this is Gracie

[kassidy62]

Long story, I'll make it short: her owners were arrested, and she was running free. Someone called the dog catcher but they hadn't been able to get her. I went to visit Mom (Gracie's owners lived next door) and saw her. She was skittish, and I think she needed food. We fed her, and then I took her home, called the owner of the house (Gracie's owners were renters, but they're being booted out, assuming they get out of jail) and told him what I'd done. We'll see what happens next. It could be complicated or not, I guess it depends on several things.

I have too many cats for this. She's young and energetic, but my girls are taking good care of her. They gave her a bath, bought her some toys, and we put some flea medicine on her. She's very happy here, as a lovely, lively, sweet little dog deserves to be. Does anyone have guesses as to what breed, or mixture she might have in her? I have no idea. She can jump very high, that I do know;)

Comments

[igbc.livejournal.com]

Looks like she might have some Australian Shepherd in her. How big is she?

[kassidy62.livejournal.com]

she's medium-small I guess - maybe 35 lbs?

[igbc.livejournal.com]

She could easily be an Aussie-mix, or even a purebred Aussie. She could also be a mini-Aussie (North American Shepherd).

[duluthgirl.livejournal.com]

Hey there. Well, I own and run a boarding kennel for dogs, if this helps, and I'll give you a few of my ideas. I've had a few customers with dogs that have similar features, but not exactly. I would guess this is a mix, and without knowing weight/size, I'll give you a few breeds.

North American Shepherd: 15-30 lbs.
Border Collie: 30-49 lbs. (this would be if there is a mix. I tend to see mixes with collie in it to have more of the white patterning, though)
Finnish Lapphund: 44-47 lbs. (The patterning looks a lot like one of these, though the coat looks shorter to me in the photo. Their ears are usually erect, too, but I don't know if that is natural or due to cropping).

And it is possible that the dog is an all around mix of more common breeds and this is just what came out. I see shepherd, collie, heeler, and others in her, but often those mixes are hard to figure out without a DNA test. Look for other traits, such as herding, nipping at heels, protectiveness, and anything else that might indicate some of the different breed standards.

[kassidy62.livejournal.com]

thanks very much! I'm really looking closely at the Finnish Lapphund, because her face is strikingly like one of the photos of a Lapphund on wikipedia. Though I do think it likely she's a mix, but she has that tail, too, bushy and curled. I'm guessing she's 30-35 lbs, but she's young and may not be finished growing. I kept looking at collies and herding dogs yesterday. She is very quick and jumps very high with little effort, and I think she's very intelligent. I can tell her things and she'll mind. She barks sharply. Very protective, I think.

[duluthgirl.livejournal.com]

I thought she looked a lot like that one, too. Not a dog I have ever seen in person, pure blood, but if she is less than 1 year, her hair looks about the right length maybe? Good luck with her! Just for you to have gotten that good of a picture of her shows she seems to be calm and mannerly. :)

[lolabobs.livejournal.com]

She's an absolute beauty.

(as are you for taking her in.)

[kassidy62.livejournal.com]

I think people like us have to try and make up for the people in the world who cause our pets to suffer, don't you? Which is kind of why my house is full to bursting. My kids asked for a dog after my Thumper died, and I told them I wasn't ready, but also I thought, one will come along that needs me. This may be the one I was thinking of:)

[lolabobs.livejournal.com]

"one will come along that needs me."

is *exactly* how it works.

[keri1006.livejournal.com]

Border Collie? She's just gorgeous...and you're a doll for taking her in.

I have a new rescue kitten and he gets on famously with my dog--my dog came into a house full of cats and knows nothing else, so she loves cats:)

[kassidy62.livejournal.com]

duluthgirl suggested border collie as well, but there's a photo of a Finnish Lapphund on wikipedia that makes me think she might have some of that mixed in. I love that you have a rescue kitten - was just telling lolabobs that people like us have to try and help makeup for people who don't cause their pets to suffer. Gracie has had some encounters with my cats, but I have faith she'll get used to them (the other way around will be the trouble;)

[keri1006.livejournal.com]

I wish there were more of us. It breaks my heart to know how so many animals are treated and I wish I could adopt more. My new kitten was dumped at my niece's house when he was about three weeks old--starving, goopy eyes, mites and fleas... I'm sure you can imagine.

Your cats will be cranky about Gracie for a while, but once her scent is everywhere and she's just part of their day to day lives I bet you'll be fine.

[cynatnite.livejournal.com]

I see collie and shepherd. There is something else, but I don't know what it would be.

I only know this because I slept at a Holiday Inn last night. *G*

She is beautiful.

[giandujakiss.livejournal.com]

What a pretty doggie! It's so great that you're taking care of her.

[ficwriter1966.livejournal.com]

Aw, she's just beautiful! Hope all works out well.

[mishaphappens.livejournal.com]

Very jealous of your beautiful new family member! I hope you get to keep her.

[greenlady2.livejournal.com]

She's beautiful. I vote for some Border Collie in her background, too.