*** NOTE: Because WBCR is a small organization with few volunteers, we only adopt to families in Wyoming, Colorado, and immediately surrounding states.
Adoptable Dogs | Dogs Not Yet Ready for Adoption | Courtesy Listings
The Adoption Process
Thank you for your interest in a rescued Border Collie! Please review the application process below before submitting your application. Please remember that every person working with WBCR is a volunteer, doing rescue in his/her “spare” time, so the first part of our adoption process (our reference checks and home visit) can take 2-3 weeks or longer depending on the dogs in our program. If you’re unwilling to wait that long, we hope that you’ll consider adopting a shelter dog in need, where the wait is much shorter.
Step 1: Do your homework!
If you’re considering/looking for your first Border Collie, please do your homework FIRST! While we think Border Collies are the greatest dogs on the planet, we equally believe that they’re not the dog for everyone. Please read our “About BC’s” page to begin learning more about Border Collies, their temperaments, needs and whether a BC is the right dog for you.
Step 2: Complete & Submit an Application
Please answer all questions completely; incomplete applications will not be processed. Our initial review of your completed application will help us decide whether we may have a dog for you. We know our application is long and detailed, but this information is very important to help us determine if you might be an ideal home for a certain dog in the program. The more information you give us, the easier it will be to do that. Please remember that our top priority is to serve the dogs, and to find the most suitable home for each of the dogs in our rescue. While we enjoy meeting border collie loving applicants, the interests of the dog come first. We don’t have many dogs in our program, which means a waiting game for many qualified applicants.
Step 3: Reference Checks
Once we receive and review your completed application, it’s assigned to a volunteer for reference checks – we will call the references listed on your application, so you’re welcome to let them know that we’ll be contacting them. This initial step typically takes 1-2 weeks, so please be patient!
Step 4: Home Visit
Once the reference checks are complete & approved, a WBCR volunteer will contact you to schedule a home visit. This is an informal chance for us to get to know you, your lifestyle, home environment and determine which dog(s) in our program might be a great fit. The HV volunteer will discuss what personality traits you’re looking for as well as general breed traits and what to expect when bringing a Border Collie home. He/she will also do a short walk-through of your home and yard to ensure its safety and to advise on any areas of concern. All household members must be present for the home visit. Please understand that the HV volunteer may not personally know any/many of the dogs in our program so may be unable to answer questions about specific dogs. 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.
Step 5: Matching/Phone Interview
Once an application is processed and approved, now comes the fun part! While it’s easy to fall in love with a picture, it is the dog’s personality & temperament that determine whether it may make a great match for you. During the matching process, a WBCR adoption coordinator will contact you to discuss specific dogs within our rescue. We strongly encourage applicants to write down questions they may have about Border Collies, and discuss these questions with the assigned coordinator. We work hard to match your desires with the traits and personalities of our dogs.
Please understand that we only want what is best for our dogs, so if we don’t think a specific dog is a good fit for you, we’re not passing judgment on you/your family but are drawing on years of experience with Border Collies, and, more importantly, experience with the dogs in our program. “First Come First Served” doesn’t apply here as we match each dog in our program with the most appropriate home for him/her, whether that home comes next week or next year!
Step 6: Meet(s)
Once we’ve talked with you on which dogs might be a suitable fit, it is time to set up a meet/meets! Your adoption coordinator will facilitate arranging a meet with your household members, your current dog(s) and the rescued dog. We have experience introducing new dogs, so will help with the introductions of your dog to the rescued dog if applicable. 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!
Step 7: The Adoption
If both you and the WBCR representative feel the dog is a great match for you, the adoption may be completed after 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, he or she is required to be returned to WBCR.
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!
Online Adoption Form
Adoptable Dogs
Echo
Gus – Adoption Pending
Male
This big, strapping, handsome lad is Gus. He was picked up as a stray in a central Wyoming town and never claimed. Some fellow rescuers took him in, got him neutered, tended to his disastrous mouth filled with broken and infected teeth (owww! 14 extractions!!!), and then transferred him to us. (Thanks a ton, you guys!)
