We Do Not Believe In Crating Dogs.....

Children, however, are another matter entirely!

[FosterDog1 didn't want the crate, so the kids decided they could have it!]

Boy are Collies sweet! FosterDog1 is SUCH a dream - she is so gentle and sweet. She loves everybody - and I do mean *everybody*! She just follows us all around nosing for pets and being happy. She looks like she is laughing all the time.

I expected some behavior problems from her after the trauma she's been through. Instead, I got the perfect Angel Dog. She goes potty outside [and lets me know when she needs to go, I don't even have to worry about it]. She would die before she'd bite someone. [She might lick an intruder to death maybe... but never bite!] She has very nice house manners, she doesn't steal food or chew or soil things. She is calm but not boring - she sleeps a lot, but she is always ready and excited if we want to do something with her. She loves getting petted, she loves going for walks, she loves being brushed and groomed, and she doesn't mind learning her obedience lessons. She is not as quick as WonderDog was to learn [WonderDog really was a genius dog], but she does learn at her own pace and is very sweet about doing what you want her to do.

She is kind and patient with the children, and they, in turn, adore her. She is really the perfect dog for them.

I joined a Collie email list and I asked there if all Collies were this sweet, and the answer was a resounding YES!

That is another thing I've noticed - when we are out and about, people LOVE to come talk to her, pet her, etc. We have lived in our house for the past 2 years now, and I have met more of my neighbors and talked more to them in the last week than I have in the previous 2 years! Every time we walk, someone comes out to greet us. People will come out of their homes to say high to FosterDog1. I don't know if it is the "Lassie" mystique where we are all programmed to love collies, or if it is just that she LOOKS so sweet and friendly, but whatever it is, it has been a really neat experience.

FosterDog1 is going to become a permanent member of our family - we are adopting her because we cannot bear the thought of her leaving us. She is pure joy to have around.

Honestly, after having this collie, I don't think I will ever be without a collie again - they really are the perfect dog.