nefferdun
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 20157
posted
I got a wonderful 7 year old border collie today at the shelter. They said her previous owner was sick and could not take care of her. It made me think of many of us. I hope she is not too sad away from her previous owner. She was just turned in yesterday.
Jasper, my 4 month old half mastiff puppy needed company. I felt bad leaving him, to go anywhere as he is very sociable and gets very lonely. This meant I didn't go anywhere and that was hard.
The new dog is named Jessie but that sounds so close to Jasper, his nick name being Jazz, that I think we might slightly alter her name to Chessie (although I really like Jessie better).
I love her already. She is very good with the cats, sits when I tell her too and is very careful if I feed her food from my hand. She is extremely skinny so I hope she will gain weight. She must not have ever had canned food before because she does not want to eat it.
She was very excited to get a piece of turkey lunch meat. She had not had cheese before and was afraid to put it into her mouth but once she tried it, she was hooked.
She loves the squeaky toys. Her eyes light up when she hears that sound. I am excited to have her. Border collies are supposed to be very smart. I have 8 horses and I bet she is a big help rounding them up out of pasture. I like to photograph them and she can help get them moving for that too.
I hope she and Jasper becomes good friends. He wants to play with her but she has been more interested in checking out her new surrounding. Now they are both sleeping. She was very pleased to discover an unoccupied bed on the floor.
I anguished over this for weeks - and I feel I went in the perfect day and got the perfect dog.
-------------------- old joke: idiopathic means the patient is pathological and the the doctor is an idiot Posts: 4676 | From western Montana | Registered: Apr 2009
| IP: Logged |
posted
Our border collie died in 1989 and sometimes I still dream about him! I cherish those dreams.
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96222 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
| IP: Logged |
nefferdun
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 20157
posted
She is settling in very nicely. Don't worry Lymetoo, I don't have any junk food around to give them. I buy Blue Buffalo dog food which is a really good brand.
I don't think she has ever had free access to food because at first she was very possessive of it. She wanted to just sit and guard the bowl. I picked it up several times but now she seems to be ok as there are two full bowls. She is very thin so I hope she gains weight. You can feel every rib.
She and Jasper are beginning to pal around. He is very interested in her. I have a screen with magnets so they can go in and out as they please. She likes that. She found a bed on the floor and claimed it as her own - she is a bit bossy. Jasper doesn't mind as he prefers the couch anyway.
She is giving me LOTS of kisses. She is SO SWEET. She doesn't bother the cats at all. She just wags her tail and gently sniffs them.
She can sit and lie down on command. I said outside and she ran to the door. I wonder what else she understands.
This shelter does not euthanize dogs. They are so kind there and keep all the dogs until they have a home although some of them are there a very long time. Although they get out for walks and attention several times a day, most of their lives are spent in concrete kennels.
It was hard to walk through there and not take all of them. I can still see their lonely eyes. Luckily most of them are bad with cats so there was no way I could consider them.
I just went down half of the first row, picked out two dogs and then tested them on cats. The one that didn't try to kill the cat came home with me. I just totally lucked out.
-------------------- old joke: idiopathic means the patient is pathological and the the doctor is an idiot Posts: 4676 | From western Montana | Registered: Apr 2009
| IP: Logged |
posted
turkey lunchmeat and canned food = junk (sorry, just expressing my opinion) The canned food would only be "bad" if that is all you fed her. They need the dry food for their teeth and gums.
Border collies generally get along with nearly all animals and PEOPLE! They love everyone and everything!
We need photos!!
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96222 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
| IP: Logged |
posted
so happy for you! So great to give her a new family to love her, sounds like you're already very happy you got her(and Jasper is too!)
Posts: 857 | From northern california | Registered: Dec 2009
| IP: Logged |
posted
I second on the 'we need pics'! Some dogs can't tolerate cheese. My brother's yorkie which I occasionally dogsat absolutely could not eat milk products. Many pets can't. I have made my own pet treats in the past and use the cute bone shaped cookie cutter. I know Martha Stewart has recipes and I liked one I got out of Sunset magazine years ago. I think it had liver (yuck) and whole wheat and eggshells (natural) for calcium. My dog love love loved them.
Posts: 482 | From Oregon | Registered: Feb 2011
| IP: Logged |
Ellen101
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 35432
posted
So happy to read this! All of my dogs have been from shelters. Its a win win situation for all involved! My dogs are on a very good food too , but there is absolutely nothing wrong with some occasional lunch meat Heck years ago growing up my dogs were fed dog food from the supermarket with ken-L ration mixed in and they lived much longer than most dogs do today...makes you wonder sometimes whats in some of these foods
Posts: 1748 | From United States | Registered: Dec 2011
| IP: Logged |
nefferdun
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 20157
posted
The only thing better than this canned food is cooked meat, which some people do, but I am a vegetarian. I keep the turkey around just for animal treats.
