Read more about me
here.
Anyone who has ever walked into a strange place full of unfamiliar people and things will begin to understand how Jake felt when his original family dropped him off at a shelter. At only 8 months of age, he was overwhelmed by the sounds and sights and smells, and though the shelter people were kind to Jake, this sensitive boy was terrified. Later, when he was transported to a MWCR foster home, he refused to enter the house, bolting instead for the farthest corner of the fenced yard. It was only when he watched the other collies coming and going through the back door, that he was able to work up the courage to enter the house.
Once inside, Jake was faced with more new and scary things. The items of everyday living were all foreign and frightening, and it is obvious that his original family did not bring him indoors. Doorways, televisions, leashes and vacuum cleaners all had to be encountered for the first time, and though he has done very well with most of the objects of indoor living, the vacuum remains an source of fear and loathing for Jake.
Dogs are remarkably resilient however, and within a week, most of the things that originally terrified Jake became familiar. He was helped through this process by his patient foster family and by the other dogs at his foster home. He loves and trusts the other collies and enjoys playing with them in the fenced yard. There are two children in his foster family, ages 9 and 12, and Jake loves being with them. There are no kitties, so we can't be sure how he would get along with cats, but because he is still a puppy at heart, he might be too unruly for all but the most dog-savvy of felines.
Jake has been neutered and fully vetted. He does have a skin allergy, but this is clearing up through the use of a special medicated shampoo. He is house trained and is learning how to walk on a leash, though his foster mom uses a special harness, since Jake is a master at slipping out of his collar. Jake is a well behaved boy, but he is still a puppy in a dog-sized body, so his family has to be careful about leaving things around that could be chewed. Several shoes and a Barbie have become casualties.
Although Jake has made great strides at his foster home, he is a shy boy who is still learning about all of the things that life has to offer. He is a special collie who will need a special family that will patiently and gently show him the ropes. His fears may cause him to bolt if he encounters something frightening, so it is mandatory that his forever home have a securely fenced yard. He would love to have another dog or children (or both) to play and cuddle with. In the last few weeks, Jake has learned about houses and toys and cars but the most importantly, Jake has learned about love and what it means to be part of a family. Now he ready for that special, forever family of his own.
