D'Elle

GREAT advice, Geonni. I am going to put that in a mental file for the next time I am confronted with a digger. Love the licking advice, too. thanks D'Elle

Animals constantly amaze us with the way that they can be with us and change our lives. I love these stories. thanks for posting them.

Love that!!

Update: Kelso's new Person will be coming to collect him this coming Saturday. After she and her husband drove home yesterday, talking about Kelso all the way, she felt she just couldn't wait to bring him home. Of course, the fact that she feels that way makes me feel really good. I think she would come today if she could. I have to say, every interaction and email I have had with her since she met Kelso has only served to reinforce my belief that this is the right home for Kelso. Here is the most amazing part. As I said, I worried that someone would think they could handle the work Kelso needs still but would not really be prepared for it. The best part is that this wonderful woman has already been down that road with a border collie who came to her after suffering unspeakable abuse. She says Kelso reminds her so much of that dog it is amazing. He was the way Kelso was at first - completely shut down, couldn't walk, etc. She not only rehabilitated him, but kept him until he died of old age at the age of 18! I do not have to worry about Kelso. My ABCR coordinators say this just proves once again that for every rescue dog there really is the perfect person who will be found eventually. Of course, my emotions are on a roller-coaster. But it is all good. She wants to join these Boards and to post about Kelso, so that we may all keep up with his story. It is wonderful to her ---and to me--- that so many people care about him. Thank you all for caring for this exceptional dog. D'Elle

Well, it is happening. Kelso is about to graduate and go out into the world to have the rest of his life. The folks who came to meet him today were more suitable for him than I ever thought anyone would be. I had a whole mental list of qualifications and qualities and lifestyle characteristics that a person would have to have in order for me to consider them for Kelso's adoption. I did not think anyone would ever come along to fill all of them, but had hoped for at least a majority. Astonishingly, these folks fit all of them. So the decision has been made. Of course I am excited for him and concerned for him and hopeful for him and I guess all the things that one would expect to feel. It will be a happy/sad/happy day when they come to pick him up. I am not at all worried about his new home, but of course concerned that he will be distressed for the first while until he adjusts. I hate for him to go through that, but in the long run it will be the best thing. These folks will give him a wonderful home. Kelso is very lucky. And so am I. Nothing could ever compare to the experience I have had for the last year and a half with this dog. I have learned so much and am so grateful to him. I hope that some day I have the chance to take on another dog who needs as much as Kelso has, because it has been one of the most rewarding things I have ever done. I have a couple of weeks or a little less before they come to pick him up. He will be living about a 2 hour drive away so I can go visit him after he has been there a couple of months and see how he is doing. I am very proud of Kelso and all the hard work he has done to get him to this point. D'Elle

oh my dear. tooooo adorable. welcome to the boards. You will find that this is a place full of information, ideas, and support. I highly recommend you stick around. I have foster dogs that come through my home, and some of them want to lick. I just nip it in the bud by saying "ah-ah" when they start, and either moving away or pushing them away. If they persist too many times I isolate them for a few minutes someplace like the bathroom. Pretty soon they catch on. Good luck with him. D'Elle

Photos, please!

Your Tilly looks a lot like my Kit, and she is 100% border collie. I absolutely love that almost-smooth-coat, lots of white, prick-ears look!! And your new one looks like a sweetheart. Welcome to all of you!

Just to put in my 2 cents' worth: I personally don't think that wanting to have a "pet" dog (or, as I prefer to say, a companion dog) is in and of itself selfish or anything bad at all. Hey, if people had not wanted to have dogs as companions, working or not, there wouldn't be any dogs at all, because all the curious wolves that came near the human camp would have been killed or frightened away. Nothing wrong with having a companion animal; I wouldn't live without mine. I think the greed reference was referring to people who breed primarily, or solely, for financial gain. I do not personally understand why anyone would want, say, a chihuahua. But people do. I have no problem with someone breeding chihuahuas, if they are doing it properly and responsibly (and the above discussed guidelines for "responsible" seem like a reasonable start to me). Statistically, most breeders of dogs, as we all know, do it primarily to make money. If their number were severely reduced or eliminated there would still be plenty of dogs to go around for people who want companions. Wanting a companion dog is not selfish. Breeding dogs properly is not selfish. Breeding dogs without consideration of their health, well being, future well being, genetic traits and so on, but with only the dollar sign in mind IS greedy and selfish.