The diabetic cat gets two shots a day and he is rewarded with a bit of turkey. I rarely have cheese but my son was here for two days so there is gouda and munster.
Milk gives them the runs but most dogs are fine with cheese. My last three dogs lived to be 15 - 16 years old. One was half Newfoundland and 120 pounds so he greatly outlived his life expectancy.
I fed them Nutro but switched to Blue Diamond Wilderness because it has no grain. Even though the cat was on a good food, he got diabetes because of the grain in it (according to the vet). Tow of the cats are 12-14 years.
Got someone wanting to play with me!
-------------------- old joke: idiopathic means the patient is pathological and the the doctor is an idiot Posts: 4676 | From western Montana | Registered: Apr 2009
| IP: Logged |
posted
I don't want to beat a dead horse, but I won't eat lunchmeats because of the dangers, so I would not feed my dog something I think is dangerous for ME. An occasional treat .. OK.
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96222 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
| IP: Logged |
randibear
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 11290
posted
Randi got carrots wbich she loved and the vet approved. Put her on heartguard right away. Sure you're doing that aleeady. Randi took it just plain. Once in awhile shed get turkey or chicken.
She. Was a real counfer cruiser. Id love to see pictures
-------------------- do not look back when the only course is forward Posts: 12262 | From texas | Registered: Mar 2007
| IP: Logged |
Dogsandcats
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 28544
posted
Ellen: when I was growing up our doxie was fed
Gainsburgers....looked like shredded box with red dye number 90!
Max lived til 16.........makes you wonder.
I feed my dog grain free, everything free.....with supplements.
Funny how time changes.
-------------------- God will prepare everything for our perfect happiness in heaven, and if it takes my dog being there, I believe he'll be there.
Billy Graham Posts: 1967 | From California | Registered: Oct 2010
| IP: Logged |
posted
My border collie loved apples! That always amazed me.
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96222 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
| IP: Logged |
linky123
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 19974
posted
Border Collies are great dogs and you are right about them being smart.
My husband grew up on a farm and they had them growing up, I think to help with the cows.
We got a new 'pound puppy' about a month ago too.
She is a German Shepherd mix (we think).
We now have 3 pound puppies and they are the best and most loyal pets.
I think they know when you have saved them.
-------------------- 'Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.' Matthew 11:28 Posts: 2607 | From Hooterville | Registered: Apr 2009
| IP: Logged |
nefferdun
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 20157
posted
I took her out to help me get the horses in this morning and she was fine until they started running. I thought she would enjoy them running away from her (Jasper loves it) but it scared her and she ran for her life back to the house. I have NEVER seen anything run that fast.
So I guess she has no experience rounding up anything but maybe she will catch on. I also took her for a walk and had to keep her on a leash as neither her or Jasper would come if there was anything interesting to distract them.
Jasper thinks horse poop is edible but Jessie thinks it is perfume. She rolled in it! She is a very sensitive dog so a good scolding should get the message across that humans don't enjoy it - getting washed off with cold water from the hose might make an impression too. I carry treats for Jasper to trade for dropping the poop. When he was still real little he drug a dead sucker fish all the way home.
Jasper is very jealous if Jessie plays with his squeaky toys. If I throw one, she is there before it lands. Then Jasper demands it back and she gives it to him. She could bite him as he still has baby teeth and is pretty helpless, but she is too sweet.
She does worry about the food bowls though. There are two bowls always filled with dry food and at first she tried to guard both of them. She is learning which one is hers and it is not going to run out.
They wear each other out giving me a break. That is really nice.
-------------------- old joke: idiopathic means the patient is pathological and the the doctor is an idiot Posts: 4676 | From western Montana | Registered: Apr 2009
| IP: Logged |
Sounds like she was basically starved and that is why she guards that food. Poor baby.
I think border collies are very sensitive and yes, very sweet.
We are waiting for pics, neffer!
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96222 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
| IP: Logged |
linky123
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 19974
posted
The horses are probably intimidating, being so big and all. She'll should get used to them over time.
Does she try to herd the people at your house?
We think our new puppy is part herding dog, because she circles us and nips at our heels.
She isn't satisfied until we are all together where she wants us to be.
