]

{{{Powerwful}}}, {{{Sue R}}} & {{{Desert}}}...

 

Bless you for also putting my mind at ease

 

BBL

[Lizmo]

Another question: It's suppose to get down to 35º tonight and snow tomorrow. Should we just pick her up and put her in ther garage?? I don't won't to ad to any anxety,,,but it will be so cold outside.

 

Would you be able to leave your garage open tonight so if she does decide to come in out of the elements herself she can?

[Sue R]

When I took her to the Vet....he said he could spayed her on March 10th. Do you think that is enough time, as far as the owner contacting me? I'm not sure of the laws here in Alabama. I haven't gotten that far in my research.

And if the owner shows up...Should I asked for papers, vet bills, picture etc.? I wouldn't won't to just "hand her over" to anybody.

I have no problen in giving out my location...it's already out there, with the ads I placed.

I'm located in Albertville, Al.

 

I don't know the laws either but my gut says that if you've had the dog for (by that time) six weeks or so, have done everything reasonable to find the previous owners (ads, flyers, notified the shelter and vets, etc.), and she's in heat now - I think you would be responsible choosing to spay her and avoid an unplanned and undesirable pregnancy. I hate to say it but there are people who will dump perfectly nice young dogs just because they are approaching or entering their first heat and the owner chooses to not be responsible.

 

And, absolutely, make sure that any potential claimant would have to positively identify the dog. That means that any photos you post on flyers or the internet should not show all identifying marks so that a true owner could identify the dog and an imposter could not (just by using your info and photos posted). Also, I think it would be a great idea to see vet bills (or get vet contact info) to make sure that the dog gets care.

 

Gotta get going right now...but will check in later. Thank-You so much for the advise already given.

Another question: It's suppose to get down to 35º tonight and snow tomorrow. Should we just pick her up and put her in ther garage?? I don't won't to ad to any anxety,,,but it will be so cold outside.

 

As pointed out, you don't want to force her. But, if she will let you carry her into the garage or house without a real struggle or becoming overly distressed, that might work. Make sure you keep an eye on her to see that she doesn't "freak out" and fight to leave, potentially hurting herself or your house in the process.

 

We had a young dog that had never been inside. You could open the door all you wanted and he would stand there but never come in. We brought him in and he was just fine. Some dogs just don't realize that it's okay to come inside because they've never been allowed.

 

If she won't use a dog house, will she come up on a porch or to another sheltered area to sleep? If so, maybe give her a large box with a warm blanket in it. If she has a good coat and has been acclimated to the weather, she should be okay if she's out of the wind, drafts, and precipitation.

 

She sounds like a very fortunate dog to have stumbled into your family! You ask good questions, too.

[Jumpin Boots]

Sadie sure does sound like a lucky girl to have found you.

 

If possible, you may want to document when you first found her, like have your vet write a note stating the date he saw her or the date from photos or something. It really doesn't sound like owners will probably show up, but just incase this way you have documentation that you held the dog for a reasonable amount of time before spaying and such. I would probably also contact your local animal shelter and find out how long they hold dogs for. Ours holds them for 7 days before they go up for adoption. When I was a kid, my Dad found a Cocker Spaniel and her pup wandering a country road. We wanted to keep them, but placed lost ads everywhere, contacted local vets and the shelter. The shelter advised us to document when we found them and not do any alterations, unless emergency, for 7 days like the shelter does and then to keep them. Lady was with us for 7 years and Satin the pup for 10.

 

Best of luck to you, enjoy your new family member and don't hesitate to ask questions.

[Sadie's Mom]

If she won't use a dog house, will she come up on a porch or to another sheltered area to sleep?

 

We have a long porch in the front thats covered. That's where she has been staying when it rains. I just put a quilt out there. Otherwise, she stays on the back deck.

I would probably also contact your local animal shelter and find out how long they hold dogs for.

 

 

We don't even have a humane society here....If animal control picks up a animal, they take them to one local vet and they just hold the dog foe 7 days, then it's put to sleep . I've never lived in a town that didn't have a humane society.

 

 

Got some pics a'lil while ago. I will read on here how to upload when I get back.

