NOTE: The following listed dogs are not our breeding. Some are true rescues with a sad story to tell, some are started farm dogs simply looking for new work, many are misplaced superstars only waiting for the right person to bring out the best!
RESCUE PICK(S) OF THE MONTH!
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COMPETITIVE SPORTS POTENTIAL!
BLAZE: A 20 month old male Border Collie (and we love the name :). Registered, performance lines. Neutered, UTD on shots, crate trained and house broken.
Blaze is a super good looking boy with a gorgeous thick coat who has a great temperament.
He gets along GREAT with other dogs and is keen to work and learn. He is both food and toy motivated, this dog shows tons of drive and potential as a performance dog for dog sports or obedience.
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Year after year, hundreds of Border Collies are relinquished to shelters around the world. High energy levels, destructive behavior, inappropriate "herding" behaviors (car chasing, nipping children, running livestock etc.), aggression (perceived or real) are the most popular reasons people give up their border collies.
Thinking that a Border Collie "will be a nice pet for the kids" is a grave mistake. For the most part, Border collies do NOT make good pets unless several criteria are met including training, activity and early socialization (See Border Collies for Newbies on the puppy pages) A Border Collie is an ultra smart dog, which, if bored, WILL invent a job for himself and get into all kinds of trouble.
What you can do to help:
 Never, NEVER get a border collie (or any other dog!) on a whim. PLAN carefully - a dog IS FOR LIFE.
 Never, NEVER purchase a border collie (or any other dog!) from a pet shop. You are only supporting efforts of unscrupulous breeders and puppy mills. ( For info on puppy mills, click here) NO REPUTABLE BREEDER WOULD EVER SELL THEIR DOGS THROUGH A PET SHOP.
 Support local rescue groups. Donations (food, dog supplies, monetary gifts), volunteering, transport and even, if you qualify - fostering are much needed. Support your local SPA /SPCA / Humane Society - THEY NEED MONEY SO BADLY!
 If you are giving up a dog - please DO NOT relinquish to your local SPA/SPCA / Humane Society / Animal Control - tight budget constraints don't allow these shelters to keep dogs for very long, nor can they give them the behavior modification training that may be required. Too often, dogs are simply destroyed due to lack of space. Call your local border collie rescue network - (see links below)
 If you are SURE a Border Collie is the right dog for you - consider a rescue !
 If your mind is set on a puppy, thoroughly research breeders. Visit, ask for referrals (from previous buyers, from local rescue organizations, breed clubs and organizations etc.) and go meet their dogs on site. Are the dogs well cared for? Do they get enough physical and mental exercise? Does the breeder do all the health checks? How often do they produce puppies? Many litters per year should raise a warning flag (commercial breeding), as well as breeding females more than 1x per year. Commercial breeders generally are breeding for one thing only - profit. They mass produce dogs with little or no thought to the puppies they are producing, except that they will earn them money. If they ask you no questions other than, "When can you pick up your puppy / pay for him", look elsewhere. Good breeders will ask you a LOT of questions, as they care where their pup ends up and the life it will have. Don't be offended, and don't be shy to ask them a lot of questions too! If they can't / won't answer them, look elsewhere! Click HERE for tips on choosing a good breeder.
 Also note that just because a breeder is listed on the CBCA breeder and trainer list, it does not mean they have been endorsed by the CBCA! Look for the descriptions under the listing "breeding, training" means the breeder also works their dogs at the Open level (sheepdog trials) and therefore probably breeds dogs that they would want to run themselves with lots of attention to working talent, health and temperament. A "working farm" generally means the dogs are used for daily work BUT NOT NECESSARILY!!! It may be a horse farm that happens to sell BC pups too on the side for the extra money...The breeders described with only "Breeding" generally means they produce pups but do not work them at all on livestock. Be wary and double check that they are not simply a puppy mill!
HOW COULD YOU?
In Memory of "Rambobino", a Border Collie who passed through 6 homes in 6 years, misunderstood and abused, it is no wonder he had the issues he did. Thank you Sylvie de Lafontaine for trying to give this dog a home and finally for letting his spirit go in peace.
When I was a puppy, I entertained you with my antics and made you laugh. You called me your child, and despite a number of chewed shoes and a couple of murdered throw pillows, I became your best friend. Whenever I was "bad," you'd shake your finger at me and ask "How could you?" -- but then you'd relent and roll me over for a bellyrub.
My housebreaking took a little longer than expected, because you were terribly busy, but we worked on that together. I remember those nights of nuzzling you in bed and listening to your confidences and secret dreams, and I believed that life could not be any more perfect.
