Adopt
At Western Border Collie Rescue, Border Collies are top dog! Please read about our Adoption Process and Requirements below and then check out the list of adoptable dogs.
Adoption Process
Thank you for your interest in a rescued Border Collie! While we think Border Collies are the greatest dogs on the planet, we also know they’re not the breed for everyone. That’s why we ask lots of questions. Our priority is to find the best fit for each dog in our rescue. Our application process can take 2-3 weeks because we are an all-volunteer group who work regular jobs in addition to volunteering with the rescue.
🐾 Step 1: Meet Our Prerequisites
Must be 21 yrs of age or older
Live in Colorado, Wyoming or immediately surrounding states
Have knowledge and consent of your landlord and roommates
Never been convicted of animal abuse
Be able and willing to spend the time and money necessary to provide training, medical treatment, and proper care for a pet
🐾 Step 2: Do Your Homework!
Please read our About BC’s page to learn more about Border Collies, their temperaments, needs, and whether a BC is the right dog for you.
🐾 Step 3: Complete an Application
We know our application is long, but this information is very important to help us determine if you might be an ideal home for a certain dog in the program. Our top priority is to find the most suitable home for each of the dogs in our rescue. We don’t have many dogs in our program, which means a waiting game for many qualified applicants.
*Upon submission, you should receive an auto-reply letting you know your application has been received.
🐾 Step 4: Home Visit
All adoption applications require a home visit with all household members present prior to approval. The Home Visit volunteer will be in contact to schedule a virtual meeting where they will do a short walk-through of your home and yard to ensure its safety and to advise on any areas of concern. Once the HV report is received by WBCR, it may take a few days for us to collate & review all of the information and get back in touch with you.
*You will be notified either way: whether your application is approved or if we do not have a dog that will fit your needs at this time.
🐾 Step 5: Matching/Phone Interview
Once your application is approved, now comes the fun part! An Adoption Coordinator will contact you to discuss specific dogs within our rescue that may be a good fit. “First Come, First Served” doesn’t apply here since we match each dog in our program with the most appropriate home for them. If we don’t think a dog is a match for your household, that does not mean you are not a good pet parent. It means that what you are looking for is not a fit with what that dog needs.
🐾 Step 6: Meets
Once we’ve talked with you about which dogs might be a suitable fit, it is time to set up a meet with the foster parent and prospective dog! Your Adoption Coordinator will help arrange the meeting with you, all your household members, your current dog(s), and the prospective rescue dog. It is important that all family members are present and have a say in whether you move forward after meeting a dog.
During the meet, keep in mind that rescued Border Collies may be rather aloof/timid at first meeting. While we have seen many meets where there is an “insta-bond” between the new dog and the adopter(s), many times that kind of bonding takes time. The meet is a great time to get any/all questions answered on the dog’s temperament, likes/dislikes, and what will be helpful in establishing a wonderful relationship with your new dog!
*If a meet does not go as well as planned, that’s ok. You may be able to schedule another meet with the same dog at a later date. But if you’d like to meet a different dog, please let the foster parent and Adoption Coordinator know so everyone is on the same page.
🐾 Step 7: The Adoption
If all members of your household and the WBCR foster parent feel the dog is a great match for you, the adoption may be completed at the meet. An adoption contract must be completed, signed and the adoption fee paid to complete the adoption. Please review our contract before your meet; it is available on our website or by clicking here. Please note that if at any time during your rescued dog’s life you cannot/no longer wish to keep it, WBCR must be contacted immediately.
🐾 Step 8: Follow-Up
To ensure a successful adoption, we have a network of volunteers happy to answer any questions/help you work through issues that may arise while your new dog is transitioning into your home, or ten years down the road! We are committed to each and every dog we rescue for the rest of his/her life, so please stay in touch with us. Plus, we love getting updates!
Adoptable Border Collies
Cosmo
Check out Cosmo, our 1-3 yr old freckly boy! He came to us from a rural Utah shelter with his brother Kramer. While we don’t know anything about his past, he’s proving to have a heart of gold and has adjusted quickly to the good life. This young lad is social with men, women, and older kids. He's definitely a Velcro dog around the house and he loves to snuggle every morning and night. Cosmo is a quick study and already knows: come, sit, stay, is crate trained, waits in his kennel with the door open for food at meal time, and knows not to get on the furniture (except for the bed, which he LOVES to hang out on with both dogs and people). In fact, he will share a dog bed with another dog!