This big softie is a quiet and sensitive boy, and thanks to his painful mouth and pacing a lot from being stressed, he came in pretty underweight….but he’s settling in to his foster home, now eating well and gaining some much-needed weight. He seems to be social with people and other dogs and we suspect he was a working dog….he is reeeeeally interested in the sheep at his foster home and he’s showing some good herding potential. But if it’s not a sheep, he’s not interested….in fact he’s pretty laid back around most everything else with just a few exceptions that really worry him which probably stem from what seems to be never living indoors before (big flights of stairs, slippery floors, certain sounds). We have no idea how old he is with that set of teeth, but best guess is a few years perhaps? He’s now house trained at his foster home, loves the crate, and walks nicely on a leash, trots nicely alongside a bike, and showing just a glimmer of goofily being interested in toys. 🙂 We’re just getting to know him and will post more as we learn it.
Currently fostered outside of Jackson, WY
Koby
Male
Koby is a fantastic young character, a funny and good-natured boy. He came to us from a Utah shelter, and is a typical BC: athletic and energetic. He is also one of the more socially outgoing members of the breed, and is quite friendly with people, adults and children alike!!
Currently he lives with 6 and 11 year old kids in his foster home, and we think he could be an excellent family dog for an active family. He also lives with another young BC and a dachshund, loves to play with other dogs, and would be happiest with another playful dog in the home.
Koby is definitely too interested in cats or livestock to live safely or share a home with either. He loves to run and play, go for long walks, and enjoys chew toys too. He’s house trained and sleeps in his crate overnight.
Koby was originally surrendered to the shelter for escaping his yard and he is clearly well practiced in clearing or climbing fences, so he’ll need a situation where he’s not left unsupervised in a fenced area and where he can safely be contained using methods other than a fence, such as a cable tether in the yard or a covered kennel run, and a leash or long line out in the world, until his recall is more reliable. But with such a marvelous fun and friendly personality, he’s totally worth the extra effort!
Currently fostered outside Denver, CO
Liberty – Adoption Pending
Female
This adorable old girl was picked up as a stray in small town Utah covered in awfulness – ticks, poop, burrs – a livestock tag in her ear, and just a few teeth left. Who knows her story, but such a heartmelter, even big tough Tonya shed a few tears over her. So of course, we had to say yes. The shelter reached out to us just before 4th of July weekend – so we named her Liberty of course!
This girl is now vetted, groomed, and landed in a soft spot with some senior-loving fosters. Her love of humans has not dimmed one bit, and she’s rolled right into the good life like she’s been ready for a long time. We’ll post more about her as we get to know her.
Currently fostered near Gunnison, CO
Malin
Female
Meet Malin! This little lilac girlie is 7 mo. old and will steal your heart if you let her! She was born with a congenital disease called megaesophagus. This is a disorder in which the esophagus (the tube that carries food and liquid from the mouth to the stomach) gets enlarged and loses its ability to transport food. Dogs with this disease are unable to eat normally and will regurgitate food after eating without intervention. Luckily, WBCR intervened and has gotten Malin the items she needs to live a successful “normal” life. Now she just needs her forever home that can help her continue to blossom and grow!
When Malin came to WBCR, she was a scared little girl weighing only 16 pounds! Luckily, she is being fostered with a skilled vet tech that has taught her just how great her Baily Chair really can make her feel! This is a special chair that allows her to stay in an upright position while eating, allowing gravity to help the esophagus to prevent regurgitation (see picture). Malin will gladly go in her chair on her own to wait for her meals. After some trial and error, her foster mom found the best food consistency for Malin to eat without any regurgitation or difficulty swallowing, allowing her to gain 7 pounds over the last 2 months!
Malin is an active puppy regardless of her disorder. She loves to swim, hike, play fetch, and is learning how to tug, sit, and drop it.