We went for long walks and runs in the park, car rides, stops for ice cream (I only got the cone because "ice cream is bad for dogs" you said), and I took long naps in the sun waiting for you to come home at the end of the day.
Gradually, you began spending more time at work and on your career, and more time searching for a human mate. I waited for you patiently, comforted you through heartbreaks and disappointments, never chided you about bad decisions, and romped with glee at your homecomings, and when you fell in love.
She, now your wife, is not a "dog person" -- still I welcomed her into our home, tried to show her affection, and obeyed her. I was happy because you were happy. Then the human babies came along and I shared your excitement. I was fascinated by their pinkness, how they smelled, and I wanted to mother them, too. Only she and you worried that I might hurt them, and I
spent most of my time banished to another room, or to a dog crate.
Oh, how I wanted to love them, but I became a "prisoner of love." As they began to grow, I became their friend. They clung to my fur and pulled themselves up on wobbly legs, poked fingers in my eyes, investigated my ears, and gave me kisses on my nose. I loved everything about them and their touch -- because your touch was now so infrequent -- and I would've defended them with my life if need be. I would sneak into their beds and listen to their worries and secret dreams, and together we waited for the sound of your car in the driveway. There had been a time, when others asked you if you had a dog, that you produced a photo of me from your wallet and told them stories about me.
These past few years, you just answered "yes" and changed the subject. I had gone from being "your dog" to "just a dog," and you resented every expenditure on my behalf. Now, you have a new career opportunity in another city, and you and they will be moving to an apartment that does not allow pets. You've made the right decision for your "family," but there was a time when I was your only family.
I was excited about the car ride until we arrived at the animal shelter. It smelled of dogs and cats, of fear, of hopelessness. You filled out the paperwork and said "I know you will find a good home for her." They shrugged and gave you a pained look. They understand the realities facing a middle-aged dog, even one with "papers." You had to pry your son's fingers loose from my collar as he screamed "No, Daddy! Please don't let them take my dog!" And I worried for him, and what lessons you had just taught him about friendship and loyalty, about love and responsibility, and about respect for all life.
You gave me a good-bye pat on the head, avoided my eyes, and politely refused to take my collar and leash with you. You had a deadline to meet and now I have one, too. After you left, the two nice ladies said you probably knew about your upcoming move months ago and made no attempt to find me another good home. They shook their heads and asked "How could you?"
They are as attentive to us here in the shelter as their busy schedules allow. They feed us, of course, but I lost my appetite days ago. At first, whenever anyone passed my pen, I rushed to the front, hoping it was you that you had changed your mind -- that this was all a bad dream... or I hoped it would at least be someone who cared, anyone who might save me.
When I realized I could not compete with the frolicking for attention of happy puppies, oblivious to their own fate, I retreated to a far corner and waited. I heard her footsteps as she came for me at the end of the day, and I padded along the aisle after her to a separate room. A blissfully quiet room. She placed me on the table and rubbed my ears, and told me not to worry. My heart pounded in anticipation of what was to come, but there was also a sense of relief. The prisoner of love had run out of days.
As is my nature, I was more concerned about her. The burden which she bears weighs heavily on her, and I know that, the same way I knew your every mood. She gently placed a tourniquet around my foreleg as a tear ran down her cheek. I licked her hand in the same way I used to comfort you so many years ago. She expertly slid the hypodermic needle into my vein. As I felt the sting and the cool liquid coursing through my body, I lay down sleepily, looked into her kind eyes and murmured "How could you?"
Perhaps because she understood my dogspeak, she said "I'm so sorry." She hugged me, and hurriedly explained it was her job to make sure I went to a better place, where I wouldn't be ignored or abused or abandoned, or have to fend for myself -- a place of love and light so very different from this earthly place. And with my last bit of energy, I tried to convey to her with a thump of my tail that my "How could you?" was not directed at her.
It was directed at you, My Beloved Master, I was thinking of you. I will think of you and wait for you forever. May everyone in your life continue to show you so much loyalty.
~ © Copyright 2001 Jim Willis ~
tiergartenjim@yahoo.com
A Note from the Author: If "How Could You?" brought tears to your eyes as you read it, as it did to mine as I wrote it, it is because it is the composite story of the millions of formerly "owned" pets who die each year in American and Canadian animal shelters. Please use this to help educate, on your websites, in newsletters, on animal shelter and vet office bulletin boards. Tell the public that the decision to add a pet to the family is an important one for life, that animals deserve our love and sensible care, that finding another appropriate home for your animal is your responsibility and any local humane society or animal welfare league can offer you good advice, and that all life is precious. Please do your part to stop the killing, and encourage all spay & neuter campaigns in order to prevent unwanted animals. Please pass this on to everyone, not to hurt them or make them sad, but it could save maybe, even one, unwanted pet. Remember...They love UNCONDITIONALLY.
