Cassidy - Adopted 10/5/02

My name is Cassidy and I am up to date on all my vaccinations and ready for a home to call my very own.  I am a sable and white rough collie boy. Some say I am actually called a 'pure for sable' collie. Pure for sable ? All I know is that my foster mom says I have a great face and coat to go with it.

Recently, I blew all my puppy coat and now have my adult coat growing in. They are guessing my age to be about 15 mos old. I am a smaller collie boy...and am very healthy. I am crate trained as well as housebroken - but most days I still prefer my crate for security. My foster mom says that I am very, very shy and am afraid of new situations or strangers. A fenced in yard is a must for me, sometimes I can become scared, enough to make me run. I need extra patience with a watchful eye to make sure I don't get into any frightful situations. I was found as a pup with another collie, unsure at that point what a 'human' was. However - I do know that they are nice creatures and give lots of hugs and kisses.

I have come a long way from when I first entered rescue. Socializing is a must for me, as currently, I have a great start . I have been learning some new commands, I know how to 'sit' very well and I heel very well on leash. However - I haven't yet felt comfortable enough to take many walks 'outside' of my home. That will come with time my foster mom says. I am a little uncomfortable with small children and quick movements. Loud voices also make me uneasy - however natural occurrences like thunderstorms or music are no problem.

I forgot to mention, I am very food motivated. Taking me to obedience classes (small ones) would be great at helping me build up my self confidence.

Cats, other animals...I love them all. I still love my doggie friends very much and I love to play ! My favorite toy is a squeaky ball. The squeakier, the better. Tennis balls and chew toys are great fun as well !

I do sleep in my crate at night, but once in a while my foster mom will catch me on her bed having an afternoon siesta. In fact...I like to cuddle and love to be brushed (especially when I am relaxing) when laying on her bed. I am easy to groom and enjoy giving kisses for all the extra special attention.

I am a soft hearted collie looking for that patient and secure home. I would prefer to go to a home with another dog because I am more at ease 'following' the lead of another. I am a good boy and would like someone to call me their own. Love is mostly what I need, as I have learned it is good to be loved by another.

Latest Updates:

Hi Kim & Mel

I wanted to give you a quick update on Cassidy.  He is doing great, great, great!  Everyday, he just keeps getting better and more comfortable with his new home.  And he LOVES Buddy and Buddy LOVES, LOVES Cassidy.  I can't believe how well they are getting along!  They are together constantly, except for our daily walks.  Cassidy still isn't ready for that, yet.  I think he is getting closer to wanting to go (heaven forbid he is away from his Buddy.)  I have walked him around the front yard and down the block a bit, but I don't want to push it.  We have plenty of time to get there.

Also, he hasn't had any accidents in the house, which is good because I am afraid that Buddy might try to mark over  Cassidy's spot (something he is doing in the yard.)  Buddy was a little jealous the second day but has gotten over that.  I am trying to make sure that I share my attention between both of them.  Cassidy slept in his crate the first night, but after that he has slept on my bed.  He is so cute and cuddly.  There was one exception to this last night.  Cassidy decided to wake up at 2:00 AM and start playing with Buddy.  After listening to squeaky toys and play fighting for 15 minutes, I put Cassidy in his crate, pointed Buddy to his favorite couch, and I went back to bed.  It was pretty funny (actually not at 2:00 AM), but later in the day.

Cassidy is also teaching Buddy some games.  Buddy did not have a clue on how to play tug-a-war with another dog.  Cassidy kept bringing a toy in front of Buddy to play, but Buddy didn't get it.  I went out and bought a bigger, longer squeaky toy which Cassidy proceeded to use to bonk Buddy on the head.  Buddy got frustrated and finally grabbed the toy and "ta-da" he finally understood.  The only bad thing is that the toys are not as heavy-duty as they need to be.  I woke one morning and thought it was snowing in the house.  There were stuffed animal guts everywhere!  They must have killed about six of them.  They seemed to be pretty proud of themselves.  They were not the typical herding dog, but great hunting warrior dogs!

Cassidy is in his crate during the day while I am at work.  I am not ready to give him his freedom until I know his chewing potential goes down. That boy will try to chew anything....shoes, coffee tables, ottomans, my bed. Anyway, I don't think he minds too much.  Plus, he and Buddy need a break (to re-fuel) from their constant play-time.  And that bark...oh my god....I thought I was going to die laughing.  It actually scares Buddy a little bit.  He comes running to me if I am in a different room and looks at me like "We've got to get that fixed."  I tell him to go teach Cassidy the correct way to bark, but I think he thinks it is useless.

As you may have noticed, I haven't changed his name, yet.  He does come to that name when I call him (I've had to stop using the Pooper name due to the strange looks from my neighbors, friends and relatives.)  I also like that his name does help me remember his friend, Sundance.  It's kind of a tribute, don't you think?

Finally, (this is a pretty long e-mail from a person who doesn't like to type)

Kim - I did check with the techy people here at the bank and they said that we didn't have any problems with the bug-bear virus, apparently because of McAfee and our firewalls.  So, I felt pretty comfortable sending this out to you, today.  I still feel bad if I somehow gave you the virus.

Mel - I know you said that you would like to come visit Cassidy sometime, so just give me a call.  You are very welcome.  When my sister came over the other night, Cassidy went into his crate but came out after about five minutes.  Then he wouldn't leave her alone.  The fact that Buddy was getting attention from her probably helped.

Anyway, I bought some film today and plan on taking some pictures of my boys this weekend.  I will send them, soon.  I can never thank you and your organization enough for my wonderful new friend.  I will always be grateful.

Kelly

Cassidy was fostered in Onalaska, WI.