Rover is a one year old Kelpie X Border Collie and he’s looking for someone very special to come forward to be his human. He has been surrendered twice now.

You see, Rover is a very smart dog. And not just any kind of ordinary smart. Nope. He’s got the smartest genes of all running through his body.

Border Collie and Kelpie.

His ancestry is bred to work.
To be trained to the highest level.
To be challenged.
To respect a master.
To be directed by a leader.
And of course to herd.

Bred to do things instinctively that other dogs just simply are not.

And yet, Rover has been expected to live a completely different life.

Even if you’re not familiar with working breeds, imagine being born a singer but never allowed to sing. You’d be feeling frustrated. You’d be craving what it is you were born to do.

Rover is only one year old and he’s had floofin’ enough of not being given what he needs.

So he has misbehaved big time.

His last home reported he attacked their other dog 7 times. Dee had to bring him into the shelter with a catch pole because of his behaviour.

At just one year old, Rover had no time left, he was scheduled to be euthanised last Tuesday.

But Dee THANKFULLY cancelled the appointment. She wasn’t sure what had happened to Rover, but she was going to get a second opinion on his behaviour.

Last Thursday, we had our scheduled Shelter Dog Day Out at the farm. Rover was there. Dee asked if Luke would formally assess Rover to see what hope there was.

It wasn’t an easy assessment. Rover definitely battled Luke more than once.

But after a little boot camp, Rover acknowledged that Luke was not going to give up and that he was the leader. Respect was given. Rover listened and responded.

Long story short. Rover relaxed in his new role. He even was able to play unrestricted with another dog instead of muzzled and on lead.

Why say all of this? Why the long story? I could just tell the bit where Rover plays nicely with Winnie. Where Rover rolls over on his back for a belly scratch. But that wouldn’t be fair to Rover. He doesn’t need another easy adoption. An anybody.

Rover is looking for someone with experience. Someone who has had a working dog before. Someone who is naturally or can be a strong leader. Someone who will give Rover boundaries. Challenge him. Train him. Play with him. Exercise him. Love him. He needs all those things. And NOT just the love bit.

Because if he doesn’t get those things, he’s going to end up back in the same situation but with NO more chances left.

He’s not a dog that needs rehabilitation. Nor one that should be euthanised. There’s nothing wrong with Rover. You can’t turn a serious dog like say Chance around in 20 mins. Rover is simply a 1 year old working dog. He needs a strong and experienced owner to give him what he needs. What he wants.

If you feel you could be Rover’s special person. His leader. Please get in contact with Central Coast Animal Care Facility on [email protected]

Luke is here to support the right and suitable adoption for Rover with any training advice if they need. Anytime. For as long as they need.

Please let us find Rover his forever home