• Address: Traverse City, MI 49686 (map)
• Date Posted: 11/04/09
• Age: Young
• Gender: Male
• Offered by: Shelter

Border Collie - Large - Young - Male - Dog - Gus

Update: 5-18-09 Gus is still doing fabulous! He loves to run and play with my Dobe, Mia, out in the dog yard. She can be pretty assertive at times and he just takes it all in stride with no retaliation and either walks away from her or puts on the charm with his calming skills to tell her he means no harm. We've been working on eye contact and how to sit over the past few days and Gus is a natural at this stuff! He catches onto things within two to three repetitions. We continue to work on his leash manners during frequent walks. He's still not crazy about being in his crate, but will settle down quickly once in there. At least I'm finally able to get him in without objections now. He's to the point to where he'll run to his crate and wait for me to bring him his meals, but still requires me to say 'in' before gladly hopping in to wait patiently for his bowl. He will now stay in his crate the entire time he eats before coming out. He's even comfortable with me closing the door while he's eating...we're working up to me being able to latch it while he remains calm and accepting. I am finding that he does have a little bit of separation anxiety but it's not too bad. His crate, stuffed kongs and bones come in handy during times when he is unsupervised in order to curb any destructive behavior that may occur while we're away. Although he's not a big fan of his people leaving him, he does very well at night time outside of his crate as long he knows his people are still home. Gus is totally house trained and has not lifted his leg once anywhere in the house. He has not met a person he does not like, nor has anyone ever met him without walking away saying how wonderful of a dog he is. Gus also got his first introduction to an agility jump and a few weave poles tonight! I had Gus and my Dobe, Mia, out in the dog yard and decided to set up a jump and short set of weaves to work with Mia on after she and Gus finished tearing around. Gus showed interest in what Mia was doing (the tasty treats I had might have had something to do with it), so I positioned myself so that Gus was on one side of the jump (jump bar was low) and I was on the other and called him over (he was off leash). He eagerly popped over and was immediately given a tasty treat. Within a few goes, he was thinking this was pretty cool and was popping back and forth over the jump like a pro! We also tried out a couple of weaves off leash. Even though he didn't really 'get' the concept of the weaves (not that I expected him to his first time giving them a try), he gave them his best effort and I was able to easily get him to weave through five poles several times with enthusiasm. (I know, not a beginner obstacle, but all I had set up was the weaves and jump...next time we'll throw in a tunnel!) He really had fun, and I think if someone were looking for a buddy to cruise around a course with, he'd do a great job! If you're interested in adopting Gus or have questions about him, feel free to contact his foster mom at wildecarnival@netzero.com You can also find an adoption application by visiting http://www.northstarbcr.org . ************************************************ Update: 5-11-09 Check out Gus playing with resident dog, Mia, at his foster home! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6W2l-qvMKd4 If you're interested in adopting Gus or have questions about him, feel free to contact his foster mom at wildecarnival@netzero.com You can also find an adoption application by visiting http://www.northstarbcr.org . ************************************************ Update: 5-9-09 Gus met a cat this morning (completely unintentionally). We walked into my mother-in-laws house, Gus was leashed, and there in the middle of the hallway sat Big Fat Ugly Cat. Gus froze. His nose started twitching and he leaned forward to investigate. Big Fat Ugly Cat arched his back, bared his teeth and hissed something fierce...obviously not a fan of canines. Gus' eyes widened to the size of saucers as he slowly slunk backward, his tail between his legs and quickly, yet methodically, eased his way back into the mud room and out of the unwelcoming aura of Big Fat Ugly Cat. He peaked his head through the doorway to see if the cat was still there and watched as Ugly Cat quickly darted into the bedroom and under the bed. Having seen the cat retreat, Gus eased his way back into the hallway with a little coaxing. He took a wide birth as he quickly ran past the bedroom door, the deep throated growl of Big Fat Ugly Cat just daring Gus to step foot in the room. I think I can safely say that Gus would not chase a cat. **grin** If you're interested in adopting Gus or have questions about him, feel free to contact his foster mom at wildecarnival@netzero.com You can also find an adoption application by visiting http://www.northstarbcr.org . ************************************************ Update: May 8, 2009 Gus is settling in very well here in the Palmer household. When he's not meandering along behind my son to see what he's up to, Gus can be found sprawled out froggy style on the tile floor next to my chair or curled up on a rug watching the world go by. His carefree, happy nature never fails--a single glance causes his tail to wag and his face to light up as if to say, 'I'm so happy to be alive and to have you as a friend!' As a Lab/Border Collie mix, Gus seems to have inherited the BC's quickness when darting through doors, its silky coat and intelligence as well as their black and white coloring, but structurally looks like a lab. He's a very smart boy who picks up new things very quickly and is a very good, attentive student. Gus will readily