He really enjoys playing with other dogs and will be happiest in a house with a confident, playful dog. Cosmo is working on ignoring cats (he pesters and herds them) but he needs more work in that regard, so a feline-free home would probably be best for him. Although Cosmo is playful, we'd consider him a medium energy level dog. He can handle a 5 mile run, but is content playing fetch and going for a walk. His favorite things include laying in a cool body of water after a long hike, playing with other dogs, and most of all…playing fetch!
If you've been waiting for a friendly, freckly fido, look no further! Cosmo is here!
Currently fostered near Denver, CO.
Libi
Look at this sweetheart, Libi! This 1 year old youngster can be shy at first, but once she’s comfortable around you, she is a total love bug, even with the kids! (Libi is currently being fostered in a home with 5 children ranging in age from 5-16 yrs old). She loves to snuggle and will even whisper sweet nothings in your ear!
She plays well with other dogs when given a slow, well managed introduction and will definitely be happiest in a home with a confident dog to model off of. Libi is medium energy level. This means she enjoys her daily walks with playtime sessions sprinkled in, but would be up for more fun if you offer! Libi would be perfect for an active family, as a jogging or hiking partner, or would even make a great dog sports candidate! If you are willing to take it slow at the start, the reward will be worth it!
No experience with cats. Being fostered in Cheyenne, WY
Nye
Do you love the sweet, sensitive, quiet and loyal type? Here he is! Nye is a handsome, 2 year old smooth coat BC with moderate, laidback energy. While he starts out shy and reserved, he bonds deeply with those that give him chance and will even show you how much he LOVES to snuggle! Nye plays well with other dogs and would benefit from a home with another confident dog who can help continue to build his confidence. Nye also enjoys going for walks, has wonderful leash manners. He loves backyard playtime where he can get big zoomies when given the opportunity. He is a master at surprise play and will match your energy. He will occasionally play with toys, and loves to eat meals from his kibble ball.
Nye also rides well in the car, is house and crate trained, but is also trustworthy in the house uncrated. He really just needs a quiet household who can give him a bit of time to flourish. If you love the quiet, devoted type of BC, and you love to help a shy dog blossom, Nye could be the one for you! He came to us from an Idaho shelter with his two brothers; all were picked up as strays and Nye was by far the most timid of the bunch. His brothers have both been adopted – and now it’s Nye’s turn! Thanks to his outstanding foster families, Nye has come a looooong way from the petrified youngster he was when he first arrived and is proving to be just the sweetest, most gentle lad.
HERDING POTENTIAL!!
Perhaps the most unexpected thing we’ve discovered is that he is showing some herding potential!!! His first time on sheep he showed some lovely instinct with livestock, and he really comes out of his shell when herding. We think he could make a wonderful farm chore dog and companion. Check out the video below of his first time on sheep.
Being fostered near SLC, UT.
Octane
Meet Octane- the frisbee officiando! This 3 year old girl LOVES her frisbee and would make a great disc dog. She will fetch just about anything and has superb attention when training- making her good at just about anything you are willing to train her on! Octane will need daily mental stimulation in addition to several fetch sessions (or runs) per day or your arm will tire out before she will! Willing to do trick training, nose work, dog dance? Or do you love to run or have property to ride a bike with a partner running beside? She'd be perfect for you! Octane will herd the cats and can be mouthy during play, so no young children and only dog saavy cats. She must live as a single dog, so if you are ready for your new BFF who is more attentive than your spouse, check out Octane!
Being fostered in the Denver area.
Parker
Meet pint-sized Parker! At just 35 pounds and about a year old, this adorable and endearing little squirt came to us from an Utah shelter where he was nothing short of terrified. We know very little about Parker’s life before he got to us but it likely wasn’t a great experience. Considering how afraid he was initially, he adapted amazingly quickly to his foster home where he learned people could be trustworthy and the world could feel safe.