Malin gets along with dogs over time, after a slow introduction and is starting to play with some dogs she has gotten to know better. Malin can see dogs on walks without incident but will growl at them if they approach her. Cats in her foster home have proven to be over-stimulating, so a cat-free home is a must.
Malin is fearful of new people, especially men and does not like to be approached by anyone outside of her inner circle. But once you have gained her trust, she is a very sweet girl who loves to cuddle, give kisses and lay on you for a nap. Malin is currently taking fluoxetine (once a day pill) to help her cope with how overwhelming the world is for her. If you are willing to help slowly work with this special girl to expand her world at her pace, fill out your application now!
Currently fostered in Bailey, CO
Mav
Male
We are so pleased to be able to finally formally introduce this marvelously charismatic, sensitive, handsome young tricolor, Mav. This boy came to us from a Utah shelter as an overwhelmed adolescent who struggled to trust and who was very defensive about his space.
Fast forward 10 months, and thanks to the efforts of his incredible and dedicated foster family, the help of some very special foster sitters while his fosters were out of town, and the support and input of a behavior pro, Mav has learned to fully trust his human family and friends and has blossomed into the best kind of goofball; always ready for a walk, a romp with another dog, or a bunch of random sprints and leaps in the backyard.
In short: Mav is definitely an introvert and very slow to trust new people. Once you’ve won him over, he’s cuddly, attentive, and affectionate, but it takes time for him to trust, and Mav doesn’t want to be touched by anyone he doesn’t trust or hasn’t given consent to. People who are not in his trusted circle should not be touching him until he gives that consent.
But that’s just one side of him. On all other fronts, Mav is a pretty confident pup. He is really comfortable out on walks in the world and in new situations (he generally ignores people, but tries to say hello to ALL of the dogs). He is SUPER playful with other dogs and lives with 3 others in his foster home. He’s a moderate energy boy who shows some herdyness; he’s definitely too intrigued by cats and livestock to share a home peaceably with them, and given his sensitivities, Mav needs an adult-only household. He’s athletic, curious, learns new things quickly, and is filled with potential. He is house trained, crate trained, and has a sense of the basics.
Mav will prove a delightful companion for a patient BC lover who understands and appreciates the breed’s quirks, who have shy or fearful dog experience, and who live a relatively quiet life. The ideal family would be one who understands that he needs to be given time to warm up and that they can start building a fun interactive positive relationship with him through food. He needs to be thought of as a friendly introvert who doesn’t want to be touched by anyone he doesn’t trust or hasn’t given consent to. The ideal family is one who is also up for a happy, bright, funny, and playful young BC! Mav could be happy in a home with another playful dog, or as an only dog, and we intend to provide behavior support for any adopter via the BC-loving behavior pro who has met and worked with Mav so he can be set up for success.
Currently fostered in SLC, UT
Nye
Male
Meet endearing Nye. This boy 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 progressed in confidence and been adopted – and now it’s Nye’s turn! Thanks to his outstanding foster mom, 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 who enjoys the small pleasures in life. He likes to sneak in a kiss when it’s least expected or stick his nose in his foster mom’s ear when she’s not looking. He also loves to lay in the sun and chew a stick or roll in the grass.
While super laid back, he still enjoys playing with dogs and is starting to play more with his human. He’s great at going for walks with groups of people and dogs and is frequently in the park. He loves the water (not sure if he can swim yet but he’ll play in a river) and has quite lovely leash manners. Although he’s most comfortable with those he knows, he’s now going up to more strangers for sniffs and snacks. While he’s growing in confidence and independence, he still checks in with his foster mom when out and about. He has a pretty good recall, even when a squirrel is involved! At home, he loves to lay by his foster mom’s feet or nap next to her on the couch. Nye really struggled with being home alone but has made great strides; he’s also not super comfortable with riding in a car, but we’ve got some ideas up our sleeve to help with that.
