Delta Belle, the Border Collie-Adopted!

Delta Belle has proven to be an incredibly obedient and loving dog. During Paul’s training session last week, she stuck to him like glue, always waiting for a command, and executed his every wish with precision! It was very impressive to see her be Paul’s student!

She adored children, and wanted to spend most of her time in my son’s lap! Paul has done an outstanding job at temperament testing her and providing us with details and updates.

History: Delta comes to us from Becky Harshman. Although we do have a description of her temperament, by now, we all know that a dog acts differently in different situations. One thing is for sure, she is NOT a cat-lover. What a shame, they taste like chicken (that was a joke). I can’t tell you if Delta is a ball-lover, a frisbee dog, a couch potato, but I CAN tell you she’s great with kids.

It appears that Delta has been bounced around from home to home, no worries though, I know the feeling because my Mom would’ve loved to do the same with me when I was a kid. We believe she might be about 3 years old, therefore I have to assume that she’s housebroken and has acquired basic manners.

Delta seems to like some dogs, but not others, so rather than me spin my wheels at figuring her out, Paul Pipitone and his lovely wife Teresa have offered to evaluate her… no the truth is I called him begging to evaluate her. Personally, I think this one is going to be a cake walk for Paul!

Delta is spayed, up-to-date on shots, and will be microchipped. She is on transport as I write this so I’m really anxious to see better photos of her.

Update:
Delta’s first night with Paul has been a success. She was taught how to properly introduce herself with other dogs, and Paul says she slept with his dog, Roxy! They are at the dog park now, and more photos and video will be coming soon. Paul says her tail doesn’t stop wagging, and she gives him kisses. He said if he had the property, he’d keep her… how many times have I heard that!!!!!

Delta’s photo album can be viewed on Facebook!

02/28/11 Update: Paul’s Peerless Puppy Prognostication for Delta Belle

Belle arrived by transport at 7:30 Saturday evening. Teresa and I brought her home where I began introducing her to our 6 dog pack one at a time. With each greeting there was a low growl by Belle which I quickly corrected. She backed off and began sniffing, which of course I do allow. Once introductions were complete, everyone milled around the yard without incident the rest of the night. When bedtime came, Belle slept for several hours head to head with Roxy on the blankets in the kitchen. All was well and we retired for the night.

Sunday morning was uneventful as far as anything significant with the pack. I had a customer meeting me at the park so I left Belle home to rest in her crate. By the way, she doesn’t mind the crate at all. Quiet, not a peep.

Here’s where it gets interesting. When we got home from the park Roxy and I waited outside and Teresa went in and let Belle outside. She was excited but greeted Roxy respectfully so there was no issue. Then Teresa let all 4 of my little ones out at the same time. As they ran up all excited and jumping up and down, Belle turned and went head first into the pack and semi-attacked my little Bailey. Well, within a split second Roxy turned and attacked Belle and drove her back to the fence and down on the ground without really hurting her. She basically kicked her butt. No blood, but some serious growling and Roxy had her mouth on Belle’s neck. I quickly grabbed Roxy’s collar and pulled her away and told her that was enough. She made her point quite clear. She calmed down as quickly as she went to battle to protect our little ones. Within just a minute, Belle’s attitude toward the pack was much calmer, relaxed and respectful.

Then it was bath time. My incredible wife is the bather and I am the dryer as we proceed through the assembly line of 6 dogs. Belle was first up cause wheeeeew, she was stinky. She was a bit hesitant to get in the tub at first but once in, she stayed fairly quite without too much fuss, in fact she was very good about letting Teresa spray rinse her head. Once she was out, she shook and shook and shook again spraying water everywhere. We just laughed. When I turned on the blow dryer she kinda freaked out. Not real crazy about that noisy thing blowing hot air. I held her in place by her collar and eventually she calmed down and accepted that she had no choice but to endure it. As those of you who know me know, I believe dogs need to face their fears in order to overcome them.

So, here we are, the end of day one and Teresa and I are both exhausted. The entire pack has crashed and is resting or sleeping. In closing, I have to say that I believe Belle was actually fairly well cared for by whoever had her before. She seems pretty well balanced over all, she has a very sweet personality, and her teeth are very clean. Not usually so with a neglected animal. Her ears are also pretty clean with just a little hair inside, also not usually the case with neglected dogs.
My early assessment of Belle is that she is going to make a great family member. She will be ok with other dogs IF the new owners understand how to be proper leaders so that she will look up to and respect them. This is one great dog and yes Gisele I know I’ve said it a hundred times before but if I kept them all I’d have a hundred dogs.

Paul
To be continued……………………………

Foster Update 3/7/11: What a difference a week makes. With just a little guidence and patience, Belle has learned to be part of the pack and be happy. There have been NO MORE SCIRMISHES. Belle and Roxy haven’t had any arguements at all this week. In fact they are now licking eachother’s face and hanging out together on the patio. Also, Belle respects my little dogs and simply sniffs them when they run up to her all excited. It just took some teaching and giving her the boundries she needs to live by. She is really a terrific dog. House broken, doesn’t chew anything, not much barking. A model citizen. You will not be disappointed if you adopt this sweet girl. Very loving and likes attention. Come and get her. She’s ready fot a forever home.

Delta Belle meets the blow dryer!

Adoption Update: Delta Belle was adopted by Kyle Veilleux, Paul described their first meet as Love at First Sight! Looking foward to getting updates!