Quirk
Quirk is a 4 year old mixed breed (according to his DNA test, more than 6 breeds!) He has an endearing expression and a sweet personality. He is pretty shy with people, especially men, but clearly wants to be involved with them. His ideal home would be a quiet and patient single person who would let him snuggle on the bed and go hiking, but would not expect him to be a social butterfly with strangers. He is fine with cats with a proper introduction. Oh, and did we mention the cutest ears? Quirk is neutered and current on vaccinations.
Thomas
Thomas is a border collie/corgi mix. He is about 5-6 years old. He is a character but probably needs an experienced and firm home as he will push limits when permitted.
Dallas
Dallas is a 7 year old Australian Shepherd/Border Collie/Cattledog mix. He is super affectionate with his owner and likes to sleep under the covers when its cold out. Dallas tends to make questionable decisions in ambiguous situations and needs a handler with a quiet lifestyle and good management skills.
Wrigley
Wrigley is a neutered 10 year old Australian Shepherd with a tail. He's had a tough past and will need a patient person who is willing to accept his quirks. He can be very loving and is a handsome boy. He does have high anxiety and a few behaviors such as pulling on a leash and not tolerating grooming well.
Opie
Opie – DOB August 12, 2014 – Male Border Collie
Opie came to HeRD from a family in Utah very skinny and heavy with attitude. This was not a good place or time in Opie’s life. He has come a long way from that situation. He has been fostered by HeRD since March 2018. He is currently living with 2 other dogs and 2 cats. Sally, our pyr/BC and he used to get into it when he first came here but they do well now. He and Jim, our BC, do well together primarily due to Jim’s absolute absence of aggression. They will chase the same ball, but defer to the one that got there first.
He loves Frisbee, chukker ball, and rope ball outside and enjoys ‘bumpy’ ball and ‘holey’ ball inside. He will do flying flips when tossed the ball inside – he is very athletic! He sometimes porpoises the ball to make it fly instead of catching it. The balls are his security blanket. If he gets upset he often gets a ball and ‘resets’ himself. He often goes to his corner by himself to decompress. He will set a ball on your chair just before you sit down. This way he gets you to get up to throw it off!
He loves going on hikes with his canine friends and people and does well when meeting other people and dogs on the trails. He has been on a number of pack walks with up to 10 other dogs and does fine – just keep moving. He does not chase horses, cows, or deer. He often accompanies Chris and the other dogs to the volunteer fire department and knows all of the guys, who play ball with him. He is not much of a barker unless there is a strange car/person, or if he wants inside. He will know that there is thunderstorm coming before the weatherman and will bark to come in, or try to escape the fenced area. If he does escape, he hasn’t run off, sticks around. It would be cruel to leave him outside in a thunderstorm. He doesn’t like gunshot or fireworks.
Opie is really smart. He will understand commands before you realize you have given one. I swear he understands conversation. He does not need a shock collar, a loud bang will get him back in no time! Ha ha! He has been through basic obedience and did very well. We feel that he has huge potential.
Opie has calmed down around his meal time. We feed our other dogs first, in a separate area, and then put Opie’s food down. If he does growl, make him back off-sit-wait, put food down, tell him ‘go eat’. His most favorite treats are lamb and cow lungs (send with you).
He has weird quirks. He doesn’t like to be told to ‘take it nicely’ for treats, for some reason that brings out anger in the guy. He may take a treat by grabbing it, but not always. He does not like to have treats from an open hand. Make a game of giving him treats by tossing them for him to catch, he seems to like that. And it keeps him away from your hands! He doesn’t like to be pointed at. He can go from being a petted dog to a growling dog in a second. Don’t pet him while he is lying down anywhere, generally does not like this, and frankly, he doesn’t even like to be looked at or acknowledged when he is lying down. He is allowed on our furniture, bed, anywhere he feels comfortable. You can sense his ‘dark’ moods even if he isn’t growling. He gets real still, his pupils get large. I will talk lightly, hey buddy! When he growls, just leave him alone. He has his dark moods usually in the evening inside of the house. He needs a dark place that you call ‘corner’ so when he does act up, tell him – ‘go to your corner’. Sometimes we distract him by asking him to get his bumpy ball and that diffuses the mood, sometimes.