Sue R, good grief, I think I must have the same allergies you have, 'cause I got leaky reading your post. I am not working today so I decided to re-read this whole thread. Ack! What a looooong thread! I wonder if this isn't one of the longest threads on the boards. I gotta find some way to preserve it for my future reference. It has been very interesting for me to read. I am extremely grateful to the boards, and to all of you, for allowing and encouraging me to write all of this here, because if I had not made a record there are many things I would have forgotten, especially the timing of various things. And the way that he would make progress and then slide back again into Fear, over and over. And how discouraged I would get at times. Every time I got discouraged you all would buck me up again and make useful suggestions. I don't know how I would have done this without you. I know I have said it before, but THANK YOU I will not be so easily discouraged in the future if I take on another dog similar to Kelso. Looking back, and reading the thread, I realize that all of his progress was forward, even when it did not seem like it to me at the time. And really, it didn't take so very long for him to learn how to be a happy dog, did it? And he has a ways to go, but don't we all? Are we not all still learning every day we are alive? If we are not, then we are not as good as dead, even if we are still walking around? Kelso will inspire me for the rest of my life. I re-read the thread as a way of helping me to get my head around the thought of possibly letting Kelso go. I love him so much, and he and I are so bonded with one another, that it is hard for me to understand how it is even possible for me to do that. Yet, at the same time, it simply feels like the right thing to do, if the people who are interested in him are truly the Right People. One of the many things that stand out for me in re-reading this whole thread is something that Northof49 said back in February, to the effect that when Kelso has his Forever Home he will blossom and make progress that I cannot even forsee. Something in me resonates with this, and it feels true. Although I am sure that if you asked Kelso, he would say that I am His Person and this is his Home, I actually believe that in the long run he may grow more with someone else; someone for whom he is the only dog and the constant companion and Best Buddy. I will always have dogs coming and going. I will always be taking one or more dogs to go dance with me, which is unlikely ever to appeal to Kelso. He and I love each other very much, but I think (and hope) that this has been, for Kelso, a "training love", to teach him that it is possible to love and trust a human being. And, of course, by letting him go I will free up a space in my life and my home for another homeless BC to come in and go out, and another and another and another. I truly believe in "doing small things with great love" as Mother Theresa said. Help one dog. Then help another. And, if anyone is reading this who wonders if fostering is possible for them --- do it. Trust me on this: you will receive so much from the experience that you will be amazed. Kelso has probably taught me more than any other dog I have fostered, and I will be forever grateful for this experience. I truly believe that I am not only a better dog person, but simply a better person in general for having had Kelso in my life. So now we wait and see what happens when we meet up with Kelso's prospective person on Sunday..... D'Elle

I would agree with this statement, although I would change one letter of it. It is not human "need". It is human greed. In my opinion, that is the crux of the whole issue. D'Elle

Good idea, beachdogz. Maybe I should make it a "condition" of his adoption! But seriously, if he is adopted, I will require updates, and also will be going to visit him when possible at least for the first few months. So I will be able to update you all at least some. It is funny that I am talking as though he will probably go to them, and I have not met them yet. But I have to admit, I have a pretty good feeling about it. I have always felt that if the right person came along I would know it, so I think I will probably know when I meet them. D'Elle

She has a pink heart on her little nose. Awwwwwwwwwww. :wub:

Thank you, Kristen!

