Duchess is a three year old sable and white spayed female Collie girl. She has lived her life outdoors - winter and summer. Some kind neighbors came to her aid when the owner was overheard saying, "I want to get rid of that thing" about her. When Duchess' soon to be foster mom pulled up to the house, Duchess was lying in the street because her owners didn't even care enough about her to help her stay in the yard.

Since Duchess had never been properly cared for and brushed out her fur became tightly matted against her skin. So matted that it was making it difficult for her to walk, much less go potty or play. She had to be shaved to the skin to be freed from that very uncomfortable situation. The above photos were taken prior to her haircut so you could see how beautiful she is.  (photos are forthcoming of her "short 'n sassy" haircut.)

Now Duchess can run any play with her furry foster pals and human children. She's had to learn how to play because they were too serious at her old home for her to learn about that. She also is learning how to be an indoor dog. She's done a good job since she has learned that the recliner isn't just for people! She's only had one accident in the house on her first night there when she didn't understand how to ask to go outside. She has a kitty at her house, but pretty much ignores it. She walks nicely on a leash and is great with other dogs, cats and children.

The vet was really pleased with what a good dog she was, even though she was fearful of going into the vet. He said that the fear of going into the room wasn't a big deal. He has seen A LOT worse. He thought she was very healthy for never having any care. She weighed in at 92.6 pounds! He said she needs to be down to between 70 and 75 pounds so is currently on a diet and coming along nicely with that. Also having kids and other dogs to romp with makes exercise very fun!

She is current on all of her shots and ready to be adopted into a home that will continue to help her get down to her "target" weight.

Duchess is a very happy girl and just wants to be cared for and loved. She is thriving in her foster home with people who give her the love and attention that she has wished for her whole life.

Latest Updates from Duchess' foster mom:

5/10/03

Duchess had her Doctor visit yesterday (Friday May 9).  She did excellent!  The first visit to the vet was very 'scary' for her as she had only been there once in her life and that was for the spay.  This time she went right in with the tail wagging!  She greeted everyone and even did the "I'm here" bark!

She is down to 79 pounds from 92 pounds.  Yea!  Amazing what a little love, exercise and regular feeding schedule with good food does for a creature!

She has definitely become acclimated to the life of leisure as an indoor dog!  And she has really learned how to 'play' with her other canine family.  I am sure in the past she had to 'fight' for her territory.  Here she has figured out that this is a "no fighting zone" and only rough house play is allowed.  She is even getting into Lily (our 1 year old Airedale) bugging and bugging her.  Now Duchess bugs Lily too! 

She is very attentive and craves attention.  Wonderful after getting none for all those years!  She loves the walks in the neighborhood and does so well on the leash.  And she has had a birthday you know!  4 years old now!

We will keep you updated!

Donna and Jim

5/6/03

Andi,

Thanks for the note.

Duchess is doing great.  Her hair is growing back slowly and she is definitely loosing some weight!  She goes in Friday to have her 'booster' shots and we will do her weight again then.

Good luck with your upcoming busy time!  We will touch base with you after your life has calmed down again!

Donna and Jim

4/22/03

Andi,

Wanted to let you know that my friend who was the neighbor of Duchess came over today.  I thought Lori would cry when she saw Duchess.  Not because of her new haircut but because she was playing with our Lily and as Lori said "she just looks so happy!"  She is doing great and it felt good to have someone that knew the "old" Duchess tell us that she looked so good.  And I am showing off the web site to everyone!

Donna!

Duchess was fostered in Duluth, MN.