When Opie is outside, you can brush him, usually. Clipping toenails is at his mood’s discretion. Sometimes good, sometimes not. We have not bathed him but he loves, loves, loves his puppy pools and water that he can flop in, usually after a good round of play. He is not a belly-rub dog, and does not like to be cuddled. You know you have his heart when he comes to you and kisses you on the lips. We have not been super strict with Opie when he jumps up to show excitement or affection because he’s not a cuddly dog, so when he does this he is showing his affection.
Best way to bond with Opie – take him places, play Frisbee and throw the ball. Treat him fairly, no head games with him. He’s been through a lot in his life. This last year has been his best year. Love him for who he is and work with his issues.
Oreo
Oreo is a 3 year old neutered male border collie. Oreo came in with some touch sensitivity, which has greatly improved. He is now a very cuddly boy, but because of this history, we are recommending no homes with children under 13. Oreo likes to fetch and would probably also be a good running buddy. He would do best in a home without cats.
Foxy
Foxy is a sweet German Shepherd/Collie mix. She is great with cats, likes to play with playful dogs, and is good with people. She weighs about 60 lbs. and is 7 years old. She likes to hike on leash or romp in the yard.
Viola
Viola is approximately 2 years old. She is a sweet, but very shy dog. She does well with nice or playful dogs. She is okay with cats, but might be frightened by rambunctious children.
Missy
Verkin
Verkin is a 6 year old Australian Shepherd. He is curretnly about 47 lbs. He will need an experienced home, but is a lovely, snuggly boy. He has plenty of energy, but can also have an off-switch. Verkin is not a candidate for a home that has children under the age of 12. Verkin tends to bother the kitties, so needs a home with no cats. He would do fabulously as an only dog or in a home with the right personality of dogs.
Missy is small, dainty even. She has a long thin tail and big ears. Her fur is silky soft. She is shy. We are working on going in and out doors without fear. She is good on a leash. She is not good on recall but great on crating and will crate herself. Despite her petite body and shy disposition, she can be ornery. She deliberately pesters her foster brother so she can have his bed - it is the best bed in the house. Tell her to leave the shoe or leash alone, she'll deliberately look at you while she touches it again. She likes affection and toys. She loves to play chase with her foster sister - she's super fast. She is starting to ask for affection. She will take food from a hand and allow someone to take her collar but she's hesitant to come to her name. Overall, a very young dog (2 years old), who is shy. She has grit and spunk. Missy will do best in a home with NO cats.
Carter
Carter is a sweetheart 5-8 year old Border Collie. He loves people and is super affectionate. He is also great with kitties.
Willie
Bailey
Bailey is an 8 year old mixed breed dog. He is a lovely chocolate color. Bailey was returned to the HeRD of Wy program due to a conflict with the resident cats, so needs a cat free home. Children make him a bit anxious, but he is very loving to adults that he has gotten to know. He likes walks and hikes and would love to show you his favorite toys. Bailey does well with other friendly dogs, but will be perfectly happy as an only dog too.
Willie is approximately 3 years old. He is a dachshund mix. He is a sweet boy who is a bit slow to warm up to new people but loves to give kisses to his friends. He weighs about 15 lbs.
Yens
From Yens' current home: Yens is a 4-year old neutered border collie mix. He currently lives with other animal companions - a 7 year-old neutered Catahoula mix male and a cat.
Yens is smart and strong. He has tons of energy and needs a lot of stimulation through physical activity and problem solving. He's happiest when he's out and about in nature with a person who challenges him with tricks or tasks. His favorite game is fetch and he loves chew toys. He has never been trained to work, but demonstrates an interest and he would most enjoy a family who was dedicated to teaching him new skills. Yens is great with cats - gentle and respectful.
