Do you love Border Collies, but get a little worried about the incredible attention a young, mischievous dog needs? Why not consider a senior Border Collie? There are many benefits for choosing a senior dog over a puppy or adolescent. The list is voluminous, much like the love and attention you will enjoy from a wise, attentive companion. Some of the benefits of adopting a senior dog are:

• Border Collie Lite - Ever see a Border Collie running in circles, chasing lights, herding leaves, etc. uncontrollably? You still get these quirky things that owners love, with a lot less intensity and more controllability. Own a BC without most of the trouble you got through with a younger dog

• Pre-trained! Most of our senior dogs have had a bit of obedience training to get where they are in life. If they are a little rusty in their commands, they quickly learn.

• You can teach old dogs new tricks, and most of the time, they learn quicker since they are less easily distracted!

• The breed has a long life expectancy. A senior Border Collie can live to be 15 to 17 years old on average.

• Border Collies keep their puppy qualities from day one to the last. They will always bring a smile to your face, but as seniors, they are a little less impulsive.

• Chewing? Just for food and toys. Senior dogs usually don't have the chewing issues younger dogs do (especially Border Collies) due to their reduced energy levels

• Housebreaking - with a puppy, you constantly have to worry about their bladders since they don't especially like to wait. Older dogs are usually housebroken by time they leave rescue AND they can hold it much longer.

• Senior dogs love to sleep. they will let you sleep through the night. Try that with a younger Border Collie.

• WYSIWYG - What You See Is What You Get. This pup won't be getting any bigger, or slobber more, etc. You know what you are getting.

• Instant companion - you have a dog that can go and do everything with you now! You can spend time playing with him and enjoying time, rather than cleaning up or worrying if he is going to chew something.

• Less vet trips. Puppies need a lot of vet work in the beginning of their lives that can get quite expensive. Your new friend will usually just need his yearly. Cute and less expensive!

• Keep your hobbies - A new puppy or younger dog needs a lot of attention on THEIR terms until they learn yours, which can take quite a bit of time. A senior dog will get into your groove quickly and just want to be near you, not on you.

• Bonding with your new friend - Your new friend is wise and attentive. He will want to be part of your pack and integrate quickly. They know what life on the street was like and will be very attentive and loving.

So are you ready for your new, seasoned pup? Check out our and other Border Collie listings for your new companions that are waiting for their forever homes!

The Grey Muzzle Organization gives anyone who has ever loved an old dog the opportunity to help senior dogs who are without a home. "We envision a world where no old dog dies alone and afraid." To learn more about The Grey Muzzle Organization, click here.

Testimonials

From Paula who adopted seniors Blake and Petie:

Blake and Petie were such great companions and personalities that I would do it again.

I have nothing but good things to say about adopting an older dog. I have owned several Border Collies from puppy stage and my memories of Petie and Blake are just as dear to me as the rest. They were instant companions. Our time together was more like inviting a friend into your home and learning what they did and did not like and how they reacted to things. They were well behaved from the beginning, knew basic commands and a few tricks we didn't learn until later, like speak and shake. We learned what certain barks meant, where they liked to sleep and their own patterns together since they grew up together. I'm sure this would be different with different dogs but there was not a lot to teach them. They were well-behaved mature gentlemen from day one. I enjoyed learning their quirky habits as they did mine. I will definitely look at adopting an older dog in the future.

Super Seniors - Last Updated 11 Jun 2013

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Molly

• Sex: Female (spayed)
• DOB: approximately 10 years old
• Coat: Black and White, Rough Coat
• Weight: 59 lbs
• Activity Level: Mellow Companion

Molly spent a couple of weeks at Wake County Shelter as a result of having been consigned to Protective Custody, following an eviction. Her owners did not reclaim her.

When Molly arrived at her foster home in late April, she could barely walk. She emerged from the car, crawled down to a pond on her foster's property, and drank from the water. Her back end was so weak, she couldn't get up from lying down on a wood floor. She had lost her coat from the waist back to a flea allergy. She was overweight, which complicated her ability to move around freely. Nevertheless, she immediately brightened up in her new home and struggled to get up from her bed to be with her new people, wherever they went.

Now, more than a month later, Molly has lost 5 pounds, goes on a brisk walk twice a day, is growing back her coat, and barks when she wants to go out to potty. Molly's medical issues were neglected by her former owners, but she must have been treated kindly. She trusts everyone from children to adults, house dogs and cats, and even chickens. She can now arise, even from a slick floor, and get where she wants to go. Her teeth are worn, but clean. She sees and hears very well.

Molly loves attention and will submit to grooming, ear cleaning, as well as nail and tooth care. She responds to the "Come" command, but does not seem to understand (or be able to accomplish) the "Sit" command. She is excellent on leash and follows faithfully off-leash. She is a loyal, affectionate Border Collie with none of the usual issues, such as noise phobia or obsessions.

Molly will make a good companion to a family which will enjoy a beautiful Border Collie who puts her chin on your knee, walks obediently by your side in a walk to town or in the woods, and sleeps a long sleep at night. Oh, and did I mention that Molly washes her face like a cat!

For more information on Molly, please email or call Ellen Pearson in Pittsboro at pearson522@embarqmail.com or 919 545 2014.

  

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Gracie

• Sex: Female
• DOB: September 2000
• Coat: Black, White, Brindle, Smooth Coat
• Weight: 48 lbs
• Activity Level: Active Companion

Miss Gracie is a mystery. She was turned in to an NC shelter by owners who said she had been adopted by a Border Collie Rescue. They dropped her off and never looked back. She was clearly a well loved dog at some time in her life. She seems to inspect every visitor and passer-by to see if they can, perchance, take her back home. It is amazing the loyalty dogs have.

We know she is not the prettiest girl in the class but her personality is outstanding. She has the most adorable expressions. Gracie is 10 years old but has the energy and enthusiasm of a much younger dog. She romps and swims and absolutely loves to play catch.

She has a very inquisitive nature. Gracie is always interested in meeting new people and exploring new places. She rides nicely in the car. Gracie is currently living with 15 other dogs and gets along with all of them very well. Although there are no cats or kids in her present foster home, her records indicate that she is good with both.

Gracie has made herself comfortable in her foster home. But she really wants a home of her own and especially a person of her own. She will make someone a faithful, loving companion.

Gracie is house trained, crate trained, and knows many basic commands.

She is a sweetheart, a really wonderful girl!

Gracie is being fostered in Durham, NC. If you are interested in Gracie, please contact Ann Miller for more information: annMiller@nc.rr.com or 919.682.6125, (prior to 21:00 please).

   

   

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