It's Time to Celebrate and Cherish the Irish Collie
by Aisling O'Donoghue (A collie lover)
Two years ago my collie Amber (pictured left) was thrown out of a moving car during rush hour on a city street. She was just 12 months old. Clearly her owners had decided she had outgrown her cute puppy phase and was no longer worth the trouble. Luckily for Amber a kind lady saw what happened and was able to retrieve her from the stream of traffic and take her to a local rescue - which is where I met and adopted this lovely collie.
Imagine a country farmyard - and the traditional image of a pretty Border collie sitting benevolently amongst the ducks and the chickens immediately springs to mind. Most Irish farmers still keep a collie or two to help them round up the sheep or bring in the cows, and for Irish people the collie is still inextricably linked to the farm through the centuries.
It's not a bed of roses for most collies in Ireland
Sadly though the life of the Irish sheepdog is not always a happy one. Though there are farmers across Ireland who for generations have treasured and respected their collies as working members of the family, many live a much different life. They are chained up for long hours when not working, and few enjoy the warmth of the fireside. In addition, agricultural life is on the decline in Ireland and the use of vehicles rather than dogs is on the increase in herding livestock. Yet still many are reluctant to neuter their dogs, and the result is unchecked breeding. The result? The chances of an Irish collie puppy having a long and happy life are indeed slim. Pups that show some working ability stay on the farm or are sold on. A few are passed on to friends or family as pets.The rest are systematically drowned, dumped, put to sleep or handed into a shelter (if it has room) or the local pound.
But this is not simply a problem in the agricultural community. Ireland has a severe pet overpopulation problem, much of it due to the lack of spaying and neutering. It's little wonder that Irish pounds and rescue centres are inundated with collies and collie crosses of all ages. Though few dog lovers can resist the charms of a collie puppy; unfortunately many soon discover that they are ill-equipped and unprepared for their growing collie's demands for boundless exercise and a 'job' to do - and they too end up in the pounds and shelters. Not many make it out of the pounds.
Irish collie lovers and rescue groups have a major PR battle on their hands to convince the public that these dogs make good pets. Despite rescues' best efforts, most of the collies in Irish rescues languish in kennels for months before homes can be found for them. Collies do not fend well in kennels and sadly the sight of a stressed out collie is enough to put off even the most open-minded of potential adopters. There just doesn't seem to be enough interest - or homes - for them in Ireland, and by necessity many Irish rescues send their sheepdogs overseas, where collies have a huge fan base. Although Irish collies have a great cachet in Britain, Germany, the US and elsewhere as the dogs to beat in all branches of canine sport - and wonderful members of the family, Irish people cling to the misconception that collies are working dogs and don't make satisfactory companions.
The truth about collies!
Collies are wonderfully sensitive, affectionate and attentive dogs that repay a thousandfold the effort needed to keep them happy and content. As any devotee of the breed will tell you, "if it's not a collie, then it's just a dog!" If you're an active, energetic person with time to devote to doggie activities, then a deserving rescue collie could be just the dog for you. The key to a successful relationship with your collie is to understand their instinct to stalk, chase and herd, and to channel these drives appropriately. Collies have been selectively bred over centuries to have boundless stamina and razor-sharp intelligence. Satisying your collie's need for exercise and a purpose is a challenge, but that doesn't mean it can't be fun! A good walk every day, basic training and plenty of quality time with you is enough to satisfy most collies, and playing fetch with a ball or frisbee makes their day. And they do very well at 'chilling out' too - Yakima pictured with her feline friend proves that (photo courtesy of Asa).
Collies really thrive on training, as they are so responsive and anxious to please. You don't need to aim for Crufts - collies have endless potential, but your collie will adore learning even basic obedience commands and tricks, especially if you make it fun and give them heaps of praise for their efforts. If you want to take your collie's training a step further, there are all manner of fun group activities for you both to enjoy, including agility and flyball. (Read about agility)
So, are you one of those special "collie people"?
If after reading this you know in your heart you're a collie person - or you already know you are one and are ready to adopt someone in need of a loving understanding home, then please visit our Special Appeals this issue ... featuring just some of the lovely Irish collies available for rehoming around the country.
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