Parker can still be a little reserved meeting new people, but once he knows you, he gives you his whole heart. He bonded quickly with his foster family, both human and canine. He shows his sweetest smile, grinning with one side of his mouth anytime he is excited. He gets along well with other dogs and currently lives with three! He is very playful with those dogs who are game, and we think he’ll be happiest with a confident, playful dog in his new home to romp with and role model off of. Parker even gets along well with the family cat, realizing quickly who truly rules the roost. Parker spends his day relaxing on the couch while his parents work from home, heading out with his foster siblings a few times daily to play in the back yard or take a walk. Any movement by the door to the garage elicits excitement with the hope of getting to take a ride in the car with mom or dad and one of the other dogs.
Parker loves to run, though he doesn’t currently seem interested in fetch. He’s just a moderate energy fella who will be happy with daily walks, hikes, or runs and some play time. Parker is a quick study and already knows how to sit to go in or out of the house, lie down, and working on stay. He is the only dog his fosters have had that figured out the handles on the patio door, quickly learning he could let himself out if his foster parents didn’t remember to lock the door!!! Parker has graduated to off leash privileges and is proving to have an excellent recall. He's also showing us that he really enjoys hiking and to play in the water! Parker will make a super outdoor adventure companion and he would love to live with a confident doggy sibling to play with and learn from (and maybe a cat too!).
Being fostered in Denver, CO.
Pete
This handsome, classic rough coat is Pete. He is about 1& ½ years old and as far as we can tell, he had a rough start. He was found as a stray in Idaho and never claimed. He is on the smaller side (35-40 lbs). Pete will require an experienced handler with fearful/reactive dog experience.
Pete is slow to warm up to people and dogs, although once he is willing to meet dogs, he greets them nicely. He doesn’t care to engage with other dogs after the initial sniff. It took several weeks before Pete was comfortable enough around his foster dog-siblings to play and then he will engage only one dog in play at a time and only inside. If there is a dog running loose in the backyard he has no interest. If there is a group of dogs running around or play becomes too arousing, Pete will turn into the Fun Police and shut down playtime like a grumpy old man- barking and inserting himself. He does not seem interested in toys, fetching, or tug but he LOVES using his nose. He also enjoys puzzles, chew bones, and learning tricks in addition to physical exercise like hiking, walking, running along a bike or cross-country skis. He does not show any interest in herding other than the above-mentioned, self-appointed Fun Police role.
When it comes to people, Pete is an introvert at heart. He prefers to be with the trusted inner circle and doesn’t care if he meets new people. When he must, he does not want to be petted on the head and has a large personal space bubble. It can take a few weeks for him to fully trust new people, but once he does, he is a super friendly lapdog. He has a good off switch inside the house and can settle when left alone. He enjoys being brushed.
Pete adjusts quickly when going to new outdoor places (like trails), but if there are new people involved, greeting people should be on his terms. He will bark and/or growl at people coming toward him on the trail and doesn’t always want to say hello.
Pete doesn’t seem bothered by loud noises or appliances, but also hasn’t been exposed to fireworks. When he does get scared, he likes to run behind a barrier or to his crate as his safe space and will peek out to make sure everything is ok before joining the group again.
Pete is learning basic manners and has also learned to “wait” for food and to go outside, and sometimes he will even get happy feet, prancing in place like he can’t contain himself! Pete LOVES food and will scarf it down too fast if given in a regular bowl. We recommend feeding in a muffin tin or slow feeder to slow him down. He is also protective of his food, so he will need to be fed away from other pets.
Pete is fully house trained but was an intact male until early December. When he first arrived, he was trying to mark wherever and whenever he came into a building. He has been granted increased privileges within his foster home, but under close supervision and in small increments to ensure success. In a new living scenario, we recommend introducing him to small sections of the house under close supervision. This will help to make as smooth of a transition as possible for everyone. Baby gates can be helpful for management.
Pete should live in a household where there are NO children younger than a teenager living or visiting. He has nipped out of fear when grabbed at or when he feels cornered or trapped. Since younger children can be unpredictable and don’t understand dog body language, we want to set Pete and his new family up for success!
Pete will sniff the foster cats but not chase them. There are also horses and sheep on the foster property, and he can co-mingle with them in the field, not showing any tendency toward herding. But if they come too close to the fence line, he will bark at them. Any introduction to any new animals should be made with slow, supervised introductions.