It sounds like Nye really looks to his older canine foster brother quite a bit, so he’s likely going to be happiest with another confident dog in the home who could be a playmate and good role model for him. How he is with cats is unknown but could be a possibility.
If you have a soft spot for the quiet, reserved, sensitive and soulful type of BC, Nye could be the boy for you!
Currently fostered in SLC, UT
Ooni
Female
Check out what a flashy teenager Ooni is becoming! We just don’t understand why she’s still with us since she’s such an outstanding pup. Born on an Idaho ranch as one of an accidental litter, while she was thought to be deaf as a puppy – not uncommon with very white BCs – she is most definitely NOT deaf, and is an eager, athletic, and bright youngster too! Dog sport potential for sure. She has been with a foster sitter for almost two weeks while her foster mom is out of town, and her sitter has this to say about her:
Ooni is as equally spunky as she is sweet! She’s always up for an adventure, whether that’s hiking, paddleboarding, playing tug with humans or dogs (she is an AVID tugger!), snuggling, or romping around playing with her dog friends. She’s always looking to please and loves learning new things! We went to an agility trial where Miss Ooni tagged along, and while she is a bit of a shy girl in new situations, she warms up very quickly and loves making new friends…both humans and dogs alike! She really takes everything with stride and is a curious girl. She also has a great off switch and turns into the most affectionate snuggly girlie when there’s down time. She’s going to make some lucky person a gem of a canine partner.
Currently fostered in Cheyenne, WY
Pete
Male
This strikingly handsome classic tricolor boy spent a lot of years on a chain…amazingly, he is a friendly fella, good with people and other dogs. We’ll post more about him as we get to know him.
Currently fostered in Crested Butte, CO
Sam
Male
This handsome classic boy came to us from an Idaho shelter, where he was picked up as a stray and never claimed. He’s just a little hobbit of a BC, and reminds us of another little guy from years ago we called Frodo. So we’re calling him Sam. 🙂 This boy seems social with people and other dogs. And likely cat safe! (One of our volunteers who went to meet him watched him run in horror from a cat that hissed at him). He’s reportedly safe with horses, and made his horse packing debut last weekend with a shelter foster, apparently covering a lot of high country miles. He already seems to have perhaps some of the basics and beyond….and is a HANDSOME classic black and white rough coat as icing on the cake! All in all, this boy is quite a package. Like many of the dogs we take in, we don’t know how he ended up in a shelter, but we can’t wait to help him find a family who loves him to pieces. We’ll post more as we get to know him.
Currently fostered outside Denver, CO
Sis
Female
Adorable little smoothie Sis recently came back to WBCR after her owner’s work schedule dramatically changed and Sis was alone far too much. We’ll be posting more as we get to know her.
Currently fostered in Wheatland, WY
Stuart Little – Adoption Pending
Male
New arrival Stuart Little! Sprung from a CO shelter. At just 18 pounds and 7 months old, it’s likely he’s gonna be a smaller dog. While his ears make new decisions about what to do daily, this charming little lad is most definitely up for anything! He’s extremely sweet with people and other animals.
Currently fostered near Durango, CO
Wade – Adoption Pending
Male
When we heard about two BC brothers who were in immediate danger of euthanasia at a Nevada shelter, we leapt into action and welcomed them into WBCR. They are Wyatt and Wade! Although they were overwhelmed in the shelter, these boys are sweet, playful fellas, friendly with people and other dogs. They are doing very well in separate foster homes and will be adopted out separately.
Of the two, ‘Wade’ had undoubtably encountered some challenges in his early life. When he arrived in foster care it was discovered that he had multiple fractured teeth, including both of his lower canines, which had begun to abscess… poor thing! After WBCR got him the care he needed he began to blossom.
This small, short haired boy is all the things – snuggly, busy, bright, energetic! 🙂 His favorite part of the day is when the sun comes up and people get out of bed for the morning walk! He’s quite a social fellow and has been friendly with all people and new dogs. While he does not live with children, he has met some and thinks they are WONDERFUL.