Well, prospective adopters have come along for Kelso; a couple. I have not met them yet, but spoke with her on the phone today, and she is coming to meet him on Sunday. I have such mixed feelings, as is no doubt understandable. This woman sounds uniquely suitable for Kelso, having not only rehabilitated a very frightened and shut down dog previously (a dog she then had for 16 years), but that dog was a BC. She said Kelso's story reminded her of her own dog. In thinking of his going to a new home, my greatest fear was always that the person would thinkthey understood what it would take to take on Kelso, but would really have no idea, just as I had no idea when I took him as a foster. To adopt Kelso you gotta really want to do what it takes, and for as long as it takes, to gain his trust; not just be willing to do it. This woman sounds that way; she wants a project dog. I guess I never really thought that person would come along. If it works out, it will be truly bittersweet for me. I have grown to love Kelso deeply and have a hard time imagining my home without his quirky sweetness. How he puts his front paws up on my bed, crossed so daintily, first thing in the morning, and how he squeals with glee when he is about to be let out. So many things about him have become a part of my life. And now he may be about to graduate. We agreed that if it all works out, he will not go home with them the first meeting, but perhaps on the second or third. I think that would be easier for Kelso, although I don't really know. It's hard not to project into Kelso's feelings (which I shouldn't do), and worry that he will think I have sent him away if he gets adopted. I know I will worry about him no matter what.......but so it goes. I will keep you all informed. D'Elle

Thank you.......it is wonderful to me to know that Kelso's story is enjoyed by so many others. I have had for some time an idea that eventually Kelso's story and the photos and videos that I have taken of him will be made into a short film which I will put on YouTube in the hopes that it will inspire others to help a frightened dog. And even more important, the film will have a Very Strong message about puppy mills, and will include links on how to find out more about them. Of course, as is always the case with my foster dogs, Kelso has given me far more than I could ever give to him. I have learned so much, and honestly I think that I have become a better person as a result of my relationship with Kelso. I had no intention or idea of having him for so long (one year, five months now) or that I would have to put so much time and energy into him. Good thing I didn't know. If I had, I might have refused him and that would have been my loss. I wish that more people could have an experience like Kelso in their lives. I wish far more that all the puppy mills could be shut down so that there would never again be a dog who lives as Kelso did before he came to Arizona Border Collie Rescue and to me. For such a beautiful spirit to have been treated with such cruel and callus disregard is a heinous crime and a tragedy. Kelso, in spite of everything, is rising above that and has found the joy of dogness. He is an inspiration to us all. D'Elle

Just adding the latest update on Kelso: There is a lovely woman in the training class we have been going to, who has made a point of coming over to us after class and sitting on the floor next to Kelso, and offering him food. Today, for the first time, he took food repeatedly from her hand, even stretching out his neck to reach her as she moved slightly away, to get the treats. He gave her eye contact several times. More progress on accepting other people! And he stayed in a heel position with me several times when we were heading back to his mat in the corner. Previously I have had to turn around and go the other way over and over once we started heading back to his mat, because he would immediately surge ahead. This tells me that he is finally starting to get over his state of constant confusion and fear from just being in the classroom, and is starting to be able to learn a thing or two. Slow, but steady. And in the right direction..... Good dog, Kelso.

Warm welcome to the boards, Kevin and Shi! He sure is a major cutie. What a great story you have already.............sure to grow into a much greater one with time. Best of luck and hope you enjoy the experience of these boards. I have found them fun, educational, and actually rather addictive (kind of like border collies!) D'Elle

