RUSS

Male, 3-1/2 years, 42 lbs

Meet Russ! Russ a 3.5-year-old, 42-pound, border collie mix. He is a sweet, silly boy, who enjoys playing and being close to humans. While he is dog-friendly, Russ especially values human companionship, often coming over to give his foster mom a little lick of affection. When she’s working at her desk, Russ likes to lie on her feet or lean in for a snuggle. He is happiest following his people around or playing games with them. A recent favorite is chasing a flirt pole, and he has just learned to fetch.

As a highly food-motivated dog, Russ is trainable, responsive, and has already learned to sit and down. He is a moderate-to-high energy boy, who needs mental and physical stimulation throughout the day. He won’t be happy only playing fetch and going for walks around the block. He is a smart boy who enjoys and even thrives in learning new things with his person. So, Russ is looking for an active home with someone who enjoys training and figuring out what a dog enjoys. He is quite athletic and may even enjoy agility training for fun.

In his foster home, Russ has met a couple dozen new dogs, and he plays nicely with dogs. He offers a little growl when he’s playing sometimes, both with people and with dogs, but it’s simply his way of communicating, not a warning or anything concerning. Russ could benefit from living with another compatible dog in his new home, but he could also be happy as his people’s one-and-only. We don’t know if Russ could live compatibly with a cat in his home. He has not been around indoor cats during his foster stay, but when out on walks, Russ is keenly interested in the outdoor cats he’s encountered

Russ finds the environment and new experiences very exciting when out on neighborhood walks. He is working on managing his enthusiasm in new situations: like keeping four feet on the ground when he meets someone new or walking on a loose leash when he sees excited dogs behind a fence. A family considering Russ should plan to continue this training. Russ is house-trained, and in his foster home he eats and sleeps in his crate and rides crated in a vehicle.

If you’re looking for a buddy who is young but past the puppy shenanigans, a boy who would love to learn and play and adventure with you, resting on (or at!) your feet afterwards, Russ might be your new best friend.

RUSS is micro-chipped, spayed, heartworm negative and on preventative, and up-to-date on vaccinations. If you have an approved Northern California Border Collie Rescue & Adoptions Adoption Application (https://norcalbcrescue.org/adoption/adoption-application/) and wish to inquire about RUSS, please email us at Adoptions@norcalbcrescue.org. If you do not have an approved application, or it has been over a year since applying, please fill out a new application here Adoption Application.

RUSS is being fostered in Elverta in Sacramento County, CA.