Wade is fortunate to be fostered somewhere he can walk off leash which he does like a champ, sticking close to his canine foster-siblings. He’s a pretty high energy boy who will do best with a multiple bouts of vigorous exercise daily. Wade loves to play with toys but has not yet embraced fetching. Like his brother, he shows some herdyness; he likes to herd one of his canine foster-siblings and wrestles with the other. We think he will be happiest in a home with another playful dog or two. Wade is good with cats (although he will chase them if they run) so a home with dog-savvy cats could be an option for him.
Wade is house trained and working on the basics. He’s not yet comfortable on a leash, so will need some help on that front. Given he’s just a youngster, he will need an adopter willing to continue working with him to help him grow up to be the best canine companion he can be!
This good kiddo is sure to make some BC lover a fabulous friend. He can’t wait to be some active family’s furry sidekick!
Currently fostered in Fort Collins, CO
Whit
Female
When we heard about two BC brothers who were in immediate danger of euthanasia at a Nevada shelter, we leapt into action. By the time we had a plan in place, the two siblings had morphed into four – apparently, two more young BCs were picked up as strays, both females who we thought might be sisters to the pair of boys – and we went ahead and said yes to them too. They are Wyn and Whit! Turns out they probably aren’t sisters from the same litter. Whit is the younger of the two, maybe about a year old, friendly with people and dogs, and is just a total love bug. We’ll post more about her as we get to know her!
Currently fostered outside Denver, CO
Winni – Adoption Pending
Female
Winni came to us from a Utah shelter. This wee lass is about as tiny as they come at just 21 pounds!! She’s about 3 years old and as we understand it, has pretty much had just a raw deal so far in life. Of course, that quickly changed once she landed with her foster family at WBCR.
This wee one is proving to be is a huge bundle of joy in a little body. This little girl loves to be with her people! She gets so excited to see her humans that she hops up and down. 🙂 Although she’s very cuddly with those she knows and loves, Winni is a little reserved and takes a bit to warm up to strangers. She currently lives with other dogs but is definitely proving to be a strong female, so won’t be placed in a home with another female herding breed dog. She is just somewhat playful with canines, so could be happy as solo dog. Although she’s not showing any interest in toys, Winni is showing some heady-ness…After settling in to her foster home with felines in residence, we think Winni will be happier in a cat-free home. given her interest in and arousal at movement, like many BCs, living with younger kids is a definite no for this girl.
Winni and has just the right amount of energy for any situation. If you want to go out and play with the dogs, she is ready to run. Time for a hike? She is great off leash and ready to get into the mountains. Need a nice calm day on the couch watching a few shows? She is ready to cuddle. She’s athletic as they come but probably moderate energy would be a good way to describe her.
This little one isn’t super confident in some ways – she is uncomfortable with time alone, shows some worry out in the world, and is concerned around some other leashed dogs. She will benefit from breed-savvy adopters who can work with her in those realms!
All in all Winni, for the right person, is going to be an incredible best friend!
Currently fostered in south of Denver, CO
Wyatt – Adoption Pending
Male
When we heard about two BC brothers who were in immediate danger of euthanasia at a Nevada shelter, we leapt into action and welcomed them into WBCR. They are Wyatt and Wade! Although they were overwhelmed in the shelter, these boys are sweet, playful fellas, friendly with people and other dogs. They are doing very well in separate foster homes and will be adopted out separately.
Wyatt is a goofy young boy, maybe a year or two old. He is a tiny bit reserved around new people but it won’t take long for him to warm up and want to be a lap dog. He really enjoys stretching out across legs and laps – especially on the couch. Even when he is playing in the yard, he tries to be a lap lounger when he needs a play break.
Wyatt enjoys the company of other dogs, seems submissive, and is very playful with those game. He loves to play with his foster brother but also does take time out to tease his foster sister by stealing her ball and carrying it to the other side of the yard occasionally. All the dogs seem to get along fine and he seems pretty at ease with them. Wyatt will definitely be happiest in a home with a playful dog. He is just starting on toys, and like his brother, definitely shows some BC herdyness…he will eye and stalk his foster siblings. We are not sure if he can live safely with cats.