Got this on a list I am on: Message 1 SAR Dog needed Fri Aug 31, 2012 6:55 pm (PDT) . Posted by: "Myra & Trent" westphaltm Good Evening all, My good friend AJ Marhofke just contacted us in hope that the BC networking community can help him find his next Search and Recovery Dog. Here is a short description of the dog he is looking for: Drive: High drive with an off switch or Medium/High drive, dog must want to work and stay focus on work. Age: 2-4 preferably but will go up to 6years old Sex: Male or Female Coat: Rough or semi-rough. Dog will be doing search work outside in all seasons so dog needs somewhat of a coat. Personality: Dog must be BOMB Proof, good with people/children of all ages/sex, Good with other dogs, Okay with load noises, NO FEARS because this dog will be working disaster areas with load sounds Training: Dog must have Basic obedience and GREAT off lead, Dog can NOT Be a runner or Car chaser. This dogs needs to be working and mind hander and focus on handler and work at hand. This dog will be trained for Search and Recovery. AJ focuses on Recover which means the scent work focuses heavy on forensic work or human remain detection. AJ has over 36 year of dog handler work and has just retired and is looking for a new dog to start his retirement with. AJ's work has including September 11 with Zip on Stanton Island working on human remain recovery. Oklahoma City bombing with his work with Molly Mae. AJ also teaches classes on Search and Recovery for Police Departments. Molly Mae and Zip are both former Border Collie Rescue Dogs and he would like to continue with another dog from rescue or any other possibilities that might come his way. Web Site is: http://www.911bc. org/ He is in the process of getting a new web site but a lot of great information is on this current site. If you feel you might have the right dog please contact him directly. AJ Marhofke: 920-699-5500 (CST) Home, Johnson Creek, WI E-mail: k9911@yahoo. com Paws crossed someone has the right dog he is looking for: Permission to cross post to help a rescue dog find a new home. Myra & Trent Westphal BCAA, WI

^^^ Same here. And even more so, I don't want to see BCs crossed with anything at all.

It would be a great move, and I like your idea. I second the use of a platform for teaching this move. That will ensure that the dog is lined up correctly behind you when she does the sit up. If she is crooked, it won't look good. The platform would keep her in the correct position behind you. I would start with teaching her to come to the platform behind you (after teaching her the basics of getting on the platform in the first place), facing away from you. Then add the sit, then later add the sit up. best of luck with it!

Fletcherfoster, my experience is that the shy and frightened dogs are often the most rewarding dogs with whom to work, which is why I volunteer to take them in. If you read my thread about Kelso you may get some ideas to try with your foster. Also, if I can help with something specific, feel free to PM me. As was said above, patience is really important. I find that it is best not to have a timed goal or to be too ambitious for the dog. The number one priority is to let the dog feel SAFE. Whatever it takes to develop that sense of safety, do it, because without that the dog will not make progress. Do not ever be in a hurry. Although Kelso would go out the back door on his own once he could walk, it took me months to get him out the front door. I refused to drag him; he had to be willing to go out on his own. And, yes, I carried him when I really needed to get him somewhere he was unwilling to go (and, at first, when he could not even walk and did not have enough will to live to get up off the floor). Although he still has a long road ahead of him in terms of accepting other people besides myself, he has become a completely different creature. It is worth how ever long it takes to build that trust slowly and surely. Just don't push the dog; take the time it needs. Best of luck, and let me know if I can help. D'Elle

I was going to make the very same suggestion. I have used this technique for many years because I usually have a cat as well as the dogs. If it is a regular door, as opposed to a swinging door, I put a rock on the floor at the opening so that the door cannot accidentally be closed all the way, trapping the cat inside. Works great!

Some of these are pretty funny. I have a good friend who had an Australian cattle dog who could have topped all of them. He tore the siding off the house trailer she was living in at the time. Not the skirting - the actual siding on the building. We never could figure out how he did it; it was sheet metal siding, and although we tried, neither of us were able to tear it or even to bend it much. It was amazing that this dog could do so much damage and not even be slightly injured. He also ate an entire pound of raw rice once and showed no ill effects whatever. He died of old age.

I agree. Anyone can make an error in judgement. I sure have, and on one occasion hiking I really wore my dog out as a result, and still feel bad about it. Mind you, he was with me, had water, and was not in real danger. I can understand leaving the dog up there. I cannot under any circumstances understand his lack of action afterward. If it were my dog I would *never* give up until I had my dog back safely. No matter the reasons, no matter the emotional turmoil or being "distraught", no matter work or anything else he was criminally neglectful and deserves to be punished by the law for that; and he has forfeited his right to have a dog IMO.