Quote: Barbara Schuler

It will be rescue from here on out.

I’ve often thought about that perfect dog. What breed it would be, what he/she might look like. How I would go about finding the perfect puppy. The great temperament it would have, the lack of any health issues. Oh… the things we could do and the places we could go.

Then I have only to look around me and see perfect little eyes set in perfect little bodies, housing the most perfect little spirits that one could ever hope to meet. Then to hear how disposable these perfect little creatures are, and the unfortunate circumstances they’ve ended up in, brings me back to reality every time.

Dog have always been in my life and I’ve spent a small fortune on them but never once have I had the occasion to pay a breeder or really stop to think about what that perfect dog would be. I believe in fate and karma and the intervention of nature. The dogs that are meant to live with me always find me, somehow. I’ve never had to go looking, only open to possibilities.

I set foot in a shelter once and it haunts to me to this day. I fostered for a few years after that and since have only taken dogs that people have labeled as having no hope of adoption.

My dreams come true every day, when I see the effort my boys put forth to please me. We will never be evaluated on our accomplishments and I will never have a wall of trophies for my efforts, but my boys are champions through and through.

I have 70 acres and dream of one day owning the best place on earth for dogs that others have deemed disposable. One day I know that dream will come true.

 Quote: Mara Jessup

My accomplishments with my second hand dogs include- working sheep dogs, certified therapy dog, CGC, Wilderness SAR dog, LB contest winner

I understand that LB contest is a highly sought after recognition!

 Quote: Mara Jessup

Rescue dogs and accomplishments are not mutually exclusive.

Oh Mara, I couldn’t agree with you more. And I certainly didn’t mean to imply that rescued/adopted dogs don’t have their place on the podium or in a hall of fame.

I was merely referring to my current situation – a husky with severe medical issues, a shepherd with an intense, potentially dangerous fear of things children and well, I have hope for my little one but at 32” tall and almost 50” long I don’t see a career sniffing out cargo holds, but his options are definitely open. His excellent temperament has already brought a tremendous amount of joy to a lot of people - we’ll find his niche. And I couldn’t be prouder of my pack.

 Quote: Barbara Schuler

I understand that LB contest is a highly sought after recognition!

It is indeed. And Mara’s a great trainer, very deserving of the prestigious recognition. Plus she has Border Collies, need I say more.

 Quote: CJ Barrett

Oh Mara, I couldn’t agree with you more. And I certainly didn’t mean to imply that rescued/adopted dogs don’t have their place on the podium or in a hall of fame.

I was merely referring to my current situation – a husky with severe medical issues, a shepherd with an intense, potentially dangerous fear of things children and well, I have hope for my little one but at 32” tall and almost 50” long I don’t see a career sniffing out cargo holds, but his options are definitely open. His excellent temperament has already brought a tremendous amount of joy to a lot of people - we’ll find his niche. And I couldn’t be prouder of my pack.

 Quote: Barbara Schuler

I understand that LB contest is a highly sought after recognition!

It is indeed. And Mara’s a great trainer, very deserving of the prestigious recognition. Plus she has Border Collies, need I say more.

Got it!! And I was pretty sure you realized that - it's just something I like to point out for the sake of all the lurkers that could be there.

I think it's neat how we seem to end up with dogs that suit us well - despite the specific challenges. And my jaw dropped at the size of your youngest. Wow, he's a big boy!!

You guys are too kind - Border Collies really do make a person look better than they are!

 Quote: Mara Jessup

And my jaw dropped at the size of your youngest. Wow, he's a big boy!!

Yes he is and he's a handful but he's amazingly calm and one big bundle of joy.

He was assessed by the director of our assisted living home this summer, the one I used to take Edward and Garrett to, and he passed with flying colors. In fact she said she’s never met a pup so suited to spend time their residents. It was nothing official, just her experienced observations of different situations that she presented him with.

He and Garrett have been invited for Christmas Eve festivities on Friday afternoon. We just decided that we’ll go as I learned today that I can get off a little early and Bob’s got the day off. They’ll be all exercised, brushed and decked out in their new Leerburg Christmas collars. It should be fun for all.

Their special presence and outstanding behavior, at times like this, fills my heart with trophies that no shelf is big enough to hold.

 Quote: Mara Jessup

Border Collies really do make a person look better than they are!

Then I will DEFINITELY be rescuing a BC!! Hehehehe.

 Quote: CJ Barrett

Their special presence and outstanding behavior, at times like this, fills my heart with trophies that no shelf is big enough to hold.

I hear ya! Since I have not introduced mine to the elderly yet, it means so much to me to just walk by a family that has a crazy dog and mine behave! lol The little things in life .

 Quote: CJ Barrett

He was assessed by the director of our assisted living home this summer, the one I used to take Edward and Garrett to, and he passed with flying colors. In fact she said she’s never met a pup so suited to spend time their residents. It was nothing official, just her experienced observations of different situations that she presented him with.

He and Garrett have been invited for Christmas Eve festivities on Friday afternoon. We just decided that we’ll go as I learned today that I can get off a little early and Bob’s got the day off. They’ll be all exercised, brushed and decked out in their new Leerburg Christmas collars. It should be fun for all.

Their special presence and outstanding behavior, at times like this, fills my heart with trophies that no shelf is big enough to hold.

That is awesome I look forward to hearing future reports!!

 Quote: Barbara Schuler

 Quote: Mara Jessup

Border Collies really do make a person look better than they are!

Then I will DEFINITELY be rescuing a BC!! Hehehehe.

When you're ready let me know - I know of a couple good rescues/resources in your neck of the woods