Albert - the OES in Colorado

I just got off the phone with a gentleman from the Colorado OES rescue. I didn't think they'd consider us due to the distance, and I was absolutely floored that he said that they would consider working with us because of Albert being difficult to place. He sounds like the most wonderful sheepie. We are already in love with him. (But I'm trying really hard not to get excited. I know it's still a very long shot.)

He was honest, if they find someone local who fits the criteria they will go that route, and we've just started the process, and we're not even at the start of a plan for HOW we would get him to Winnipeg (possibly ship partway and pick up there...) But we're filling out an application and keeping in touch. If a suitable home can't be found locally we'll be moving forward and starting the process.

I am so happy. Even if he doesn't get to come here, I know that he'll be found a home one way or another. I've contacted a number of other rescues/individuals, and am still waiting to hear back from them, so there may be other options available if Albert doesn't work out for us. I have my fingers crossed.

Just wanted to update everyone and say a huge THANK YOU to all who've offered suggestions and leads. We are so appreciative. We'll keep everyone updated.
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How kind of you to take hard to place Albert - I hope both your dreams come true with Albert getting a great home and you a brother for Hudson. Good luck and please keep us updated.
Good luck! I hope all works out with Albert!
I just MapQuested Winnipeg to Colorado Springs. It's an 18 hour drive (one way).
That's not terrible.

When my ex g/f and I got Brick, we travelled 17 hours one way to get him.
We left after work on a Wednesday and drove straight thru (only stopping for gas, bathroom breaks, and a nap in the car at a rest stop).
It took us about an hour to pick him out and complete the transaction. We were back on the road as soon as that was done.
We were home by the early morning of that Friday. Same thing, only stopping for gas, bathroom breaks, and a nap in the car at a rest stop.

You could easily do that trip on a weekend.


If you absolutely cannot get him yourself, could one of those relay deals work? Where different people drive the dog for 20-40 miles and pass him to another driver.

Or maybe you could meet the foster parents halfway. That's what we did when we rescued Zeke.


The one thing you want to have taken care of before he moves is covering any regulations about moving a dog across the U.S.-Canada border. I'm sure it's done all the time but make sure you look into it and have all your "i"s dotted and "t"s crossed. You wouldn't want a problem at the border.


I personally hate the idea of shipping a dog. I imagine it must be traumatic for them.
That is exciting! You might be able to find a few people willing to help drive him...I being one of them. Why is Albert difficult to place?
jcc9797 wrote:
That is exciting! You might be able to find a few people willing to help drive him...I being one of them. Why is Albert difficult to place?


He can't go to a home with children (counting visiting kids, grandkids, etc.)
That would be sooo cool if you adopted Albert!!!

Like the others said, I'm sure you can find a few people to help you with transport, which would probably be easier on him than a flight.
I fostered Albert, he is so intensley Sheepie. 8) He had a tough start in life, but has all the possibilities of being a wonderful family member.

He arrived sans manners or training but picked up on the rules quickly. He is yound and completely goofy(as he should be at that age). So patience and training will be the order of the day.

He never showed agression while with us. He was a little protective of food on arrival but it didn't take long before he was dining with the pack.
Madeline who does the NY division of the OES rescue might be another source of info regarding going into Canada. She rescued Bella and one of her litter mates about 2 months ago. Bella came to me and her brother went into Canada. I think they drove down from Toronto so they only had about a 4 hour drive. You might want to send her an e-mail. She is listed on the rescue page and is great about getting back in touch with people.

Good luck :)
GOOD LUCK W/ALBERT! I think he will be calling Canada his new home very shortly! :lol:
hope it works out with Albert!
I took a rescue dog over the border through Port Huron/Sarnia for Adele and Jim MacAskill. Honestly, it's not a big deal. I cross quite a bit with my own dogs and have never had any problem. Just be sure to have a rabies cert in case you're asked for it, if you don't have one they can turn you back. I've only needed it once and of course the one I had was expired but they let me across anyway. I had 2 dogs with me and didn't announce they were rescues, just acted normal. You need a person to coordinate everything. Cell #'s, type of vehicle and plate #, etc for each person doing a leg. Max and Katie started out in Chicago and ended up near Toronto, all went smoothly. You may be suprised how many people would be willing to do a leg.
Best of luck to Uncle Albert, this poor guy needs a break. Finger's crossed that he becomes a Canadian citizen soon.
Good Luck Tracie!!!!!!!!
traciels28 wrote:
I just got off the phone with a gentleman from the Colorado OES rescue. I didn't think they'd consider us due to the distance, and I was absolutely floored that he said that they would consider working with us because of Albert being difficult to place. He sounds like the most wonderful sheepie. We are already in love with him. (But I'm trying really hard not to get excited. I know it's still a very long shot.)

He was honest, if they find someone local who fits the criteria they will go that route, and we've just started the process, and we're not even at the start of a plan for HOW we would get him to Winnipeg (possibly ship partway and pick up there...) But we're filling out an application and keeping in touch. If a suitable home can't be found locally we'll be moving forward and starting the process.

