In Houston, TX: GOT LOVE? My sweet, one year old rescue herding dog wants you!

Contact:
estelle.mack@me.com

I rescued little Charlie a few days before the cold days of Christmas 2010 and he has been living with us and our canine brood over the past 6 months.  I had not actively put the word out but "Chuck" is about to turn 1 and would love nothing like finding his very OWN loving forever home as his birthday gift. Please help my Charlie boy in making his birthday wish come true. I will miss him terribly but if you love someone, you have to set them free. Thank you, friends.

Always ready for action, Charlie is vivacious one-year old Australian Shepherd-Border Collie-Catahoula-mix with a flair for long breed names!  Dumped in Houston’s economically depressed Third Ward and left to fend for himself at only 6 months old, this once scared and unsure pooch has grown into a gorgeous, well-adjusted silky-haired 48-lb teenager who likes to cuddle and nuzzle you with his wet nose.  He is a bit shy and cautious towards humans at first but warms up to them in due time.  Certainly not an alpha-dog, Charlie is a happy-go-lucky herd dog who gets along with and loves to romp around with other pooches of all sizes.  With his remarkable agility, this “Speedy Sheepherder” definitely excels at chasing and corralling his canine buddies at the dog park.  There, he also likes to take a plunge in the doggie pool and retrieve the tennis balls floating in the water!  When not busy herding his foster siblings at home, or playing tug-a-war with them, Charlie is either chasing balls, gnawing on his Nylabone or Kong, or enjoying sleeping on the couch and being lavished upon with love. When Charlie lifts his head and looks at you with his expressive brown eyes, one cannot but melt at his unconditional devotion. Although the “Chuckster” is a pretty boy, he is definitely not the kind who will sit down still for hours and let life go by.  His motto is to live life at full tilt and Charlie needs daily physical and mental challenges to be a happy dog.  Due to his high-prey drive, Charlie would probably not do well with cats.  He is however very eager to please his humans; coupled with a patient and consistent human coach, this inquisitive and sharp boy will catch on basic commands quickly.

Charlie will be turning one year old in June 2011 according to the vet. He is house- and crate-trained. He received a clean bill of health from the vet, is heartworm negative, microchipped and neutered. He is also up-to-date on all of his vaccinations, monthly heartworm (Heartgard) & flea-tick preventatives (Advantix).  There is a $100 adoption fee to defray some of the vetting costs incurred, which will be refunded  upon receipt of a certificate of completion of Charlie taking a basic obedience/training class.  If you are looking for a good-natured and loyal sidekick to your outdoor family activities, Charlie IS the dog that will help you stay fit and laughing with his antics.  Please email estelle.mack@me.com if you'd like to have a meet and greet with this adorable boy. **PLEASE SHARE WITH ALL OF YOUR RESPONSIBLE DOG LOVER FRIENDS** Thank you!

Check out Charlie’s video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2c8Cj4zdwjA and http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1809707405555.2104529.1326069313&l=93e65e2f90 for additional pictures.