SeattleSteve

As long as we are sharing pictures of BC's in the snow, here is my boy "Shake" after our recent storm. He was in heaven. http://img217.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img3195gw5.jpg

There is a great dog food commercial out right now with a BC whose head is half-white. Gorgeous dog. I just caught a glimpse of it. I don't know if any of you are the same way but frequently I will not be paying attention to commercials and then I'll catch a glimpse of a BC and perk up.

A friend of mine and I were talking this morning about dogs in movies and the effect they sometimes have on their popularity. I know BC's were featured in "Babe" and "the Day After Tomorrow," but were they in any other movies?

My BC "Shake", often referred to as the Shakenator, spends a great deal of time home alone. He manages superbly and I believe there are some reasons why: 1. When I am at home, I keep him close to me and spend quality time with him. 2. I take him everywhere I can take him. He would much prefer to people watch from the car window while I am at the store than remain at home. 3. I take him to the dog park to socialize with other dogs a minimum of 45 minutes a day 2 times each day, one the AM and one in the PM. He positively knows when its time and looks forward to it. 4. I include him in as many family activities as possible. I never relegate him to the garage or laundry room when we have people over. He is always part of things at my house. 5. I reward him on the weekends with hikes or extended stays at the park. He knows a Saturday, trust me. As a result I feel like Shake is a very happy, well-balanced dog. I am not a perfect owner. I often feel guilty when he is alone too long but he always greets with with that huge smile he has. He never chews things or is destructive in the house - never. He is a perfect little boy in that regard and I believe it is because he is smart enough to "anticipate" his reward (trip to the park). And I look at what his options might have been had I not been at the shelter when he was available. All in all, I think he scored. A border collie is work but they are worth it. I think you can commit to a BC even with a tough work schedule. But when you are there, the BC has to know that he/she is part of your life. That's my $.02

I never give Shake bones. He seems to choke on them no matter what.

Adorable Brilliant Caring Mischevious Manipulative Loyal

Shake digs the water BIG TIME

Kali, you must be strong and do what is in the best interests of the pet. Only you really know if the pet is in pain and what qiality of life she has. 14 years is a good, long life for a dog. If she is deaf, blind, arthritic and incontinent, you need no justification for doing what you feel is best. Best of luck.

Will someone now start a thread titled "DIShonest reviews on the book?"

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Don't know about this subject but I saw your name and wanted to show you a picture I took a couple of months ago at Sawyer's Glacier, in Alaska. Cool, huh?

The books say 12-13 years but that sure seems low.

Having fun is what counts. Great shots

Your smooth coated BC is truly a good looking dog, no doubt.

Yeah, maybe. But I'll deal with the BC's coat problems just to enjoy it's beauty. I am much more naturally attracted to longer haired coats than shorter haired coats. Before my BC I was looking at Bearded Collies. Talk about going from the frying pan into the fire as far as maintenance goes.