I am so happy. Even if he doesn't get to come here, I know that he'll be found a home one way or another. I've contacted a number of other rescues/individuals, and am still waiting to hear back from them, so there may be other options available if Albert doesn't work out for us. I have my fingers crossed.

Just wanted to update everyone and say a huge THANK YOU to all who've offered suggestions and leads. We are so appreciative. We'll keep everyone updated.


Tracey

If you are talking with Betty Green's Group based in Colorado Springs it is certainly their preference to place "their dogs" somewhat locally so that if the placement doesn't work out they can more readily recover the Bobtail for further fostering and rehoming. After working with them in early 2001 I can personally vouch for their integrity and the quality of their screening and placement deliberations. The Bobtail's welfare is their only concern.

While Winnipeg to Colorado is a "doable ride" in the summer I'd be very hesitant to try doing this round trip "non-stop" at this time of year. Given that Albert has had quite a bit of upheaval in his life and his travelling capabilities are probably "unproven" he may very well have issues with long drives, and understandably so.

As much as I thank you for being willing to take on a rescue, and one who has been difficult to place at that, please consider what is best for Albert. It may be that a more "local" rescue is a better fit for you so if it doesn't work out keep the faith and another boy or girl will love to have you as their furever moma and home.

Thanks and Cheers

Carl
Wherever he finally goes, he does travel well in a car.
Even though it's winter time, there still are dry spells where there's no snow in the air and the roads are dry.
And I would bet that one of those dry spells will line up with a weekend.

And Sheepdogma says he travels well in a car.
Maybe a possibilty is a sleep over during the 1/2 way portion of the journey. Although it's been a bear of a winter, we have to have at least 2-3 days of good weather line up.
Good luck! I hope it works out for you and Albert!
Great news for albert. He found a home yesterday. We are thrilled for him. I must admit though...we are very sad it won't be with us. Lots of love to you Albert and thanks to everyone here.
Anyone who was willing to take a dog with multiple previous homes will provide a good home for a needy OES - another will come along who is waiting just for you.
I'm so happy to hear that Albert found a home - he seems like a sweet boy who deserves a loving (kid free) family. My Bailey is not a fan of children, so Albert's story really touched our hearts.

Tracie, you have a big heart. I hope you find your next sheepie soon!
Here's prayers that Uncle Albert is in his forever home. This poor mis-understood sheepie has bounced around enough. I hope his new family will love him for the good & bad. We all have our faults. This guy's story really got to me, I wish I'd have been closer.
I wanted to let you guys know that we talked with the gentlemen at the rescue who placed Albert in his new home. He wanted to wait a few days, to see if it "took" before officially telling us no. (We'd already gotten an email letting us know that he'd been placed, but he wanted to make sure it seemed to be working out.)

He said that Albert has settled in well, and that things are going great. It looks like this home will be his forever home.

I'm still a little sad to have lost out on this great guy, but I am thrilled to hear that things are going so well for him. He'll always have a little corner of our hearts, despite not having ever actually met him. It's amazing how quickly you can fall in love with a wonderful sheepieface.
Once again, I got the privilege to escorting Albert to a new home.

We got a call from a young lady here in Colorado Springs. She was in college, lived with her parents, no other kids around. Sounded good on the phone. The next day, she and Mom met at the kennel, they fell in love with Albert within 60 seconds or so. I followed them back to do a home check, then delivered the boy a few hours later. This whole thing happened in less than 24 hours - Rescue is such a hurry up and wait business!

He has been in his new home nearly a week now. There is a playmate, an older Golden named Madeline, and they are getting along fine. The family is quite active - brisk walks early in the morning (5 AM or before), and an occasional 5K run with his military buddies. They wanted to make him the mascot of their group. He seems to be making friends wherever he goes, and there have been no problems. I talked with the college student this evening, she said "....he is so playful and loveable you can't help but hug him..." She has invited her firends over to meet him (and bring gifts!), seems like he is quite a "ladies man", and enjoys their company as much as they enjoy his.

What we thought would be a difficult adoption turned out to be one the easiest in recent memory. He has really landed on his feet - the new folks are aware of his history, and know how to handle him. Albert (they call him Lambert a lot now, after a character in a Disney movie) had a rough start in life, got moved around and shuffled here and there. He is in a perfect home now; love, affection, and disclipine. He will do well.

My heart also goes out to Tracie in Winnipeg. She seems to understand that without question we do what is best for the dog, and that sometimes means that a human might get slighted. She has been a real sport about this, and I wish her the best of luck. There are a bundle of great Sheepies out there looking ofr new homes, and she sounds like a wonderful Mom. Wondering if maybe, just maybe, I could go live with her.....I'm housebroken.

Joe
Old English Sheepdog Rescue
of Colorado
Greata for Albert. one will come for you shortly. i know you are working on it.
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