We heard last night that our dog's littermate has not had a very good life. He had all the right health care but not much attention. He has spent most of his life penned up, so is starving for love. He will be 2 years old May 2. He is 7/8 Aussie and 1/8 Border Collie, is a blue merle. He is an outside dog and is sweet and outgoing, but no one ever bothered to teach him anything. He is neutered. He needs a country home where he gets lots of love and attention. He is a little ways away from here, which is Silex, Misssouri 63377. We could have him here for pickup. Is the right home out there among my fellow Countrysiders?

-- Debbie in MO (risingwind@socket.net), March 30, 2002

Answers

Debbie, most Aussies from MO are from puppy mills. Be careful who you adopt a dog from.

-- Hank (hsnrs@att.net), March 30, 2002.

I beg to differ. Of course there are SOME Aussies from MO who come from puppy mills, but there are many wonderful, caring breeders here too. I know some of them personally. Remember I mentioned that this particular dog is my own dog's littermate. My good friend Bobbie Ives bred this dog from her two favorite pets. They are not purebred, but they got the best of care. Another neighbor wanted a puppy, but then made the mistake of giving to their 20 year old son, who took it home and stuck it in a pen. I know MY dog, his brother, and he is just an exemplery pet. Incredibly smart and sweet.

-- Debbie in MO (risingwind@socket.net), March 30, 2002.

I adopted a dog with a similar history from the pound. After she got over her bad habit of rushing at the people she wanted to play with she turned out to be an excellent dog. She really had NO idea how she was to behave around people, but she loved people so she learned.

-- Terri (hooperterri@prodigy.net), March 30, 2002.

Debbie, I wish you luck finding a good home for this excellant sounding dog, however please call and spade a spade, this dog is NOT an Australian Shepherd. This dog is a mongrel, cross breed, mutt,whatever you what to call it, but tell it like it is. Advertise correctly. Doesn't mean it won't be a great pet but it's not a purebred. Good luck with him, hope he gets a good home. LQ

-- Little Quacker (carouselxing@juno.com), March 30, 2002.

I reread Debbie's post, she stated he was 7/8 Aussie & 1/8 border collie. I don't see any place she mentioned he was a purebred Aussie. I think it was someone else who made that comment. Debbie, I wish we lived closer, he sounds like he'd fit in at my place but we're about 550-600 miles away in KY. Good Luck, I think it's a wonderful thing that you are trying to do- helping him get a loving home. Blessings,Kathy

-- Kathy Aldridge (beckoningwinds@yahoo.com), March 30, 2002.

Debbie - I do herding dog rescue on my own - if someone can help w/ transport, I'll be in SW IN some time w/i the next couple of weeks & would be happy to take him. I've had good luck rehabbing & rehoming herding dogs. I have 2 Aussie/BC's that I rescued off Death Row & they're the best dogs I've ever had in my life! I've rescued almost my entire 34 years of existence. Call them what you want, but IMHO, crosses are almost always better than PB's when it comes to health, intelligence, neuroses, etc.

Regards, Sarah/MI

-- Sarah Sanders (chilechile@hotmail.com), April 01, 2002.