By Durant and Cheryl Imboden
Bearded Collies were part of our
family for nearly 17 years. Holly, our black-and-white Beardie, died in 2001
at age 15¾; Pippa, our white-and-black "mismark,"
was just three months short of her 17th birthday when she died in 2002.
So,
when we decided in fall of 2003 that the time had come to get another dog, we
wanted a Beardie or a "Neardie." And because we'd always owned purebreds that
we'd raised from puppyhood, we thought it was time that we adopted a homeless
dog. So we contacted Beardie
Rescue and B.O.N.E., two
organizations that locate and find homes for Bearded Collies or Beardie mixes.
We soon got an e-mail that told us of an adult female Beardie that needed a
new home, and we agreed to adopt her sight unseen. (See "If
you're interested in rescuing a dog" and "If you need
to give up a dog" below.)
The accompanying photo album and video clips show Maggie, the dog we adopted, from the time we picked her up
at a Beardie Rescue worker's home until she had settled in at our house the
next day. She's a delightful dog with only one foible: She's aggressive toward
other dogs after having been attacked by other dogs in the past. We're hoping
that, with training, she'll become more comfortable with other dogs--and in
the meantime, she's certainly comfortable with our family.
To
see Maggie's pictures and two Quicktime videos, click these links:
If you're interested in rescuing a dog:
Don't overlook your local pound, Humane Society, or "no-kill" pet
shelter. We had our hearts set on a Beardie or "Neardie," but if we'd been
been less interested in a specific breed or mix (or if we'd wanted a type of
dog that was more popular in our region), we would have adopted from a local
shelter.
Be sure you're ready for a long-term commitment. Countless pets are
handed over to shelters and rescue programs every year because the owners
don't have time to care for them or can't afford to pay for food, veterinarary
services, and other costs of pet ownership. If you adopt a dog, be prepared to
accept responsibility for that animal.
If you're adopting a purebred, research the breed. Different breeds
have different characteristics. For example, Beardies tend to be sweet and
affectionate, but they also need exercise, human companionship, and frequent
grooming. (If you want a low-maintenance pet, don't get a Bearded Collie!)
When asked for the required donation, give more than the minimum.
The required donation or fee often doesn't cover the expenses related to the
dog's rescue and pre-adoption care, which may include a vet's exam and spaying
or neutering as well as food and incidental costs. The rescue coordinators and
foster homes give generously of their time, so please be equally generous when
you write your check. (Think of canine adoption as a good deed, not as a way
to get a dog at a bargain price.)
For Beardie and Neardie rescue
organizations, see the links in the navigation table below. For other breeds
and mixed breeds, see the Open Directory Project's canine
Rescues and Shelters index. If you'd like to take an older dog into
your home, contact The Senior Dogs Project.
And in Britain, see The Dog Rescue Pages.
If you need to give up a dog:
Don't just hand it over to the pound. Instead, look for a shelter or
rescue organization that can help place the dog in a home where it will be
cherished and cared for. That's what Maggie's owner did--and because Maggie's
owner took the time to find Beardie Rescue, Maggie ended up with our family
instead of being put to death in a city dog pound.