Thursday, February 11, 2010

Introducing Dakota.

I used to be very active with a local rescue. I did adoptions mostly, but also was a foster home. I used to always have an extra dog or two kicking around. A year or so ago I quit for personal reasons. This week I offered to foster a dog. Crazy eh?

But...Dakota needed somewhere to go, and how could I resist a face like this?



She is a 1 year old Border Collie/Whippet cross. At first glance all you see is Border Collie. Even in the photos it is hard to see the Whippet. And then you see her in real life and you're like "Oh...there it is." She is very roached, and has the longest legs possible and a tiny little body. Seriously she is about 4inches wide, and isn't that skinny...

She has been in two homes and was surrendered when she kept escaping out her yard...

At this point Dakota is very shy. She will growl if cornered or rushed into a greeting. She is uncomfortable in large groups of people. But this will change. Her temperament is solid- it's her socialising that is lacking. Already in one meet and greet session she was relaxed and taking cookies from people. I am confident that with a little work and patience she will come around in no time.

She is very stereo-typical border collie in the way that she obsesses about stuff. If the ball rolls under the couch the couch gets moved. If she wants a toy that is on a shelf she lets you know. Once she is focused on something she doesn't know how to move on to the next thing.

Dakota is very good in the house and has good manners. She doesn't get in the garbage, on counters, or on the furniture. She is housetrained but has had a few accidents. Mostly she will self entertain if she has a toy to destroy.

Once she gets to know you she is affectionate and friendly. It does take a bit of work to make friends- but once you're her friend she won't forget you. She likes to be in the same room as you and loves to lay at your feet.

She is quite good with other dogs and is very playful. She is a bit on the dominant side and will try to push the other dogs around. She can also be toy/food possesive with other dogs. My dogs are teaching her how to play nicely and how to share. :o)

There is no shortage of motivation- she loves all toys, and all food. She is very smart and has already caught on to the clicker and shaping. (I've had her for one day!) Toys have the most value to her and she doesn't always bring the ball back during a game of fetch but we are working on it. She will be an easy dog to train because she REALLY wants to make you happy and earn her reward.

I think that Dakota would make a great pet, and a fabulous performance dog. She has the brains, and the build to be a great agility dog, and the drive to be a flyball dog. Dakota could be an amazing dog with the right owner.

She is available for adoption through Prairie Dog Canine Rescue but all applications will be screened by me. And just a warning, I am picky and will want the best possible home for her. The first application may not be the best....If you are interested in knowing more about her, or would like to apply please email me at manymuddypaws@yahoo.com. Make sure to put Dakota in the subject line.

Here are some more photos for your enjoyment.







15 comments:

Megan said...

Oh man, she's adorable!

Jenilee said...

Neena is very excited about having a play buddy for a few days...

Traci said...

awww, she's adorable! I hope she gets an awesome family! I'm sure you will see to that! She's lucky to have you helping her!!!

doberkim said...

oh my god, do you know how tempting this is?

THANK GOD YOU ARE FAR AWAY.

i just posted on facebook today about how i wanted a black tri smooth BC for my next competition dog.

Loretta Mueller said...

She is SOOOOOO cute! :-))) I hope you find a home for her very very soon!

^..^Corgidogmama said...

Looks like a great dog! Whippet body for sure. Hope she finds a loving home....she'd be a keeper!

Lynda said...

I know way back in the old days, in England, I believe, they use to cross the BC with greyhounds and they were called Lurchers.
Could she be one?
Looks like a very cool dog.

BCxFour said...

Wow you are right she does look all BC. You know when we adopted Beth we thought she was a whippet cross too - but we later tracked her microchip - found her breeding and sure enough she is purebred BC. This girl looks so much like my Brynn in body shape... are you going to have an opportunity to try her on stock? I wonder what she will do... She is absolutely GORGEOUS! WANT WANT WANT! (thank dog you live so far away).

Taryn said...

What a beauty! I hope the perfect home comes along soon!

Elayne said...

All I can say is I'm glad you live far far away.

manymuddypaws said...

We'd ship to the right home by the way...

seriously....

i got pixel from Florida for doG's sake!

Sarah said...

i think you should just keep her, you want a borer collie anyways, and since she is Gyppie cute, she could do no wrong.

2halves said...

OMG. You're right. She would totally fit right in here.

What a stunner!

2Elkies said...

She's beautiful. She is very lucky to have you as the one to approve her forever home! (If you really do let her go) :)

Holly said...

What a lucky dog Dakota is to be in your foster care.