River, a Border Collie who adores Children! ~ Adopted

Recently, we were contacted by Nadia Caron-Davis, a volunteer with Friends of Citrus County Animal Services (FOCCAS), regarding a female Smooth Coat Border Collie. Nadia informed us that 2-year-old River was very friendly and people-oriented, but not doing well in the shelter environment. We know this to be true of many dogs, especially the intelligent, energetic herding breeds.

“No problem,” we said. “We love smoothies!” Just look at Flirt and Flip, two former TDL smoothies who were recently adopted.

Ever-helpful Nadia was kind enough to transport River half way to Ocala, where I met her and drove this smiling, bouncing little girl the rest of the way to Dee Holcomb’s place. Dee will foster River until her perfect family comes along. I can’t wait to see the diary entries and photo updates that chronicle her transformation from shelter dog to loving family pet!

Here’s what we know so far: River is two-years-old and weighs 39 lbs. She is outgoing and friendly, very much “a people person.” She appears to get along well with other dogs and loves to play, especially when it comes to balls and squeaky toys. River is crate trained and enjoys riding in the car. She’s spayed, micro-chipped, up-to-date on all her shots, and heartworm negative. Basically, just add water and go!

~ Amy

River’s photo album can be viewed on Facebook.

If you think you might be interested in adopting River, please read our Dog Tips and then review our adoption process and e-mail amyb.thedobliberator@gmail.com

May 12, 2011:

We knew River was okay with kids, but apparently her feelings go beyond mere tolerance — she LOVES children! Here’s what foster Dee Holcomb’s daughter, Candice, says about our girl: “If you’re looking for a family dog for your kids or a dog for your little ones to grow up with, this River is that dog. She doesn’t just put up with 13-month-old Cole, she turns to putty with him. She plays ball with him, loves to chase him in his swing, and takes walks along side us. She is the perfect family dog who loves to be involved in everything the family does.” Who ever said herding breeds aren’t good with small children? Certainly not us!

May 20, 2011:
Dee reports that River continues to surprise everyone with how gentle she acts around 13-month-old Cole. She doesn’t object when he crawls all over her or takes her toys, sometimes right out of her mouth! Her favorite pastimes are fetching her ball and playing with Cole when he’s outside on his swing (she likes to play with his feet). I hope a wonderful family comes along and adopts River soon — Dee and her family are getting very attached!

 

 

July 8th Update:

I cannot believe that River has not been adopted.  It is so rare to find a dog that is so extremely tolerant of toddlers as she is.  Plus she loves other dogs as well.  In my heart I think the problem is the camera.  River is one of those dogs that doesn’t photograph well.  It’s always hard to get a good photo of a black (or white) dog ~ they just seem to suck in the light.  Plus, like some of the Border Collie puppies I have fostered, River does that funny thing with her ears when she sees a camera.  Honestly, I think that the real problem is that people who don’t know smooth coat Border Collies think she is  pit bull!  It makes me nuts.  I’ve been involved in rescue for so many years that I’ve seen this over and over again.  Someone sees a black and white, or brindle, dog and they label it a pit.  Ugh.  She isn’t.  She is a smoothie.  And an amazing one at that.  Rive just photographs poorly.  But what she does do well is live and love.  Read this wonderful update from her foster and you’ll understand what I mean:

“I wanted to let you guys know that she is doing great. She gets along well with all 5 of my other dogs and of course my 15 month old nephew, Cole and our friends 12 year old daughter, Fabi.  She loves to run and play with my Chihuahua/Beagle mix, Odie and her new favorite activity is swimming in the pool with us.   She loves water. She will actually get on the pool float and float around in the pool. She is an awesome dog. ~ Dee ”

I know that River is going to end up in the most amazing home.  Our dogs who wait the longest, well, it always proves to be worth the wait!!!