Avalanche is an 85# lap dog. He could be a Newfoundland and Rough Collie mix. Perhaps he is the first honest to goodness “teddy bear of a dog.” When Avie first came to us, he needed some time to realize that he was safe and would continue to get food twice a day, every day. And now, he is beautifully filled out and as happy as a great big puppy can be. He runs with abandon and pounces on the snow. 2½ cups of dog food disappear quickly in the morning and again in the evening topped with pumpkin or yogurt. He taught himself the doggie door by watching the other dogs walk through a wall. Smart, fun, lovable . . . Avvie! Avalanche is neutered, vaccinated and microchipped. He has learned some basic skills like sitting for a treat and not running people over with his exuberance. He is cautious with strangers but very loving with his own people. I can imagine him supervising the play of children during the day and then flopping down next to them at night on a big, cushy dogbed. He will need some space to run and play and perhaps a doggie playmate to wrestle with. In his foster home he loves to play with a 2-year-old Smooth Collie mix and a giant blue merle Rough Collie. He does pause long enough for a nap and a biscuit and then off to the races again. An 8-year-old girl has been the “test child” for Avalanche, and he has done well with her. Avalanche’s adoptive family adored him, especially the children. What we learned from the time he spent with them in Evergreen, Colorado, however, is that this wonderful huge dog has a terrible storm anxiety. When a thunderstorm is approaching, Avalanche panics. He paces and drools. He jumps baby gates and fences. He practically tries to jump out of his skin. As a result, he was returned to his former foster home for further evaluation. There are some excellent homeopathic products on the market that relax the dog and reduce his anxiety without drugging him. Avie’s condition is now being managed with an appropriate remedy administered twice daily, and his foster family reports a tremendous improvement in just a couple of weeks. Avalanche’s fear probably will be a lifetime issue for him, so any potential adopter must fully appreciate his wonderful attributes and understand how to manage his anxiety. He needs a stay-at-home person because you never know when a storm will appear. Being on a leash with his “safe person” when the ions start to bounce around even before the storm clouds gather keeps him relatively calm. Lots of love and reassurance. And this dog is so worth it! I would be delighted to discuss Avalanche with potential adopters and coach them through his transition. Let’s talk. Please begin the process for adoption by going to our website at www.colliesheltierescue.org, reading our Policies & Guidelines and, if we sound like the right group for you, proceed to the online Adoption Application. From there, our receipt of your completed application will be confirmed by email. You will receive a follow-up phone call if we feel you are a good potential applicant for the dog. Lots of good conversation with the foster family, a reference from your veterinarian, and a home visit round out the screening process. We take dog adoption very seriously. Please put a lot of thought into why you want to adopt a dog, and help us make a good match for your family. We appreciate your taking the time to visit with us. We will look forward to hearing from you as well.

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Please begin the process for adoption by reading our Adoption Policies and, if we sound like the right group for you, fill out our online Adoption Application. From there, our receipt of your completed application will be confirmed by email. You then will receive a follow-up phone call if we feel you are a good potential applicant for the dog. Lots of good conversation with the foster family, a reference from your veterinarian, and a home visit round out the screening process. We take dog adoption very seriously.  Please put a lot of thought into why you want to adopt a dog, and help us make a good match for your family. We appreciate your taking the time to visit with us. We will look forward to hearing from you as well.

 

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