-------------------- 'Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.' Matthew 11:28 Posts: 2607 | From Hooterville | Registered: Apr 2009
| IP: Logged |
Our dog used to greet us by putting his mouth over our wrists. He would slobber all over me...hehehe. (usually after being separated for the day, etc) I found out later that this is how wolves greet each other!!!
He would actually take the forearm in his mouth .. ever so gently.
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96222 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
| IP: Logged |
posted
So, linky, are you all crowded in the corner of the room? I like the wet nose in the back of the knee, that was my dog Milo's trick. Usually this meant to go to the fridge and get me a snack.
Posts: 482 | From Oregon | Registered: Feb 2011
| IP: Logged |
nefferdun
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 20157
posted
That is hilarious linky. I can imagine all of you walking huddled together. She is taking very good care of you!
That is true about wolves mouthing to greet each other. Many years ago, we had a couple of huskys with a little wolf in them and they would mouth our arms.
I need my husband to help me get a picture of her playing ball. She is amazing. I am so glad I got her.
-------------------- old joke: idiopathic means the patient is pathological and the the doctor is an idiot Posts: 4676 | From western Montana | Registered: Apr 2009
| IP: Logged |
posted
Is she pretty, too?? On top of being a sweetheart!?
That is cool about the mouthing. I wonder how many breeds do that?
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96222 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
| IP: Logged |
linky123
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 19974
posted
Otter, we weren't all crowded in the corner of the room, but she did have us all up on the porch.
She is so bossy!
Tutu, your pup sounds like a real character.
neffer,am looking forward to a photo when you are able to post it.
-------------------- 'Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.' Matthew 11:28 Posts: 2607 | From Hooterville | Registered: Apr 2009
| IP: Logged |
nefferdun
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 20157
-------------------- old joke: idiopathic means the patient is pathological and the the doctor is an idiot Posts: 4676 | From western Montana | Registered: Apr 2009
| IP: Logged |
lpkayak
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 5230
posted
It was fun reading this thread Christopher used to like apples but Etta only like carrots and cheese I can't imagine taking care of 8 horses right now I had to break up the farm so many years ago when I started treatment since then I've only been able to lease but this is really fun to read I have many pictures in my mind off all those doggies
-------------------- Lyme? Its complicated. Educate yourself. Posts: 13712 | From new england | Registered: Feb 2004
| IP: Logged |
posted
What a cutie. I think she looks very intelligent but needs to learn to trust again. With her friend Jasper, I am sure it will happen soon.
Posts: 482 | From Oregon | Registered: Feb 2011
| IP: Logged |
BoxerMom
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 25251
posted
The first time my Boxers met horses, the horses had their heads down as they munched on grass.
To the dogs, this looked like play position, with butts up and faces down.
The dogs immediately assumed play positions and tried to engage the horses, who had riders no less.
The horses just looked confused and kept munching.
I could not believe the dogs wanted to play with these huge animals, and showed no fear.
Later, when the horses were brought into the barn, both dogs disappeared. I'm sure they went to see if they could help.
Dogs are hilarious. I'm so happy you got Jasper a buddy.
linky123
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 19974
posted
What a beautiful dog! And she is color-coordinated with Jasper.
They add so much to our lives.
-------------------- 'Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.' Matthew 11:28 Posts: 2607 | From Hooterville | Registered: Apr 2009
| IP: Logged |
nefferdun
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 20157
posted
BoxerMom, Your boxers sound like characters. They must think very highly of themselves to think a horse is a play companion and not something to be feared.
I saw something on PBS where a border collie was trained to recognize and retrieve it's toys by name. Then they added a new toy to see if the dog could relate the new name to the new toy and it did - the first time. I want to teach these dogs what the names of the toys are.
That is a very cute plush toy. I wonder if it is dog proof (doubt it). They have a lot of toys - "rooster, chic chic, tick doc (alligator), big stinky, little stinky, wabbit, piggy, ball and bee- beep".
-------------------- old joke: idiopathic means the patient is pathological and the the doctor is an idiot Posts: 4676 | From western Montana | Registered: Apr 2009
| IP: Logged |
I've seen that dog. Many videos of brilliant border collies on You Tube. Look up a dog named "Nana".. she is amazing.
My niece is a Veterinarian and when she was going thru school and training she had a border collie. She had that dog so well trained that when she needed a guinea pig for bloodwork he would just offer up his paw to her!
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96222 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
| IP: Logged |
linky123
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 19974
posted
We were just watching 'Snow Dogs' and the border collie is named 'Nana'.
Such a funny movie.