[Sue R]

Remember though to "reserve" a view with an identifying mark or some other detail so that someone can't just claim her from a photo if she is not theirs.

 

Maybe try setting up a larger, three-sided box on the porch with the blanket in it if you are worried about weather. Just enough to keep the wind or draft off her.

 

I hope (and think) she will come around when she becomes more relaxed and at home with you and your family.

[ShoresDog]

I know this forum is mostly for folks that have had BC's for years ... But I really would like some advise. And I'm willing to learn.

Au contraire! I would say that this forum is just right for you! There are many very helpful members, as you can already see.

 

Bless you for helping your new little friend. I hope you can post pictures soon. As to getting cold, I am often surprised at how well border collies seem to do at keeping warm.

[Lewie'sMom]

Oh, my goodness, this is so exciting! I feel like I'm watching a wonderful drama

unfolding and I just know it's going to have a happy ending.

 

Greetings, and welcome to you, Sadie's Mom.

 

I don't have anything to add to the wonderful advice you've already received, but

I do want to echo "bless you" for caring about Sadie's well-being.

 

It takes a lot of time, effort and emotional fortitude to be a "rescuer".

 

You're good peoples, Sadie's Mom.

[Ceredwyn]

Welcome! You and Sadie are both getting a great deal, I'm thinking. Our first border collie "found" us, as well, though we knew where she came from, more or less. She was the joy of our lives for 11 years. Our present BC was rescued from a puppy mill; we adopted her after finding out about her on this board and the border collie rescue board.

 

You're off on an adventure like no other! The folks on this board are great and between the thousands of us, there are few situations, indeed, that at least one member hasn't come across.

 

Looking forward to your pictures!

[desertranger]

She does sound like an outside dog. If that's the case she may have a nest or two. Find them and make them warmer and more comfortable for her. To entice her inside take something from her nest and place it inside the backdoor where she can get the scent. Try and feed her near the inside nest your creating. Try feedng her outside the back door moving her dish a few inches at a time toward the house over a period of a week or two.

 

More wisdom: Sometimes you have to outthink a BC.

[Sadie's Mom]

I tryed to upload her pic, from my pictures, for a adavar...I wouldn't let me. Do ya'll go thru Photobucket & then use a code to place pictures here. And if so, which code img or http?

[mbc1963]

I tryed to upload her pic, from my pictures, for a adavar...I wouldn't let me. Do ya'll go thru Photobucket & then use a code to place pictures here. And if so, which code img or http?

 

I think that when I put pics in from Photobucket to this forum, I use the "image link" function.

 

Mary

[Sadie's Mom]

When posting pics tho...do you use the img code?

[in2adventure]

Hi! And welcome! Thanks you for taking this pup in and going through so much effort. I wish more people had that kind of heart. As for th pictures, if ylou upload them onto Photobucket and then cut an paste them here, it should work. There are 4 lines in photobucketnext to the picture. If you click on the LAST line it will say copied. Then you can paste them on this board.

 

Good luck! Can't wait to see the pics!

[Sadie's Mom]

Sadie came thru the door and into the garage!!! Course I had a piece a bacon in my hand. She looks very content tho. But her a quilt on the back stoop, her water & food.

 

Uploaded her pic to ny adavar....now I'm gonna see if the other one works on here. Still trying to upload others....it's just taking forever.

 

 

[Sadie's Mom]

We had her down at the shop today....and we were was watching her behavior. I think she is doing very well.

 

Took some pics....I'll post a few more as soon as I can.

 

I really appreciate your kind words of encouragement. My other dogs are like my children. And when Sadie step into our lives....All I could think about was "What had she been thru?". I just want to educate myself and my family as much as possible.

 

When I have more time...I'm gonna catch up on some of threads here. I bet there slammed packed with great info.

[Sue R]

What a thoughtful-looking girl she is! She'll come around at her own pace with your gentle encouragement (and bacon - my dogs would do anything for bacon - come to think of it, so would I!).

[desertranger]

You guys are off to a good start. Just ask if you have a problem.

[Sadie's Mom]

Thx {{Desert}} I will.

 

Just checked....she is "snug as a bug"

 

 

One more pic & I'm callin' it a night.