Border Collies seeking steady employment and active, loving homes in Eastern Ontario and Quebec (and Northeastern USA)
(UPDATED August 18, 2008)
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For Adoption: "Cody" - Adopted!
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August 2008: Cody is doing splendidly in his trial placement - a farm where he gets to do real farm chores - moving the sheep around and helping out. BC Rescue Ontario is very optimistic that this is Cody's Forever Home!
HERDING POTENTIAL!
CODY: A 2 yr old single breed border collie from registered working parents. He is neutered, up to date on shots, and knows basic commands. Cody is very shy at first, but once he warms up to people he is the sweetest little guy ever. At about 33 lbs Cody is on
the small side (people think he is much younger than he is), with a tri-color smooth coat. He thinks he is a lap dog, and will wiggle his way up onto any couch or chair and then into your lap. Cody is easy going
around the house, and settles nicely after some exercise. He can get a bit over the top when too exited and sometimes some of his more inappropriate play behaviors can be misinterpreted by other dogs. Cody has been introduced to stock and has potential to be a great sheepdog. He would make a great farm/chore dog or a novice dog for someone wanting to compete. He has beautiful balance and a great stop. You can see a short video of him showing some of his natural ability here: http://www.pawzitiveart.com/discvideopage.htm
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For Adoption: "Cachou" - PTS by Owner :(
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Cachou - now playing happily at Rainbow Bridge, where she is loved and wanted.
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April 2008: We have just learned that this dog has been put to sleep for becoming aggressive towards the new baby. This is a classic case of stupid people getting the wrong breed from a backyard breeder/puppy mill (who have no screening process, no thought to breeding for good temperaments, just produce to sell and "make money") doing nothing with it, and then giving up on it and instead of attempting to rehome or provide for this dog, they simply kill her. Makes me crazy and very, very sad!
Female (intact), TO BE SPAYED UPON ADOPTION, 3 years old, medium rough, about 35 lbs. This high energy girl is being given up for the classic reasons - new baby, no time. She has some basic obedience and agility training and the instructor says she has potential to excel! BUT she needs a JOB and LOTS of exercise.
She is a space sensitive girl and chooses her dog friends carefully, but doesn't mind dogs who "don't stare, or don't get in her face". She is very affectionate to people.
She is available free to a good home. Please contact the current owner directly. Cachou is located in Quebec, near Drummondville.
Sophie: 819-478-1602; cell: 819-314-4645
Email: lebochamp @ distributel . net (spaces removed of course)
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For Adoption: "Jake" - Adopted!
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Winter 2008: Jake is gone to his new forever home!
For Adoption: "JAKE" is a neutered male, who was born in February 2007. He is a blank slate with loads of fun loving energy that could easily be directed to agility or other sports. He loves to chase and he LOVES balls! Jake gets along very well with other dogs and likes kids although can be rambunctious being a young BC so would best be placed in a home with older kids. He is housetrained, rides well in the car and he walks pretty well on a leash, although lots of off leash, outdoor exercise would be required to keep this high energy boy happy! He also needs a job to do, so some kind of training is a must - basic obedience, agility, tricks...whatever! He is smart and learns quickly.
Jake was given up because his family was moving. He was recently on a trial placement, but the potential adopter felt he had too much energy for her and her elderly BC cross. He is an energetic adolescent who is a BLANK SLATE for the perfect adopter to mold him to excel at the sport of their choice!
Jake is available through Northeast Border Collie Rescue in Dartmouth, MA.
If you are looking for your next sport prospect and can provide lots of activity and love for this sweet boy, please contact Ken by telephone at: 401-301-7031 or by email at: nbcr@verizon.net .
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For Adoption: "Taz" - Adopted!
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April 2008: Taz is going to live in Northern Quebec as "Co-Pilot" to a bush pilot! She will have acres and acres to exercise on, as well as rivers to swim in and of course, a plane to fly (er, well sit in anyways).
Taz is a petite 4 year old by Warren Mick's Glen out of Dave Young's Streak (Amanda Milliken's Boy x Hazel). She has been started on sheep and cattle however is a bit dyslexic (gets her right and left mixed up!) so therefore will not make a trial dog and is not getting the work she needs. She could be a chore dog on a farm or could excel at flyball, agility or other sports, or be an active companion in the country. She is a kennel dog but could easily live in the house as well. Taz is available free to the perfect home, however must be spayed upon adoption at the adopter's expense. Both parents hips and eyes are clear.
