Nellie is a 4 year old border collie/Aussie/lab with beautiful blue & brown eyes, soft chocolate fur, and adorable white socks. She has been a wonderful pet: smart, adventurous, and snuggly. Nellie has some anxiety around new people and dogs, but despite anxiety, we have been able to have friends over with no problem, she remembers and loves our close friends and family, and she has a couple dog friends (including her brother jack russell) that she loves. She is able to hike and swim in rivers and play fetch if she can be the only dog.
Pet's Name:
Nellie Pea (Nell, PuppaNell, Nellie'sBelly, NelliePupotchki)
Dog: Primary Breed:
Border Collie
Birthdate, estimate is okay:
June 30, 2020
Age Category:
Adult
Where did you get your pet?:
Crossroads Animal Rescue, Seneca SC
Adoption Day, when did you adopt your pet? An estimate is okay.:
Aug 25, 2020
Gender:
Female
Size (at full grown):
Medium
Weight (in pounds) at full-grown size. Example: 35:
50
Primary Color:
Brown
What are your pet's favorite toys and activities?:
Belly rubs; swimming; playing fetch with sticks, tennis balls, or frisbees (bringing it back is harder); snuggles & couch naps; car rides; training sessions & classes; hikes & walks (lots of people and dogs are stressful, though)
Has your dog received any formal obedience training?:
Yes
What commands does your dog know?:
Sit, heel, down, place (these are great); wait, stay, come, front, off, drop it, & leave it (these are good, but inconsistent)
Has your dog ever exhibited any challenging behaviors, such as biting a person or another pet? If so, could you please share some details about the situation?:
Nellie has been a nervous Nellie her whole life. As a young pup, she went to daycare & sometimes scuffled with rambunctious dogs. We did extensive training after these moments, but she was nervous around other dogs and new people. This summer, Nellie fought with a 9 lb dog who had been nipping at her face, the little pup did not survive. This is the not the first time Nellie has fought, but was the first time she had even drawn blood. She had been doing so much better around dogs-- we were trying to be so cautious, and her training was helping her feel safe. We strongly believe that she should be an only dog (certainly no small dogs), and that caution always be exercised when Nell is with other dogs. She has never been aggressive to people, but may bark- it takes her a bit to warm up.
How does your dog react to being left alone for short periods?:
She may bark, but she's OK if she's inside. Never destructive.
Are there any specific triggers that cause your dog anxiety or stress?:
New people, dogs. Nellie is protective, and may perceive danger where there really isn't a threat. She may be jealous of her person.
Is there a particular routine that works best for your dog in terms of feeding, walking, and sleep?:
Nellie would probably prefer to eat alone. She can hide/guard a long-lasting treat if there are other dogs around, but we remove it if she does that. She loves to have a place she can retreat for quiet-- a break in her crate for a lickmat or puzzle is helpful, as is the command "place" as long as she knows you'll be nearby and no other animal or human will bother her when she's on her "place"
Medical History and Care:
Vaccinations up to date
Spayed or Neutered
House/Litter-Trained
Microchipped
Special Diet
Special Needs
Never Vetted
Unknown
Does your pet have any history of health issues or medical conditions that potential adopters should be aware of?:
Nellie has had allergies and occasionally is on apoquel. Benadryl helps when she has little itchies, but we've used the Rx when her tummy skin gets inflamed from licking & itching. She will aslo probably need to continue on antianxiety medication.
Personality:
Playful
Constant Companion
High Energy
Medium Energy
Low Energy
Stubborn
Timid
Needs Training
Friendly to Strangers
Good with Other Dogs
Good with Young Children
Good with Cats
Bonded Pair
Requires A Fenced Yard
Crate Trained
Purebred
How is your dog with other dogs?:
Selective: Gets along with some dogs but not others.
How is your dog with cats?:
Not sure: Haven't had enough interaction to determine.
What's the most endearing thing about your dog?:
Nellie will show you her belly ALL the time. Sometimes she just runs into the room and lies down for a belly rub & will wait, patiently and hopefully, until she gets one.
What criteria are important to you when considering an adoptive family or home for your pet?:
Someone who understands that despite her anxiety, she is so so loved and so capable of love. Someone who can keep Nellie and other dogs safe by taking her anxiety seriously. Someone who will let her snuggle on the couch or bed.
Is there anything else you'd like your pet's new family to know?:
We love Nellie and will miss her forever. We KNOW she has lots of love to give a new family.
Why are you rehoming your pet (primary reason)?:
Personal Problems
Rehoming reason details (if necessary):
We are primary caregivers for aging parents, who have small dogs and who are not comfortable around Nellie any longer.
If applicable, do you have the legal right or necessary permission from the breeder or rescue organization to rehome this pet? :
Not Applicable
Yes
How long will you be able to keep your pet before you may need to consider surrendering him or her to a rescue?:
One month
Who is your veterinarian?:
Cathy Jordan, DVM at Crossroads Animal Hospital
What do you feed your pet?:
Diamond Naturals/ Taste of the Wild/ Blue Buffalo... and a little chicken or other treat on top. She regularly gets lickmats or puzzles with peanutbutter, scrambled eggs, chicken broth, wet dog food, etc
Do you have pet insurance for your pet? :
No
Would you consider a long distance adoption?:
Yes
No
Maybe
City, State:
Seneca, SC
Zip Code:
29678
How did you hear about us?:
Google Search
Service Level:
Assistance Needed: Help Me Choose