Ellie
	Gender: Female Age: 6 years Height: na Weight: 50 lbs House-trained: Yes Fenced yard required: Yes Location: Western Michigan Foster Home: Shaun and Renee	Crate-trained: yes Treat-motivated: yes Toy-motivated: No BC Experience Required: No Good with dogs: Calm dogs Good with cats: No Good with kids: 8+, dog-savvy Commands: Come, sit, down, off, kennel

Do you like walks, car rides, and maybe even a run now and again? Me too! Do you like treats and training with treats? Me too! Do you like to snuggle and get tons of affection? ME TOO!

If you said yes to all the fun stuff above, I might be the dog for you! Even though I grew up on a farm, a life of herding and work just wasn’t my style. I’m much much happier as an incredibly loving companion in a quiet home, and could even learn to live with a dog or older kids who know how to give me some space when I need it.

I know it’s weird, especially for a border collie like me, but toys and fetch just aren’t my thing. What I’ve really grown to love is regular training with treats and this thing my foster family calls “the clicker”! When I hear a click I know a treat is coming, which has really helped me learn that loud sounds, new people, close passing cars, and even exciting images on the TV aren’t scary, just part of living in a home with a family. I sure hope you’ll continue to do the same, because I’m pretty smart if I do say so myself and if you give me a little positive reinforcement there’s probably nothing I can’t do!

I am very shy and sometimes even scared with new people, but if they just ignore me for a bit I know that they mean me no harm and I’ll eventually get around to sniffing them up. Once I confirm their smell, then they can even start tossing me treats and pretty soon they’ll just be part of the family! Sometimes I warm up quickly to new folks, and sometimes it just takes a while. If you’re patient with me and give me time to trust you, I’ll repay you with copious amounts of love and affection!

When I do warm up to you, let’s talk about the snuggles and cuddles! If you’re looking for a little spoon and someone to lick your face while tying your shoes, I’m your girl! I’ll be honest, cuddling and snuggling are really my passion, even sometimes a little too much as I’m still learning how much is appropriate. Let’s put it this way, I’ll show you as much love as you want, and if it ever feels like too much you can just ignore it a bit and I understand that’s enough (for now!)

I am really good on car rides, except sometimes when it’s really busy and I might bark at cars that are just too dang close! Look, I’m just trying to let them know to slow down!! My family has been working on that too, with clicks and treats when there’s a lot of excitement. On the highway or quieter drives I’m happy to just curl up and hang out until we get where we’re going.

I’m definitely not that go-go-go kind of Border Collie (remember, didn’t much care for working hard on the farm!) My family also says I’m good on walks too because I go their speed and don’t try to pull forward. Same thing when we go running, but I do get tired pretty quickly (for a border collie), especially in the heat. I know my name very well and definitely come when I’m called, but sometimes things like strangers can distract me enough that I don’t hear my name, so I’d love a fenced yard so things stay a little calmer. I am very happy in my kennel, and know when to get in it if my people need to leave for a bit. Sometimes I even just hang out in the house when people are gone, and that seems to be going good too, cuz mostly I just snooze so I have lots of cuddle energy for when they get back. And speaking of snoozing, I sleep well all through the night snuggled up in my bed, no kennel necessary!

If you’ve read all this I really appreciate it. Hopefully you understand that I’m a really good girl, ready to be a loving family member or solo companion, who just needs a little continued work on gaining confidence with positive reinforcement. If you show me some love and guidance I’m yours forever!

Will you be my cuddle buddy?

XOXO

Ellie

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