Champ's Web Page

Description:

Oct. 13, 2009

Champ is a black and white, full coated Border Collie with prick ears. He is approximately 2.5 years old. He is laid back and low energy FOR A BORDER COLLIE—this is not to say as a dog, in general. He does like a daily walk, and benefits from working for his food: either clicker training or working on a food-dispensing puzzle.

Although he can be withdrawn when first placed in new circumstances, he is very affectionate, particularly with walking partners. He does appreciate having a space of his own that he can retreat into when he gets overwhelmed. We’ve set up a covered crate that we always leave open for that; he often “puts himself to bed” away from the other dogs.

We don’t know too much about what kinds of socialization Champ received as a puppy, but he behaves as if there wasn’t much attention paid to that aspect of his growth— we think this is why he sometimes chooses to avoid meeting new people. We have been working hard on getting him comfortable going into new situations. We are at the point now where we will be starting group obedience classes very soon.

Champ is a good passenger in the car. He quietly looks out the windows or sleeps.

He is mostly submissive to dogs, even small ones such as Rat Terriers, and is alarmed and awed by cats. Champ is not much interested in retrieving toys so far, but is very interested in herding dogs that are, themselves, interested in retrieving toys. This behavior has been noticed in both of his foster homes, and, in fact, he has abraded wounds in his feet and continued to herd the dogs, he was so driven to herd. It is unknown how well this would transfer to livestock, but he was using a lot of eye while doing it (I wouldn’t have thought that would work on dogs!)

Champ has Addison’s disease, caused by an underfunction of the adrenal glands. For treatment, he receives an injection in his leg muscle every 4 weeks, which doesn’t require a vet visit. The medicine costs $40-45 a month, but treats the disease fairly well. He may tend to get tired on walks a little faster, or be a little more clumsy, than he might otherwise, but it’s hard to tell there’s anything wrong with him.

It sounds like he has a lot of problems, but he is a very loyal, loving, and intelligent dog looking for a stable, consistent forever home.

Champ is neutered, microchipped, up to date on shots and on heartworm and flea/tick preventative. He is being fostered in St. Louis. For more information on Champ please email comebyebcrescue@hotmail.com To apply to adopt Champ please visit www.comebyebcrescue.rescuegroups.org

August 13, 2009

Champ is a beautiful, docile 2 year old border collie. He was relinquished by his owner due to her hectic travel schedule. He has since been living with 10 other dogs of various shapes and sizes. He has acclimated well with the pack, playing with 3 specific dogs. This was a bit tough for him since he is a very gentle dog and he prefers to play with the rough and tumble dog. Champ would rather play chase than to play fight. He is still a bit unsure where his place is in the pack and prefers to sleep away from the others.

Champ has a strong herding instinct. He loves to follow one of the dogs who is constantly chasing balls. Although Champ’s goal is not the retrieve the ball, his goal is to herd the dog that does.

Champ is an intelligent dog. He learned quickly to use the doggie door and loves to be outside. He does have a startle reflex even with common noises so Champ may not have had a lot of experiences. Champ is house-broken and crate-trained. He suffers from Anderson’s disease and requires a monthly injection to keep this in check. Champ would do great as a single dog or, perhaps, another gentle dog. He would love to just snuggle next to you on the couch.