Wanted: temporary (2-5 months) foster home for sheepdog puppy. Applicants should be anywhere in U.S, have lots of walkies space, and be able to put up with licks. (Forwarding for SuperTrampoline) · 9:36pm May 2nd, 2020
I was asked to pass this one on. (Read that before you go any further. Any offers to help should go on his blog.)
I'll add a few details to what he said: this is a puppy, so she hasn't reached her full size yet. If you're used to small dogs & medium dogs, go look up the size of a full-grown sheepdog. She's going to need a good amount of food (with associated costs) in order to reach and sustain her adult weight, and she won't really be suitable for a small apartment. Additionally, there's going to be a lot of exercise involved for both of you, and you're looking for that sweet spot between 'I haven't done anything today, so it's time to rebound around the house!' and 'Doggie sleep for next day. Night-night'. Plus as with border collies, this is both a working and herding dog. She's a fluffy plaything, but she'll want something to do and in the absence of actual sheep or exercise activities, she may try to herd you. A sheepdog needs a little bit of loving discipline and if she doesn't get it, then she's going to decide she's in charge.
(Those of you with cats will understand. Except for the part where the sheepdog might listen.)
I'm out for two major reasons: can only take care of one helpless life, and apartment. I do not have sheepdog space. I managed with looking after a pit bull for a few days (after she stopped sulking), but she was just happy to find a place where the couch was freely available. Additionally, her human lived in the building and she could scent him nearby, so the disconnect wasn't full. A sheepdog away from her people for a few months needs more room than I can offer -- and then there's the 'caregiver' thing.
So ideally? Someone used to big dogs, with access to a lot of open space. Previous experience with the working breeds would be a plus.
Oh, and you'll need access to and the budget for a groomer. 'Hypoallergenic' translates directly to 'That's not fur. It's hair. And she needs a trim.'
Thanks for passing this along, Estee. I will add that as you can see in some of the pictures she just recently got (haphazardly given the circumstances) sheared so probably won't need to be again for a bit unless you live somewhere where the summers get really hot. And while yes she will want fun playtime everyday, she also does definitely chill a lot, like two feet from me at the moment. Also, the owner will pay for food/supplies/any damage.
I grew up in the sticks. The neighbors had sheepdogs.
Think "A bit taller than a Lab + bulky"
& they ain't really a dog for those that live in cities.
+ Dogs need companionship 24/7
If they can't be with a human or another dog ALL the time
they will be miserable. Dogs do NOT believe in "suffer in silence"
A cat will do, but they need something to be with.
I would love to take her on, if I actually could convince the rest of my family. We just lost a border collie who's been in our lives for over a decade, so we definitely know how to handle working dogs. But we're also by Chicago, which is quite far away, and I am not sure my family would want to foster a dog when the loss is still somewhat fresh.
I hope y'all find someone. <3
5254905
According to Tramp's blog, her family is driving cross-country regardless and can pretty much detour to anywhere along the way. Alaska may be pushing it and Hawaii has problems, but the Lower 48 are reachable.
5254905
Chicago would be fine. Besides, my one of my partners lives in Chicago and could stop by from time to time to say hi to her.
5254932
I'll think on it more and see what the rest of the household has to say then.
5254933
thanks.
>.< were actually in the processes of looking for bidders to put up fencing so that our own growing pup, a mix of border collie and Australian Shepard, will have a free space to run around safely. Unfortunately this will be months away with everything going on otherwise my wife is awwwing like crazy over the pics..
Best of luck finding someone I'm bummed we can't help right now.
5255036
please share pictures of your pupper
I hope the puppy gets a good home!
5255071 https://photos.app.goo.gl/aJezQGiy7pwnnNGo7
https://photos.app.goo.gl/kqgcqr6CcqiC7vPDA
This is Sox.
Also screw trying to do photos from your phone.....
5255714
PUPPER!!!!!