share his toys with his canine housemates and does not protest when someone swipes his ball. He's definitely a glass-half-full kind of guy and is happy to go in search of another. He's a considerate fellow who has learned the value of sharing, waiting patiently for someone to finish with a toy before choosing it for himself. Somewhere along the line he's learned to speak canine well and knows better than to approach another dog who is eating or chewing a bone. The couch and beds are never thought of as sitting spots when it comes to Gus. He'd much rather back himself up and plop down on your lap than nestle down in a comfy cushion. He's never thought about jumping on the furniture or the beds, choosing a piece of prime floor real estate whenever sleep gets the best of him. Gus' ideal greeting behavior is to place his head in your hands so you can nestle your face into his neck and give him kisses. His front feet very rarely ever leave the ground unless he's jumping up in a jousting matching with a canine housemate. This guy makes a cool cucumber look like the poster child for ADD--everything about this boy exudes calmness and total self control. His favorite past time is relaxing, and if he has a human companion to give him scratches and rubs, his life is complete. If you're interested in adopting Gus or have questions about him, feel free to contact his foster mom at wildecarnival@netzero.com You can also find an adoption application by visiting http://www.northstarbcr.org . ************************************************ Update: May 5, 2009 Gus' crate training is coming along very well! Although he isn't 100% loving the crate yet, he will go in without much coaxing. I've been feeding him in there and making sure he has lots of treats and fun things to do while crated. He will whine a little when he first goes in but settles down quickly. He sleeps through the night without a peep and seems to be completely housebroken. He's eating well and settling in nicely. He's been hanging out with me all night, following me around like a shadow. He's sitting next to me as I type, leaning up against my leg and watching the other dogs wander around. There isn't one thing that I don't like about this dog....he's the perfect companion! ************************************************ Update: May 4, 2009 Gus took a little walk down by the lake tonight and promptly jumped in! It was a little chilly for his liking, but he certainly is no stranger to water. He confidently walked out on the dock and hopped up on the pontoon boat (as it sat on the hoist) like he'd been doing it all his life! This boy's going to be a water lover this summer, for sure! Gus is proving to be quite the gem of a dog. I really can't see anything wrong with him that would cause someone to give him up. Everyone who meets him comments on how mellow he is and, 'Man, is he ever a good dog!' is always on the lips of those who meet him. He's great with kids (he currently is living with a three year-old boy and has met older children as well) and does not jump up on them or knock them down. He's really just a little boy at heart, relishing in the exploration of rocks, soggy logs and mud puppies right along side the two-legged boys. He sat next to me as I sat on the shore, his paw in my lap, and enjoyed the passing boats, seagulls and the setting sun. Gus truly is the perfect go-anywhere companion who eagerly greets people with a wagging tail and a quick lick of hello in handshake. He's melted my heart already with his adoring eyes, his goofy antics and his want to always be by my side. He's going to be a tough one to let go of, that's for sure, but I know he will make the perfect companion for a new person or family as he's really touched the hearts of mine in the short time he's been with us. ************************************************ Three words describe this fella perfectly…happy, tail-waggin’ fool! Gus is a one year-old Border Collie/Lab cross who is the jolliest fellow you will ever meet! He’s completely up to date on vaccinations, has been neutered and wormed and will be ready to go to his new forever home once he’s been in rescue for a couple of weeks so we can get to know him. So far we’re finding that he’s nothing but a big sweetie with a Lab mentality. He takes life in stride and doesn’t become easily upset. He’s pretty mellow for a young BC/Lab, not jumpy or mouthy and walks very well on leash. We’re working on teaching him his new name and crate training, but more importantly, just letting him settle into his new surroundings and routine. He’s met all four of the resident dogs at his foster home without a single issue with any of them (three females and a male, all large breed dogs). He does not seem to be a resource guarder, is OK with other dogs near him when food is around and readily gave up a tennis ball to a puppy (who took it right out of his mouth). He’s a big goofball that likes to run and play but is also content just lounging around and rolling around in the grass. Gus will definitely be one who has to be crated when not supervised. If left to his own vices, he gets bored and finds things to occupy his time…things that may not be considered appropriate by human standards! Overall, he’s a very, VERY nice dog that is very affectionate and has a permanent smile on his face and wag in his tail. Stay tuned for more to come! Please feel free to contact Gus' foster mom, Mandy, if you are interested in adopting him at wildecarnival@netzero.com

CHARACTERISTICS:
Breed: Border Collie [Mix]
Age: Young
Size: Large
Gender: Male
Offered by: Shelter
Petfinder ID: 13635128

ADDITIONAL INFO:
Pet is house trained
Pet has been spayed/neutered

CONTACT:
North Star Border Collie Rescue | Traverse City, MI | | northstar@pentel.net.

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