To inquire about adopting Taz, please call Dave Young at 819-889-3276. Taz is located in Sawyerville, QC.
Below is a video of Taz working the large flock of Hampshires. She was sent to gather the flock through a gate and into another field.
Alas, I am not proficient at making video and I seem to always loose the audio when I upload!
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For Adoption: "Daze" - Adopted!
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Daze is available at Border Collie Rescue Ontario
www.bordercollierescueont.com
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June 2007: Daze has been adopted through Ontario Border Collie Rescue
DOB July 12-06 (no papers)
Female, spayed, UTD on ALL shots! Very friendly with people and kids. Great with dogs, on the soft side. Does not handle getting bullied or pushed around. Tons of tug drive. Does a sit, down, Hand Target. Approx 19 ½ inches 30-35 lbs. Crate trained, not a big barker. Fine with cats. GREAT off switch. Had some food bowl issues and protective around crate, these have seemed to almost just extinguished themselves, as had no issues lately.
This girl has great structure and drive and would make someone a fantastic agility partner!
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Contact: cindy@bordercollierescueont.com
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For Adoption: "Kelsey" - Adopted!
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March 2007: Kelsey has been adopted through Rosie Animal Adoption
Kelsey: 2 year old female Border Collie Cross is ready for a new job!
Kelsey was found tied to the balcony of the pound and Rosie came to her rescue when her time was up. If you have time for this beautiful dog, she will be a wonderful and loving dog. We don't understand why this dog was given up, she has received training. She sits, does her downs, her stays and give paws - even understands hand commands. She is an active dog who will need lots of exercise. Not suitable for families with young children.
Kelsey is being fostered and placed through Rosie Animal Adoption:
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For Adoption: "JAKE" and brother "Bobby" - Adopted!
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Bobby is the tri in the foreground. Jake is behind (with his eyes closed!)
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February 2007: Jake and Bobby are now living together on a 200 acre farm in Carp, Ontario! They will be trained to bring in the cows, as well as be part of the team in their new guardian's goose control business! No more boredom for these boys!
Jake and Bobby are purebred male Border Collie litter brothers with ABCA papers. They are 2 years old, medium sized and both neutered. These boys have some impressive National and International Champion sheepdogs on his sire's side. Jake has strong herding tendencies so would be best in a home without young children, and where he can get enough to do to occupy his active mind and body. Bobby is a little less intense, but still a young, active BC that needs an outlet! Both dogs love to play and learn and would make a good sport prospects for agility, flyball or herding. They LOVE water, like car rides and play well with children.
Jake and Bobby are being given up because their current owners realized that (surprisingly) 2 Border Collies from strong working lines need a job to do. They do not have "time" for them. This is the most typical reasons BCs suffer through the rescue system in Canada and around the world.
Please contact their owners directly at: 613-253-6116 and leave a message. Please DO NOT consider adopting these boys unless you can provide them with plenty to do, this will be their third and hopefully FINAL home. Experienced BC owners preferred.
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For Adoption: "DIGBY" - Adopted!
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Border Collie cross: Digby is 8 months old, weighs approximately 55 lbs. and is good with other dogs. He is available at Rosie Animal Adoption in Montreal. Digby is a stray that was rescued from the pound. Border Collies are normally active dogs that like to have a job or work at training such as agility. As Digby is still young he will need someone who is willing to exercise him and keep Digby busy. Border Collies are also known as very intelligent dogs. He looks like a pure Border Collie but he is a mix. Border Collies make the most loyal and affectionate dogs for the right home!
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For Adoption: 1 year old male BC from strong herding lines - Adopted!
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Summer 2006: This boy has gone to work on a farm in Ontario!
1 year old CBCA Registered intact male Border Collie. Rescued from owners who were going to shoot him. Crate trained, responds well to sit and down, as well as name when he is not distracted. He has strong herding instinct and has had very little work done with him.
His vaccinations are up to date and he has been treated with revolution before he came into the house. This guy deserves a great home, and some one to spend lots of time training him in a positive way. His previous home was not very positive, and this dog has a fantastic temperament. He is not a biter, there is not a mean bone in his body! He is a sweet dog.
He is being fostered by Nathalie Labelle at Ewenique Farm in Vankleek Hill, ON. Please contact her for more information at borderpup2000@yahoo.ca
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For Adoption: "HOPE"-Adopted!
