Buck

Buck is a multi-talented, purebred Border Collie, who, with his one blue and brown parti-eye, manages to look elegant and goofy at the same time. He was surrendered by owners to a shelter in Columbus SC for “not getting along with the neighbor dog”. While in foster, he has done well with all the dogs he has met except for one—a neighbor’s intact male. That dog, a bumbling young lab, has pushed our doors open more than once in order to harass (read ‘obsessively hump’) a senior dog in the household. Buck stands guard against that dog’s intrusions and once lunged and growled at him while on a walk.

Buck loves to retrieve frisbees, balls and sticks with dramatic, teeth-snapping, athletic effect. The stock dog trainer who tested him for herding instinct, says that, although he could be diverted toward working sheep, his strong toy drive makes him particularly suitable for Performance Sports such as Rally, Dock Diving, Agility, or Flyball. At 6 years of age, he is at his peak yet can be satisfied with one or two play periods a day, plus a brisk walk. He will accept a cheery, “Let’s go in the house,” when playtime is over. The best way to avoid ensuing nudges is to stow triggers (balls, frisbees) securely out of sight.

Buck is house trained to a dog door, has excellent recall, and is far more interested in people than in other dogs. He does not interact with canine peers beyond an introductory sniff fest. His preference is to be near his people, whether they be inside or outside the house. He successfully play-herds a dog-savvy cat but might be too intense for a feline less wiling to engage. He pursues squirrels with less than benign intent.

A special delight is the water hose. One should not aspire to water a flower or wash a car with Buck in the yard. Either fill buckets to pour onto garden beds or secure Buck in the house with a satisfying chew while deploying the hose .

Buck is good with people of all ages. Neighbor kids come over specifically to play frisbee with him. When guests arrive, he scrambles to find an object of any kind to place expectantly at their feet. He does well in an Easy Walk harness. Sleeps through the night on a dog bed; lies close by his person during the day. No resource guarding around food or toys, even when an upstart puppy grabbed a frisbee out of his mouth. Barks at unexpected sounds but can be thanked and then quieted with a command.

For all his playfulness, Buck is exceptionally sensitive to the merest suggestion of displeasure or the faintest wish. Exclaim over a mistake you’ve made on the computer and he crumples to the ground in shame. Whisper his name and he appears instantly at your side. Stroke his silky coat and he melts into an upside-down heap of happiness.

A substantial fence is a must, and a sports home is preferred.

Buck is a true treasure. Loving, affectionate, eager to please, always ready to play.