-------------------- 'Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.' Matthew 11:28 Posts: 2607 | From Hooterville | Registered: Apr 2009
| IP: Logged |
posted
OH yeah!! I loved that movie!! I had forgotten that was the dog's name in the movie. I guess that is why they named their dog Nana... unless it's the same dog! Could be!
My Scooter looked a LOT like Nana. He had a bit more wispy hair on his legs and the markings were very much alike. He had less white between his eyes and no white on top of his head. Otherwise, they look like litter mates!
You have to see her at 7:30 or so.. she has two parakeets on top of her nose!
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96222 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
| IP: Logged |
lax mom
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 38743
posted
She is precious!!! and Jasper is soooo beautiful and soooo photogenic! You are so blessed to have them
I'm so happy for you and that you chose to rescue a senior dog
Dogs are such a blessing and add so much joy to life... I've adopted 3 myself and can't imagine my life without all 3 of them!
Its so nice that you got an older dog who is already housebroken, and it sounds like she really needs a loving home.
If you really want to change her name, you can call her "Jessie (insert new name)" for the first day or too, then drop the Jessie all together and she will likely answer to the new name. I understand if you don't want to change it too much though for her sake:-)
Posts: 442 | From usa | Registered: Oct 2010
| IP: Logged |
nefferdun
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 20157
posted
They are not confused by their names sounding a little similar and I like Jessie so she is keeping that. She is a joy, the sweetest dog ever. She was being food aggressive and the day before yesterday bit the heck out of Jasper for which I really scolded her.
Today I gave her a treat and she gave it to Jasper. I gave her another treat and she gave him that one too! I had to close the door so she was alone to eat her treat.
She will take his crazy puppy antics without complaint. I have to rescue her from him. She loves to play ball. I throw it and she is so much faster than Jasper that he doesn't have a chance of beating her to it, but as soon as he arrives she gives it to him. He brings it back to me and then I throw it again.
The video of Nana is amazing. It was so cute when she was holding the parakeets on her nose. I saw a dog on a trail ride that actually runs backwards. I have never seen a dog do that before. I am taking a clicker training class with Jasper.
-------------------- old joke: idiopathic means the patient is pathological and the the doctor is an idiot Posts: 4676 | From western Montana | Registered: Apr 2009
| IP: Logged |
posted
OH gawd, she is so sweet. I swear they are like humans!!! I hope once she gets enough food in her belly and she no longer feels she will go without food, that she won't be so aggressive.
It sounds like she really learned her lesson with your scolding! So cool that she shares like that.
That really was an amazing video, wasn't it!?
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96222 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
| IP: Logged |
Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- About the previous owner. Perhaps the shelter would mail them a photo or two that you would select (anonymous for your protection). This way they could rest assured that the dog is doing well and even has a playmate.
I would so treasure such a photo and short note were I to be in their place.
And, if you had a sense of it the previous owner might be okay to some visit once in a while (or even just once), you could ask the shelter managers if they think the personality of that owner might work for such an arrangement,
and if, in their professional experience, this would be good for the dog and all humans involved. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
| IP: Logged |
Catgirl
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 31149
posted
You're such a good soul for rescuing her! Very sweet!
-------------------- --Keep an open mind about everything. Also, remember to visit ACTIVISM (we can change things together). Posts: 5418 | From earth | Registered: Mar 2011
| IP: Logged |
quote:Originally posted by Keebler: - About the previous owner. Perhaps the shelter would mail them a photo or two that you would select (anonymous for your protection). This way they could rest assured that the dog is doing well and even has a playmate.
I would so treasure such a photo and short note were I to be in their place.
And, if you had a sense of it the previous owner might be okay to some visit once in a while (or even just once), you could ask the shelter managers if they think the personality of that owner might work for such an arrangement,
and if, in their professional experience, this would be good for the dog and all humans involved. -
- The dog was NOT being taken care of. She was THIN when neffer got her. I wouldn't want those people anywhere near my dog.
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96222 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
| IP: Logged |
Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- "They said her previous owner was sick and could not take care of her" (end quote)
The dog was given to the shelter, so that's a caring act that seems to say they did care in their heart but could not follow through due to illness (and maybe cost). -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
| IP: Logged |
The Lyme Disease Network is a non-profit organization funded by individual donations. If you would like to support the Network and the LymeNet system of Web services, please send your donations to:
The
Lyme Disease Network of New Jersey 907 Pebble Creek Court,
Pennington,
NJ08534USA http://www.lymenet.org/
UBBFriend: Email this page to someone!
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
![[Frown]](frown.gif)
![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
Printer-friendly view of this topic