Libby's big ears

We were trying to get a shot of Libby's ears, they are growing faster than the rest of her. You can imagine how hard it is to leave her home when I have to go to work.... She's so damn cute I swear I'm just going to eat her up.

A personal note

I began this blog with the goal of showing what it’s like to foster border collies and to possibly encourage others to do the same. I hope that is what I’ve done.

When I had to part with a dog I’d grown especially fond of it was impossible for me to put that into writing, tears flowed in private. When a foster dog showed dangerous behavior that would make it unsafe to place in a new home that decision was made, also impossible to explain in a blog post and caused more tears.

Dealing with an owner needing to find a home for their dog on a moments notice, telling me they would SHOOT it if I didn’t take it. Does that sound like blackmail? Owners tell me their dog BITEs children, then get mad at me because I won’t take it. Owners with a senior pet needing to make that end of life decision, wanting me to do it instead by placing it the dog in my care. Add the many dogs from county animal control, that owners won’t even bother to come and get knowing they could be put to death if the kennels are all full.

I don’t want this post to be read as depressing or sad. I write to explain my feeling of “being all used up”. Sorting through applicants has become something I dread. Trying to glean information during a phone call that would tell me if this person will be a truly caring compasionate dog owner. Listening for those red flags such as, “I used a shock collar on my last dog” warning me they may be a bad choice.

Until recently the joy of sending a dog to a new home was reward enough. There have been so many very wonderful families that have adopted a fostered Border Collie, about 20 a year. I thank them deeply.

I’d like to devote more time to my own dogs. Bud and Bonzie are getting older so having a new foster dog in the pack is stressful for them. And then my precious little terriers they fill my heart with little dog joy.

My wish is for others to do the fostering for a while. Two families have started doing just that. I’ll be here to support their efforts in any way I can. A big thank you to them.

Border Collies needing homes and/or foster care will still be posted. Otherwise I share the on going life here at Shedd, hoping you will bear with me as I take some time to regenerate so to speak.

Another sunny day for pics

This summer we left the front half acre un-mowed the dogs really enjoy it.

But a bit of a challenge for little Libby .

She almost keeps up with the big dogs.

Sniff sniff something smells good in here.

She fears nothing, except getting drops put in her eye.

At play with Tess and Bud.

You need to click on this photo to see it larger. It looks just like she's sticking her tongue out at Bud.

Submissive kisses?

Betty Betty, Libby and Bonzie. A nice sunny fall day to play in the yard.

More of our little Libby

She's carrying the new toy from Canine Hardware, the "Evader"

A wee little speed demon

An "explosion" of hair

Look at those ears

A "riot" of hair

You can't hear her, but she's barking ;-)

Future agility champion

Can you tell we love Libby to pieces?

We are especially touched to see todays photos. One week ago one of our border collies, during play or a quick snap, injured Libby's eye. We dashed to the vet. It was VERY painful, swollen and totally red with blood. It was heart wrenching. Armed with pain meds, steroids, and antibiotics we treated her for the week. At her appointment yesterday she still has no vision in the eye. If it remains healthy but blind we will leave it be. If it worsens we may have to remove it. Time will tell. It took a few days, but our happy little terrier is back being the the "little terror" she was before.

Barking Libby

At 13 weeks old she can dance and sing!

Rudy and Libby

Rudy is our most recent foster Border Collie, returning to Shedd for placement. His name was Valentine. You can see his puppy pictures in our February posts of this year, he is looking for a new home. Libby is showing him the ropes by chasing him around the yard. Too cute.