In his current shaved condition, Wilson is something of a diamond in the rough, but hey, FUR GROWS! By the time the snow flies, he will be a handsome, thick coated, collie boy. Wilson came to us from the Nett Lake Reservation in northern Minnesota where his family was going through a crisis. If a home wasn’t found for him soon, the tribal police were going to shoot him. When his foster mom arrived to rescue Wilson, he was tied to a tree with no food or water; he was filthy and his fur was matted to the skin and full of wood ticks. His foster family tried bathing and grooming him, but it soon became apparent that he needed a full body shave. In addition to the ticks, his skin had numerous hot spots and scabs from fly bites. This poor boy had endured nightmare conditions.

Today, Wilson can hardly believe the love and care that he is receiving. He initially didn’t even know what dog food was and tried to counter surf and rummage through the garbage for his dinner. He has since learned that there will be plenty of healthy dog food coming his way and has stopped the counter surfing. He does still occasionally check out the garbage for left over pizza, but then who isn’t tempted by a little left over pizza?

When Wilson arrived he was starved for more than just food – he was starved for love and affection. He now wants to be near his family at all times and must be reminded that he is not a “lap dog.” He is very gentle with everyone and really loves children. Even children as young as two years old are safe with Wilson. He has behaved beautifully with all of the dogs that he has encountered, from a strong alpha male to several small dogs. He and his canine buddy particularly enjoy playing in the water and trying to catch minnows in the lake. Wilson’s foster home also includes horses and he has never tried to chase them.

Until coming to his foster home, it is likely that Wilson had never been inside a house. Even so, he has quickly adapted to the indoor lifestyle and is now fully housebroken. He loves the luxury of sleeping on a bed or couch, but will reluctantly get down when his foster mom catches him. Although there are many indoor experiences that are new to him, Wilson has learned to trust his foster family and will do anything they ask.

Wilson loves to run free (who wouldn’t after living tied to a tree) and always stays close to his home. His foster mom has noticed, however, that if someone leaves, Wilson will try to follow the vehicle. He probably won’t need a fenced yard at his forever home, but his family will have to supervise him when outdoors.

Wilson is looking for a forever family who will make up for his prior rocky start in life by lavishing him with the love and attention that he craves. He is such a gentle, loyal boy that he will make a wonderful addition to almost any family: men, women, kids, dogs, you name it! Wilson will love them all.

Wilson is being fostered in Ely, MN.