98rocket

Thanks you guys! I want to say that it doesn't matter if he is a purebred or mix in this case. He will be neutered and not be able to pass on his virtures or his faults. :-) He has a long way to go to be a pet, but he is so determined that I really think he will be a wonderful family companion if not a working dog. Yes, I thought at first that he might be an aussie/sheltie mix, even a mini aussie mix. There is no doubt that he is all herding dog, there is just no traits of any other type of dog in him. But the more I look at him, especially next to my similar size sheltie, I just don't see the heavier bone of the aussies, but more of a long legged, athletic build, and thinner muzzle of the border collie, or even sheltie. I am just really interested in what he might be, as well as really wanting to place him in the right home. Although they are both herding breeds...shelties and BCs are very different dogs! Most people who come to us will expect a sheltie, and he is a sheltie on steroids! ;-D Here are some of the facebook pics that I put up on Photobucket so those that can't get on facebook can see him! http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa362/98Rocket/sam5_zps8f50fe13.jpg http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa362/98Rocket/sam4_zpsdca03929.jpg http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa362/98Rocket/sam3_zps4658f409.jpg http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa362/98Rocket/sam1_zps0a35f93b.jpg http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa362/98Rocket/sam6_zps58172c75.jpg First day vs. today http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa362/98Rocket/sambeforeafter_zps38859d63.jpg Kathleen

Hi All! I am a long time (25 years) sheltie rescuer in Southern California. Recently we got a "sheltie" in to our rescue group who had gone into the shelter as a stray. He was sick with an upper respiratory infection and spent a week at the veteranarian's office. He was EXTREMELY fearful, cowering in his cage, completely non-responsive. When he was well, I offered to foster him as I have had a lot of luck with terrified shelties in the past. When he was brought to me I was shocked to see he was not a sheltie at all! LOL! As the days have gone by (I have had him a week now) not only has he blossomed into quite a wonderful dog, but also....I think...a border collie! I stumbled on your board and was really excited to get your opinions on what he is and how I might want to continue with his rehab and placement. His name is Sam, he is probably under a year old and is 17" tall and weighs 21 lbs. The only thing I think that may not be Border Collie is his size. On the other hand, he might still be growing! He is EXTREMELY intelligent, willing to overcome his fears each day, has a VERY intense stare (crazy eyes!) and moves in an un-sheltie manner. When he sees the kitties (he is very interested in them!) he lowers his head to shoulder level and stalks them, with his tail erect, but not a gay tail. His tail seems like a clue, it goes out straight but curves over to the side at the top quarter or so. I don't know why, but that made me first think he might be a border collie and not just a sheltie mix. I don't see any sheltie in him at all now! He is now very bonded to me and my son already, so I have to be careful that he finds the right home, asap. He doesn't like me to get out of his sight so he is hard to photgraph! But I got some really good head pics today so I will share. Hopefully you can see these: https://www.facebook.com/kathleen.faulconer/media_set?set=a.10152582637884468.1073741831.778509467&type=1 And the attached pic is the only full body shot I got. His butt is not as big as this looks, it is just closer to the camera. :-) I can't wait to hear from you experts! Thanks in advance! Kathleen (Southland Sheltie Rescue Inc.)