Description:
Luke is a great Border Collie that we rescued from West Virginia. Yes, you read that right, West Virginia. How did we end up with him? I'm glad you asked. Judy gets e-mails from all over the country asking for her to rescue pets. There was one from a woman in West Virginia who was running a small rescue from her home. The local Zoning board was coming down on her and were going to take all her dogs to the kill shelter. Could Judy help? Well, this story struck a little too close to home for Judy to just come right out and say no. Instead she offered to take five dogs if the woman could arrange to have them brought to Orlando. That seemed safe, right? I mean, how was she going to get them from West Virginia to Florida, especially with gas $4/gallon. Well, Judy hadn't figured on this lady being just as resourceful as she is. One week later, who arrives at our door but a carload of dogs with thick West Virginia accents. I mean, we can hardly understand a thing they say!!! After all their adventures, it will be our pleasure to find forever homes for Luke and his friends. Be sure to check out Luke's video at the bottom of his page.

Like a lot of rescued pets, Luke has separation anxiety so he would love a home where someone is most often home. Separation anxiety can be overcome with time and patience. My dog had severe anxiety for years. We tried everything and finally got a prescription from the vet (Composure, I think), something to give him 30 minutes before we planned to leave. Within 6 weeks we never had to give it to him again, were able to leave him alone loose in the home, and he even overcome his terror of thunder!!! I know that others have had great success with Happy Traveller. Luke is in a wonderful foster home that is helping him overcome this issue. I've added the updates I get from Kaily so you can follow his progression. I love our fosters! We learn so much about the pets that we would never pick up on in a kennel environment. Luke has turned out to be a real dream of a dog!

Volunteer update: What a love Luke is! Very well behavied and sweet. He was excellent in the crate at the event and loved up everyone! He walked well on the leash and enjoyed all the attention. In the car he slept in the passenger side seat the whole way home! A great classic border collie personality!

12/23 Foster Update: Luke is GREAT with kids and ok with cats. He is curious about them and follows them, but immediately backs away and runs when they hiss or defend themsleves. It's normal behavior, from what I can tell. He's very mellow. There are ten people in the shop and he's napping on the carpet...doesn't jump up on people or get excited as people enter or leave, just rolls over for belly rubs. He bonded with me quickly and loves to be next to me, and frequently comes up to give hugs if I am sitting on the floor by him. I'm going to start him on Happy Traveler and try that for his separation anxiety, which he definitely still has (you would too if you were in 5 houses within a year...right?). I have a feeling that his anxiety will be a thing of the past in no time.

He is such a wonderful dog. I got countless compliments on what a great dog he is at work today. He loves children and is not intimidated by anything at all. He just sits and waits to be pet, and when you finally do, he rolls over to get his belly rubbed. Such a sweetheart.

12/27 Foster Update:
A previous home suggested that Luke be an only dog to an only person who is home a lot. I could not disagree with her more. Maybe yes, with the him being in a home where people are home often, but not the "only one person"