Due to the need to move into an apartment, we are needing to find a new home for our Collies. They are beautiful, full bloodied Collies. They are about 2 1/2 years old.

Both are males who have been neutered. Their names are Fred (he looks just like Lassie) and Barney. They were the only two in a litter and have been together with us from about 7 or 8 weeks old. These collies are good natured, friendly, eager to please, and gentle around children. They were obtained to help Dennis as a slash service and therapy dog.

 

Since they were big enough to walk with a leash, they have gone on walks with Dennis on his handicapped scooter. People all over Flora have seen the three out and about town. Children and adults have greeted them with smiles, hugs, and petting. Some of the special characteristics that both Fred and Barney have done are to help Dennis to come out of TIA's and blanking out episodes. Not long after we obtained them, Dennis had one of these episodes, one dog was placed on his lap and the other at his feet. They would lick at him and nudge him until finally Dennis began to move. This has happened several times over these two years. Also when Dennis and Sue are walking them, both can tell if either of us are losing our balance. They will press against our leg to steady us and let us know it is time to go home. Another natural instinct that they have are to bark and scratch against their area door in the night, they are alerting us that we need to check our blood sugars. Almost every time, they are correct and the blood sugars are not normal. All of these things come to them by natural instinct. It had been our purpose and plan to use them in this way. They have met that need over and over.

 

Both have done some informal therapy by going to visit some of our friends who were having health problems. They would place their heads in these people's laps and let them be petted. School children see them and holler out there goes Fred and Barney.

 

They have lived inside and outside. While outside they had a small pen area. They are leash trained, but we do use a head collar to keep from pulling. They do have an accident once in awhile in the house, but only in a certain area. They do need brushing and do shed. They are up to date with shots and have been checked by the vet on a regular basis. The only reason we are giving them up is to this need to move. They need room to move about and an apartment will not be the best home at this time.

 

They seem to get along with other animals. They are the only pets we have, but they see other dogs, cats, birds, and squirrels on a daily basis.

 

If you would like more information about them, this is our phone number 618-662-8516. You can also email Sue at the following sshteacher1@hotmail.com Thank you for any response. Sue and Dennis Hampsten

 

This is a courtesy listing for Sue and Dennis.  These are not shelter dogs, so there is no adoption fee to the shelter for these animals, though the footer to the listings includes an adoption fee on all listings.