Lady Veda

Lady Veda is a plush little Border Collie, who spent most of her 5 years of life in a backyard, birthing and raising puppies.  She lived with 9 other dogs, many of whom were kin—brothers, sisters, parents, youngsters.

Veda, as I call her, came to CBCR in August 2024, heartworm positive, malnourished, shy, and leash-illiterate. Her initial foster person taught her to trust and trained her to walk on leash, heeling tidily on the left side. In September, Hurricane Helene tumbled multiple tall oaks into her yard, disrupting power supply, crushing the fence and damaging the foster home. She was hastily transferred to her present foster home in October, at which time treatment for heartworm was continued, she was spayed, and 6 diseased teeth were extracted.  

Veda has gained strength and confidence.  She is potty trained, has good recall, sits for treats and is a willing cuddler.  She never learned to play (seems bewildered by balls, frisbees, even a treat tossed in the air), but she bounces like a puppy at the jingle of a leash or the invitation of an open car door. She rides well in a car, sometimes hopping in a toddler’s car seat. She gets along with people of all ages (4yo to mid-80s) —  enjoys family gatherings as well as interacting with staff and residents in a nursing home (potential therapy dog?). She is a popular favorite at the Vet Clinic, friendly and cooperative. With proper introductions, Veda is good with most other dogs, but is likely to make all but the most implacable cat pretty uncomfortable.

Veda will make a nearly perfect pet—with one glaring exception:  she suffers from extreme Separation Anxiety.  She is frantic when left alone, even in the consoling presence of other dogs.  She will pace, cry, try to escape through windows, doors, even mirrors, and will dig under a fence. 

Veda must be with a human being at all times in order to feel safe. She is on Fluoxetine and we are implementing appropriate management techniques, but, so far, it is not possible to leave her in the house, the yard or a car longer than 10-15 minutes at a time.

This deserving dog will sweeten up the home of a family who can accept her for who she is–a quiet beauty whose dearest wish is to be by your side.