While he’s athletic and full of energy, and smarts, Wyatt is also one of those soft and sensitive BCs. He will leave the scene or hit the deck if overwhelmed, and is frightened by loud and rowdy behavior. He absolutely needs a gentle, quiet, and understanding family. He doesn’t seem to have a lot of experience being out and about but with reassurance, he has done well on leash walks outside his foster’s yard. He will need someone to be patient with him to build his confidence and slowly show him new things in the world. Wyatt is house trained and working on the basics. Given he’s just a youngster, he will need an adopter also willing to continue working with him to help him grow up to be the best canine companion he can be!
All in all, Wyatt is a very sweet, very funny, and potential-filled young lad who is sure to brighten the life of whoever has the good fortune of taking him home!
Currently fostered in Fort Collins, CO
Not Yet Available
Bett
Female
Thanks to the unbelievably tremendous efforts of a whole bunch of dedicated, big hearted people – one in particular who lept into action to make it happen and devoted hours and hours to their cause in the last few days – three feral pups in a Colorado shelter escaped euthanasia by less than 24 hours. Two have landed safely with WBCR. Bett is a beautiful young female who is learning about the good life and trusting people.
Currently fostered near Denver, CO
Folly
Female
Just arrived from a Utah shelter. This young lass was a loved family member who apparently was a social happy girl, friendly with dogs, cats, and perhaps even kids, until tragedy struck the family and Folly ended up in a shelter. The stress of shelter life meant her behavior disintegrated rapidly and she was in danger of being euthanized. We were so glad to be able to step in and give Folly a second chance; she has now landed safely with WBCR. We’ll post more as we get to know this beautiful young BC.
Currently fostered in Lander, WY
Greer
Male
Just arrived from a Utah shelter, we’ll post more about this handsome young male as we get to know him.
Currently fostered near Denver, CO
Newt
Male
This cute little freckled guy came to us as a “sheepdog washout” with apparently not enough interest to make the cut. He seems to be pretty sweet but on the timid and inexperienced side for sure. He’s also pretty underweight and we’re working to change that!
We’ll post more as we get to know him.
Currently fostered outside Jackson, WY
Ohto
Male
Meet our O Puppies: Ooni (female with upright ears) and Ohto (male with floppier ears). Although they are almost all white, they don’t seem to have any vision issues and can seem to hear some. Foster mom has been working with hand signals and that has been working well. Both puppies LOVE snuggling with people and dogs alike. They are currently living with two young children who are very involved with their care and a female adult border collie. They are learning basic commands (sit, wait, come) and have started walking short distances on leash. Like any puppy, they are teething and learning what are appropriate items to chew.
Currently fostered in Cheyenne, WY
Phinn
Male
This handsome classic lad was part of a backyard breeding operation… the owners are elderly, and so the dogs are landing in a nearby shelter. He’s a timid guy but gaining confidence every day!
Currently fostered outside Colorado Springs, CO
Rip
Male
Thanks to the unbelievably tremendous efforts of a whole bunch of dedicated, big hearted people – one in particular who lept into action to make it happen and devoted hours and hours to their cause in the last few days – three feral pups in a Colorado shelter escaped euthanasia by less than 24 hours. Two have landed safely with WBCR. Handsome Rip is a young male who is learning about the good life and starting to trust people.
Currently fostered near Durango, CO
Sprig
Female
This beautiful little pixie came to us from a Utah shelter as quite a fearful girl. Her foster mom did a wonderful job earning her trust and building her confidence, and decided to adopt her…but then had a tragic accident and is no longer able to care for Sprig. So Sprig is looking for a family to call her own who has experience with timid dogs. She will be happiest with another confident dog in the home, and it is looking like she could be cat-safe, too!
More info as we get to know her.
Currently fostered near Denver, CO