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April, 2006: Hope has been adopted by her foster family!
Special Needs (Physical): Hope is a beautiful, 7 year old purebred Border Collie available at Rosie Animal Adoption in Montreal.
Hope will give you love you never thought possible. You see her soul when you look into those eyes as they are searching your face for some kind word or smile. She is so well mannered and she is so beautiful. Hope has had a neurological disability all of her 7 years and walks much like a dog with hip dysplasia, although her hips have been x-rayed and are fine. She lacks co-ordination in her hind legs, but can play like any other, runs and fetches.. .Just cannot jump. She has been lovingly checked out and has no pain and can live a normal life except for one small problem, her owner didn't want her anymore and discarded her like a piece of broken furniture.
Rosie is currently in foster care awaiting her forever home.
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Helped to the Bridge: "Rambobino"
March, 2006
His severe aggression resulting from 6 years of changing homes and abuse made him dangerous and he may have never escaped the shelter system. His foster home bravely saw that he was peacefully put to sleep by their own trusted vet, and at their own expense. Thank you, Sylvie, for helping this boy to peace.
Special Needs (Behavioral): Rambobino, a 6 year old neutered male.
This poor boy was chained up in a campground where he was abused by children throwing rocks. Not surprisingly, he is extremely untrusting of people. He has shown signs of fear aggression in his foster home and is not housebroken. He is making the lives of his foster brothers miserable and needs a rehab or forever home that has experience with these special issues and is willing to work through them with training (and medication if required) so this boy can live a normal life.
Please help with this desperate situation.
This boy is currently being fostered in Bishopton, QC
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For Adoption: "ROB" - Adopted!
February, 2006
Rob is now living in St. Johnsbury, VT as working companion to a retired veterinarian / hobby farmer.
Rob, a classically marked 2 year old male Border Collie is a well-bred boy with papers whose lines go back to well known dogs Milliken's Hazel (Rambow x Waifer), Lacy's Tru, JH Wilson's ##Spot, and Cessnock foundation dogs Imp. Meg and Templeton's ##Cap.
Rob began training as a farm dog for a large flock of sheep and some cattle but his happy go lucky, kind temperament doesn't suit hard, serious farm work. He is very sweet, very friendly and could excel at other dog sports or be a first dog for a novice herder. He would also be happy as companion for an active person.
Rob is available free to a good home provided he is neutered at adopter's expense. He does have dew claws on the back, which unfortunately weren't removed at birth. His parents have had their hips and eyes cleared.
To inquire about adopting Rob, please call Dave Young at 819-889-3276. Rob is located in Sawyerville, QC.
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Creekside's Foster Dogs
Rescue Success! "Bronwynn"
Bronwynn was pulled from a puppy mill at age 6 and is now enjoying the high life with Nancy Sutherland in Toronto!
Here is what Nancy writes:
"Can you believe that Bronwynn has been with me for almost a year( May 15 )? She has come such a long way. She is well known in my neighborhood & is somewhat of a socialite. She loves the kids, (you should see her with the soccer ball ) she has a group of dog friends that she looks for whenever we go out & to the park. She has learned to play with dog toys like frisbees by watching the other dogs & chases around just for the joy of running. Of course she always tries to keep everyone within the large circle that she keeps!
Of course, she has her jobs to do as well Fiona. She works hard in the garden & has already dug a couple of holes where she thinks plants should go. As you will see, she assisted with the snow removal, of which we had quite a lot this winter.
Bronwynn is also a celebrity at the local garden center. I took her there this winter to help her with her social skills. The staff love her & of course Bronwynn is the perfect guest. She never touches anything & moves with such care around all the plants & displays. You'll see her by the Christmas tree & w/ the penguin & snowman.
I am so blessed with this lovely girl, Fiona. I can't believe that I doubted that she would be happy in Toronto. She doesn't like the noise of the street ( streetcar, trucks etc ), but then neither do I, so we easily remedy that . She loves just to even go out in the car & happily lies in the back seat , occasionally sitting up to look out the window to see what's outside & then goes back to sleep."
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Helping in the Garden in all seasons!
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Sweet, sweet girl!
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Check back often for available dogs in Eastern / Southern Quebec and Eastern Ontario.
Or visit these pages:
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Rescue Organizations for Border Collies and Border Collie Crosses:
Petfinder Huge National Database of unwanted dogs - both at shelters in the final countdown or in rescue organizations. All breeds of dogs can be found here.
Blaze- a real gem from Glen Highland Farm - Sweet Border Collie Rescue, NY (No he is NOT up for adoption!)
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