He is awkward with other dogs because he often tries to control them, but he can learn to be friendly with help and guidance.
Yen's greatest frustration is not getting enough exercise or attention. He is happy-go-lucky when he has enough of those things, but he is nervous and barks excessively when he does not.
Yens would be most comfortable in a home without very young kids where people are respectful of his space when he is resting.
He likes to stay close and attentive to his primary person and would like a lot of attention from an active adult.
Rex
Rex is a charming and very sweet guy! We're guessing he is about 2-3 yrs. He loves all people and is great with other dogs. We're not sure what his background is but one thing is for sure, things are looking up for him now! He is learning about basic house and obedience skills. He is a little timid of new things but adapts quickly. He enjoys some exercise each day but settles well in the house. He loves attention and is eager to please. Rex is neutered and current on vaccinations.
Jax
Jax is a 6-7 year old miniature Australian Shepherd.
Guy
Farrah
Milo
Guy is a 2 year old Australian Shepherd/German Shepherd mix. Guy is a very friendly, playful dog who likes affection. He likes to play ball and is good with his doggy housemates. When he is done playing, he settles down in the house. His tail is constantly wagging. He was a blank slate when he arrived, not knowing any basic commands. He is now in a basic obedience class. Guy likes his crate. He is a door dasher, and we are working hard on having him sit before we go outside.
Farrah is a 9 month old Australian Cattledog. She is a lovely light red. What a sweetheart! She is good with dogs and gentle with people.
Frankie
Meet Frankie! He is an enthusiastic border collie mix with doft halflong hair about a year old and weighs about 45 lbs. Frankie is originally from rural Texas, and is looking for a home in a small town, mountain or rural area. He is a medium to high energy dog who needs regular exercise and outdoor time. Frankie LOVES people! He is a very social dog, and likes to lay at your feet when you are in the kitchen or follow you around the house and yard. Frankie is very sweet and affectionate. He is good with most dogs (meeting off leash works best, on leash is harder) and loves to play and run with his companions. He is currently living with 8 other dogs in his foster home. His favorite toys are chew toys and any fluffy toys with or without squeaker. As long as there are a lot of them. Frankie is living with cats and does good with confident cats. Frankie is learning to walk on a leash. He is house trained but does best with a doggie door he can use independently. He loves to sometimes just pop out for a breath of fresh air and come right back in and has no accidents in the house when he has a doggie door. He is used to sleeping in a crate at night. Frankie is working on learning basic obedience commands and can be a bit stubborn. One of the challenges is that he is not very treat motivated and can be a picky eater. He is looking to make a family very happy with his company.
Milo is a 1.5 yr. old heeler mix. He is an active dog who loves hiking or a game of Fetch. He loves toys including kong, etc. Milo was surrendered to a shelter in Utah when his owners moved. Prior to that he lived in a condo with access to a small yard. He was never taken out or socialized. Because of this, he can be fearful of new people, more so men then women. It helps immensly to have a confident, friendly dog that he can follow. He gaines confidence and trust daily. He does great with female and neutered male dogs. He is fine with cats. He's sweet, affectionate and is very loyal. He wants to be right with 'his person'. He settles well in the house after some activity. He is house broke, crate trained, neutered and up to date on vaccinations.
