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Special Border Collie Steals Hearts

Hope is perfection on three legs.


 

Howdy, I’m Hope, and if you noticed something special about me, you were right! I’m a tripod border collie! Yep, I have three legs.

 You see, I was lost and starving, and had probably been hit by a car as well, as my front leg was so injured that I wasn’t using it anymore. The doc said it was permanent nerve damage. So my crippled leg was removed, and you would think I would be upset about that, but I acted like it didn’t even happen! I had already gotten so used to hopping around on 3 legs that it actually made my job easier. Now I can hop up curbs and stairs, in and out of the car (with a little help though!), and have no problem getting on the couch to snuggle up! 

I’m about 10-years-old, and am very mellow (no one told me I was a border collie, I guess!). I get along with mellow dogs and cats, but will give a little growl if they get in my face, as I’m still feeling a little vulnerable after my surgery. I am housebroken, but can only hold it about 6 hours right now. That may improve with some crate training, as I may have been lost (and therefore I could potty whenever I needed to!) for some time based on how skinny I was, but it’s probably better if I have a home where my people don’t work long hours. 

I am oh so sweet, a little shy at first, but I bond very quickly with my people. I love to feel safe and secure after everything I’ve been through, so please know that you’ll have to hug and kiss me a lot – I demand it! And be warned -  I like to sit in your lap if you’re on the floor. 

See? Having three legs doesn’t bother me one bit! So if you are a fan of the tripod variety, come meet me. You’ll find that I’m a special girl! 

I’m healthy and already spayed, up-to-date on my vaccinations, and microchipped. My adoption fee of $165 allows Young at Heart Pet Rescue to help other older dogs and cats like me get a second chance at a happily ever after. Just fill out an adoption application to arrange a visit. 

Barbara Gelfant July 13, 2012 at 12:34 am
I have an 11yr old male BC and a 5 yr old male golden husky wolf mix. Do you think he would fit in? Oh and 3 daughters to cuddle!
Claudia Lenart (Editor) July 13, 2012 at 12:53 am
Perhaps you are the right home. She is so cute. Please contact YAHPR and see what they think.
Maryedith Montoya July 13, 2012 at 02:26 am
I have a 2 yr. old bc mix and a cat who are best friends, i unfortunately work m-f 9 1/2 hour days. my little zooey stays home, and is pretty mellow as well. I live in the country and doesn't leave the property but she allready knows the rules. Wish i could offer Hope some more hope.
Roberta July 13, 2012 at 03:41 am
For anyone hesitating....here's a comment from California! My husband and I had a chocolate lab who was a tripod, also missing a front leg. Our Shelly lived to be 16, and passed from natural causes, and bless her heart, nothing to do with the leg, or impaired mobility! She was such a strong girl. Dogs adapt so wonderfully, and they seem to gain strength in some way, through adversity. I hope someone adopts Hope without a second thought! Our current "round of dogs" are two 10 year olds....another lab, and a border collie! I only wish I would have discovered the love of a BC earlier on in life. They are the best dogs one could hope to have!
Richard Eisenberg July 13, 2012 at 06:13 am
HOPE, You are a wonderful little lady and thanks to Young at Heart Pet Rescue, you have a chance to show everybody how loving and grateful BCs can be! We have a tri-pawed red border collie with a story like yours. One thing about a trip-pawed, if they charge off at the dog park, they are easy to catch. My husband says they are chick-magnets, too (!)... Our Cimmeron was a trained cattle ranch dog who was defending her Northern Nevada ranch against 2 Bernese Mntn./Pit crosses killing her farm animals; they broke her leg in 4 places before a passing rancher got his gun and killed them. Even though the vet thought Cimmer should be put down her owners knew she'd pull through. She safely delivered her litter of pups; the owners agreed we could be her retirement home; we paid for amputation and spaying. Our vet agreed on a payment plan. Cimmer runs with our black border collie in the foothills and big parks with us, announcing all "incoming" and giving lots of love and kisses to all she likes, sitting on everyone's feet and, like you, HOPE, loving couch and lap time. She fascinates everyone. At first, many don't notice Cimmer's front leg is missing. It took six months for her muscle mass, coat and balance to build up. HOPE, you look very good, too! If you don't get a new home in a few days, we will find a way to make the trip from Reno to adopt you. We'd have black, red and white BCs on 10 legs! Has anyone mentioned border collies sleep on their backs--pretty funny! Reno, Nevada

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