Pete would do best in an adult household who is willing to take him on walks or adventures where he won’t encounter people frequently. He can live as a solo dog or with one other dog since he prefers his people over other pets. He must go to an adopter who is willing to continue his fearful/reactive dog training for continued confidence building. This will also provide needed bonding with you as his new person so that he can look to you when he feels scared or threatened instead of reacting. Ideal setting would be on acreage since he barks incessantly outside if there are people nearby (like a suburban neighborhood typically has with neighbors sharing fence lines).
Even though Pete has some idiosyncrasies, he will make a great companion for someone who is willing to help him learn that the world isn’t as scary as he thinks! Do you love to recreate on the non-busy trails or want to pursue scent work or other dog training? Pete may be your guy!
Currently fostered in Lander, WY
Rip
This handsome fella came into a Colorado shelter with the rest of his under-socialized litter. Three of those pups escaped euthanasia by less than 24 hrs thanks to the unbelievably tremendous efforts of a whole bunch of dedicated, big hearted people. WBCR ended up with two of those dogs: Rip is still waiting for his forever home.
Are you looking for a cuddlebug who is good with cats and playful with other dogs? Here he is! Rip is a shy young man (1-3yrs old) who is slow to warm up to new situations. He will need a lot of patience up front and a home with another confident dog to role model and play with. But once you earn his trust, he will be your shadow and cuddle bud! Because of his shyness in new scenarios, he would be best in a home with no young children or city life. Rip is a low-moderate energy guy who is content with a walk and play session or a good hike or run. He loves to fetch and has recently realized how exciting squeaky toys can be! If you are ready to take it slow in a new relationship with Rip, and continue to build his confidence in new scenarios, you’ll be rewarded with some great snuggles and a wonderful companion!
Currently fostered near Durango, CO
Sis
Adorable little smoothie Sis recently came back to WBCR after her owner’s work schedule dramatically changed and Sis was alone far too much. She is approximately 9 years old, but don't let that fool you! She is still very playful with younger dogs and is still very mouthy in play. She has lived with multiple foster dogs and loves to chase, wrestle, play multi-ball fetch, and especially likes to steal her ball away and parade around with it. Sis walks well on leash and expects at least one walk per day.
When it comes to people, Sis is looking for someone with a soft voice who likes to throw the ball and cuddle up on the couch. She is a bit reserved when meeting new people and seems to prefer women verses men. This may be due to her fear of loud noises, which includes loud men's voices. But funny enough, she's not scared of thunder...BC brains....go figure!?!
Cats, small critters, and young children are a no since this girl is very herdy and mouthy when she gets excited in play. If you are looking for a "mellow" Border Collie who loves the company of playful dogs, Sis is your girl!
Currently fostered in Wheatland, WY
Sonny
This is Sonny, our 3 year old, fetchaholic smooth coat cutie! He's athletic, but not over the top and also has a great off switch. Sonny can relax at home after burning off his energy like a fun walk, fetch session, or a game of tug of war. He's very intelligent and eager to learn-already racking up quite the trick and command repertoire. He could be a great sport dog candidate and has already run through a 20 ft agility tunnel with his foster mom! Once at home, he has a soft, affectionate side and loves to cuddle.
Sonny has not been introduced to cats or kids, but based on his fetching intensity, careful introduction and lots of training would be needed to ensure peaceful coexistence. He's currently being fostered with both male and female dogs. He is well-adjusted to suburban life: aware of noises and changes in the environment but not troubled by loud noises, bangs, or thunderstorms. He is house and crate trained, sleeps in the crate overnight and is comfortable riding in the car. He will need training and redirection when it comes to cyclists. Like many border collies, he fights the urge to chase and control movement.
We rescued Sonny from a Utah shelter in quite literally the nick of time. The shelter staff put out a plea for help because they found him to be such a super dog, and they are right! Sonny has so many of the traits we love about the BC breed: brains, focus, attentiveness, athleticism – with just a dash of quirkiness for good measure. And his bouncy baby Yoda ears when he is walking will make anyone smile! In addition to his cute ears, being a smoother coated BC he doesn't pick up pesky burrs and mud the way those rough coats do. He can’t wait to be the apple of someone’s eye and he is going to make some lucky family a lovely companion.
Fostered in the SLC, UT area.
Adoption Pending
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Keaton
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Kramer
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Malin