Tavi Border Collie Rescue: Belle's Story

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Tavi Border Collie Rescue

Belle's Story

The Gorgeous Rescue Who Needed Work to Do

Belle, sitting, with flowers Belle was relinquished to the Border Collie Rescue Organization at age 8 months by her original owners in August 1997, who had to move to a place where she was not allowed indoors. Because she was a beloved pet, they could not bear for her to live that life. Cindy and Wes Cook in Pennsylvania took Belle in as a foster dog, but Belle and her dog had a personality conflict, so Cindy sent Belle our way in late August 1997.

Belle was a very keen, energetic young Border Collie. She had already been spayed and had taken a puppy obedience class. Her most serious problem was her intense interest in cars.

Belle was affectionate, playful, and eager to learn. She was a breeze to train. She loved to retrieve, although she preferred to throw the toy at you rather than bring it to hand. Every day, she woke us up promptly at 6:30 a.m., more than ready to start her day. Although we weren't able to have Belle sheep-tested, we were certain that she had plenty of instinct. The eye and classic stalk of the Border Collie were ever present in her play. She was the first dog we ever saw try to herd water while swimming!

Belle's photogenic nature generated a great deal of interest in her and rescue. She was the rescue dog of the month for November 1997, featured on Border Collie Rescue, Inc.'s homepage. She was well above average in energy and needed a working situation, either with livestock or in competitive dog sports.

In November 1997, Belle was adopted by a New York couple and their teenage daughter. She is being trained to help with their sheep (taking over for their retired Border Collie) and accompanies the daughter on jogs.

We extend special thanks to Cindy and Wes Cook and Val Maurer of BCRO, and to Nick Carter for hosting Belle's description on Border Collie Rescue, Inc.'s Web site.

Belle, sitting, left side

Send questions and comments to Tavi@bcrescue.org or call 607 275-0282.

Updated September 3, 1998. TBCR is registered with Tompkins County, Ithaca, NY. All material ©1997, 1998 by Beth and Chuck Goelzer Lyons, Tavi@bcrescue.org. All text and photographs are copyrighted. All rights reserved.