Not that I don’t already have enough to keep me busy, (I also have a regular 40-hour work week)  I also operate a specialized Dog Rescue operation dedicated to high drive herding dogs.  McNabs and McNab-X are my specialty but, Border Collies, Kelpies, Aussies and Cattledogs are welcome here too . 

I work with Southern California Aussie Rescue, Border Collie Rescue, various other Rescue groups, all the local Animal Shelters as well as scouring the CraigsList Pet ads daily.

     I "usually" take in only a couple of fosters at a time, (although "sometimes this is difficult and I wind up with a "few" more) it gives me more "one-on-one" training time with the dog, and also gives me the opportunity to see where his/her interests are.  I give all my fosters exposure to Canine Frisbee, Agility, and Herding (At the Pasture with Doug Manley). Once evaluated he/she will be available for adoption to individuals in search of a performance oriented companion.  So, if you have a young (they really have to be "two years old or younger" to be accepted into the pack of my personal Cowdogs) high-drive canine that you need to give up, call me first before taking him/her to a shelter, let me evaluate your dog for a spot in my rescue operation. I can promise you that your K9 friend will be placed in a good home with a responsible individual that is looking for just such a companion. And if you are on the other end of this, and looking for a high-performance playmate and best friend, please contact me  and leave your name and phone number and I will do my utmost to unite you with the dog of your dreams.

     Saving one dog will not change the world...

but surely, the world will be changed

for that one dog you saved!

ADOPTION MISCONCEPTIONS
The most common misconception about dogs that are up for adoption is that they are unwanted: crazy, sick or old... There are many reasons that dogs lose their homes. And most of them are not the animal's fault. In fact, it's usually the owner's failure to properly train their dog or deal with life changes. Some of these changes might include unrealistic expectations of their pets, changes in a work schedule, lifestyle, a new baby comes home, relocating to a place where pets aren't allowed, allergies, prospective spouse doesn't like pets; the list goes on and on. 
See my Available Herding Dogs page for a few of the Available Dogs I foster and a couple of private foster listings. Be sure to check out the Rescue sites, Cool Links and Great Rescue Organizations. Always check with your local SPCA or Animal Shelter or visit www.Petfinder.com

The Rescuer's Final Reward

     Unlike most days  at the Rainbow Bridge, this day dawned cold and gray. All the recent  arrivals at the Bridge did not know what to think, as they had never seen such a day. 

But the animals who had been waiting longer for their beloved  people to accompany them across the Bridge knew what was happening, and  they began to gather at the pathway leading to the Bridge.
    Soon an elderly dog came into view, head hung low and tail  dragging.  He approached slowly, and though he showed no sign of injury or  illness, he was in great emotional pain. 

     Unlike the animals gathered along  the pathway, he had not been restored to youth and vigor upon arriving at  the Bridge.  He felt out of place, and wanted only to cross over and find happiness.
     But as he approached the Bridge, his  way was barred by an angel, who apologized and explained that the tired and  broken-spirited old dog could not cross over.  Only those animals  accompanied by their people were allowed to cross the Bridge. 

Having nobody, and with nowhere else to turn, the dog trudged into the field in  front of the Bridge. There he found others like himself, elderly or infirm, sad and discouraged. 

Unlike the other animals waiting to cross the Bridge, these animals were not running or playing. They simply were lying in the grass, staring forlornly at the pathway across the Rainbow Bridge. The old  dog took his place among them, watching the pathway and waiting.yet not  knowing for what he was waiting.
     One of the newer dogs at the Bridge asked a cat who had been there longer to explain what  was happening.  The cat replied, "Those poor animals were abandoned, turned  away, or left at rescue places, but never found a home on earth. They all passed on with only the love of a rescuer to comfort them. Because they had no people to love them, they have nobody to escort them across the Rainbow  Bridge."
     The dog asked the cat, "So what will happen to  those animals?"  Before the cat could answer, the clouds began to part and  the cold turned to bright sunshine.  The cat replied, "Watch, and you will  see."

In the distance was a single person, and as he approached the Bridge the old, infirm and sad animals in the field were bathed in a golden light. They were at once made young and healthy, and stood to see what their fate would be. 

     The animals who had previously gathered at the pathway bowed their heads as the person approached.  At each bowed head, the person offered a scratch or hug. 

     One by one, the now youthful  and healthy animals from the field fell into line behind the person. Together, they walked across the Rainbow Bridge to a future of happiness and unquestioned love.
     The dog asked the cat, "What just  happened?" The cat responded, "That was a  rescuer.  The animals gathered along the pathway bowing in respect were those who had found their forever homes because of rescuers.  They will  cross over when their people arrive at the Bridge. 

The arrival here of a rescuer is a great and solemn event, and as a tribute they are permitted to perform one final act of rescue.  They are allowed to escort all those poor  animals they couldn't place on earth across the Rainbow Bridge."
     The dog thought for a moment, then said, "I like rescuers."  The  cat smiled and replied, "So does heaven, my friend.  So does heaven."