Nick was a perfect dog on the way home to Duluth yesterday. Before we left, we went to French Park in Plymouth for a little outing and a lot of pats from strangers.  On the way home, we stopped in Forest Lake at Culver's for dinner.  He sat outside with us and managed to wheedle a smidgen of my cheeseburger.  He also got a little stroll at the Kettle River rest stop.  In between, he and my Mary Rebekah eked out a snooze and he let Mary rest her head on his haunches. Kinda cute.

Now that he's home, he's being treated like a rock star by the girls.He made it very clear (not noisy or demanding, just worried eyes) he did not wish to be left behind this morning, so he accompanied us to school and to the coffee shop!

Nick really enjoys his walks!  Right after school, Mary grabs his new burgundy leash (quite complimentary with his sable coat) and the two other girls take turns with Kip and her pink leash and off they all go tails up!  They were gone for a full 45 minutes this afternoon and made for a sight coming back down the sidewalk!  The girls were still in their uniforms and the dogs looked quite elegant with their contrasting colors!  That 45 minutes gave me a chance to cuddle up to the cats who took the opportunity to give me a talking to!

New to Rescue!

Nick is a 5 1/2 year old smooth gentleman.  Through no fault of his own, he was returned to a local Hearing/Service dog organization, who enlisted our help to find him the best home possible.  At 5 1/2, Nick is too old to begin another career with a new hearing impaired person.

He has been at his current foster home for several weeks, and his foster mother thinks he is as near to perfect as a dog can be.  From the moment he arrived, he has behaved with total decorum to the resident cats and dogs. Nick loves playing with his new friends, and has thoroughly enjoyed just being a dog.  From his antics at the dog park, it seems Nick would be best with a fenced yard, as he would like to go visit every person and every dog in sight.  Not shy, he is more than willing to instigate play with any and all takers. Because of Nick's training and continuous proximity to humans as a hearing dog, along with his current joy of being able to play daily with his new foster dog friends, it is highly recommended that Nick's new home have plenty of opportunity for either human or canine companionship.

Thunderstorms make Nick nervous, he will pant and be a bit restless. Loud noises startle him, but he recovers.  He has excellent recall, knows his commands very well.  His eyes show immense intelligence, love, and the desire to be "home".

Nick is very food motivated, and could easily, if allowed the opportunity, become a mooch or counter surfer.  He is a very calm dog, and will sit/lie with you for as long as you wish him to.  Of course, being young, he needs plenty of exercise in addition to his quiet times.  It seems he hasn't spent very much time outdoors - while he loves playing outside, for the most part, he would rather be indoors, and will politely ask to go back inside.  (Of course, that may be because he thinks the food is inside also - his foster mom hasn't quite figured out if there is an ulterior motive to his wanting to be indoors!).

Not too much of a barker, Nick will bark at the fence when there are passersby, or at the front window.  Once distracted, he will stop barking.

With Nick's intelligence, calm demeanor, and loving personality, this boy is an absolute gem.  The wonderful forever home that Nick finds will be fortunate, indeed, to have this gentleman collie as part of their family.

Nick is being fostered being fostered in Minneapolis.