DAISY MAE

Daisy Mae is an exuberant, good natured youngster (not quite a year and a half). She is pure Border Collie (registered with ABCA) and eminently lovable. Tested high on herding instinct by our local stock dog trainer. This trainer said, judging by her swift response to the flock and to handler signals, that Daisy is likely from working lines. She is ball crazy and is learning to field frisbees. She could compete in dog sports (Agility, anyone?) or keep your livestock in line. Or both.

Daisy learned quickly to wait for a command. For example:

She lies at the door staring intently with her owlish eyes (one green, one amber). I say, “OK!” She rockets into the yard, grabs her ball, drops it at my feet, assumes the iconic Border Collie crouch, and resumes the owl-eyed stare. Game on!

Other attributes: Potty trained (goes to the door when nature calls). Good with men, women, children, cats and other dogs. Interacts appropriately, choosing a submissive play posture to lure a new dog friend into her game. Working on leash manners–goes medium well in a Frisco front loop harness. Tolerates vacuum cleaners, hair dryers, and thunderstorms. Rides quietly in the car, having overcome an early tendency toward motion sickness. Sleeps soundly at the foot of my bed, curled in a ball.

Daisy learned to swim by “accidentally” falling in the pool two times in a row. Earlier, she had waited calmly to be rescued after stepping by mistake into a floating boat. She might enjoy dock diving.

As Daisy matures beyond goofy puppy stage, evidence of a high drive, working collie emerges. She watches my every move, waiting for a signal, an invitation, a command. Two or three games of ball every day are not nearly enough for this little cannonball. Her brain craves more complex challenges. A sport or working home should fill the bill. At least one other dog in the household is recommended. Cats fine, too. (Squirrels, Beware)

A fenced yard is a must.