Sarge
Hannah
This handsome fella is Sarge. Sarge is a shepherd about 2 years old. He weighs about 65 lbs and is in great shape. Sarge is a high energy dog who needs regular exercise in the form of walks, hikes or other activities. He likes to play fetch and loves the snow. Sarge has one weak hind knee so running a marathon is not for him, but he is a great companion for less intense outdoor activities. Sarge is very playful and loves having lots of toys to play with. His favorites are chew toys, squeaker toys and balls. Sarge does like to do surgery on some of his toys to make sure their inner squeaker gets enough air. He is otherwise very respectful of things in the house that are not dog toys. Sarge is a very loyal companion and very loving with his people. He is very bright, eager to learn and picks up on commands very quickly. He looks at his people for direction and listens very well. He needs an experienced dog owner who is clearly the leader of the pack and will do best with kids age 12 and up. He is vocal and likes to talk. Sarge does well with other dogs (he is currently living with 8 others in his foster home) but is not a fan of dogs with poor manners. Meeting new dogs on leash is harder for him than off leash. He is living with cats currently and does well with confident cats. He is a strong, enthusiastic dog, trained to a head collar. He walks great with a head collar but is difficult to control when wearing a harness or a leash on his collar because he is very strong and gets excited about wildlife. He is not reactive to cars at all. Sarge is housetrained and knows how to use a doggie door. Sarge is used to sleeping in a crate at night and knows “kennel up”. Big city life is not for Sarge, it is too stressful for him. He is looking for a home in a small town, mountain or rural area. He appears to be allergic to chicken (it causes skin issues) but is otherwise easy to please and not picky. Sarge would love to do obedience training and may also be a good candidate for rally or nosework!
Hannah (meaning “grace”) is a five-year old, female heeler mix who’s beaming with potential. Hannah came into rescue after being found tied to a street sign and patiently waiting out her stray hold. When it was over, she bounded into her foster mom’s car excited for the adventures that lie ahead and approaches all situations with such enthusiasm. Hannah LOVES people of all ages. She lives in a home with two small children and loves to play ball with them, is very gentle, and lays patiently in the next room watching them eat (we did not train her to do that!). Hannah is a medium energy girl, who enjoys ball sessions in the backyard, short runs with her foster mom, and has an excellent “off-switch.” We are working on her leash skills, which she is picking up very quickly! Hannah knows “sit,” “stay,” and “come,” and her vocabulary is growing daily as she is very treat motivated and eager to please. Hannah is fully house trained and crate trained, and her favorite thing to do is go for a ride in the car – she doesn’t care where you’re going While completing her initial vetting, and after observations in her foster home, it was discovered that Hannah has a vision impairment. It’s not a total impairment because she can still track her ball with laser focus at times. The cause is as of yet unknown, however, Hannah is meeting with an ophthalmologist soon to see if it is reversible, temporary, degenerating, or permanent. Her sight is affected somehow by different lighting and colors. The great news, though, is that Hannah is incredibly smart, and is able to use her other senses to make up for whatever she can’t see. She learned the layout of her foster home within five days and uses her nose in new places when she can’t see fully. Hannah has been uninterested in livestock, is unknown with cats, dog-selective, and she is pretty sure that one of these days she’s going to get one of those squirrels that keeps taunting her! Hannah needs a slow initial introduction to strangers at times, but warms up quickly and usually ends up in your lap for belly rubs if you’ll let her. Hannah’s forever home will be one that appreciates how much love she has to give, has an abundance of balls, and a sense of humor.
Jasmine
Jasmine is a chihuahua mix puppy. She weighs about 6 lbs. She is very playful and excitable. She is smart and picked up on "sit" very quickly and is working towards potting training. She is used to being around elementary age children who are gentle and dog savvy.
Sophie
Sophie is a one yr old super sweet and intelligent little girl. Very calm, house trained, uses the doggie door, walks great on the leash. She is on the smaller side of medium size. Not cat tested, as I don't have cats.
Alpine
Narnia Litter
From Alpine's current owner: Alpine is Kelpie. She is a super lovable dog that has so much to offer. She just turned 3 years old in November. I was recently in a "relationship change" and was left alone with this dog. She does have mental health challenges. She was abused as a puppy and as a result she is very skittish when you first meet her. She also believes people are here to hurt her so she is very protective of her keeper. Once she is comfortable with you, she tends to be a little aggressive towards others and needs space from both humans and dogs. I've spent over a year bringing her to training and working with her. She is currently on Prozac and Trazadone as needed.
