For weeks we have searched rescue centres for a youngish family dog. We've tried RSPCA, Battersea, Dogs Trust, Many Tears, Bordercollie Trust, Collie rescue, local rescues, much less local ones

[Slowslowreader]

Please can some one think of anything that might help. The last two I spoke to said they had absolutely nothing in but young dogs with behavioural problems (often lockdown related) and big breed dogs/ greyhounds. We have such a dog shaped hole in this house. We'd love to fill it. Has anyone any suggestions please?

Maybe ask local vets ? Local rescues are what I'd have recommended so not sure what else to suggest sorry

Where abouts are you located?

Tbh you just have to wait for the right fit. Takes a lot of time if you want to go the rescue way.

Are you specifically looking for a collie? If not, what size and breeds are you looking for or avoiding?

Midlands, northish, but would travel anywhere within reason. RSPCA and local vets have us on their lists. Local rescue (which used to be wonderful) say they have a behaviourist working with the dogs but so many problems re. no socialisation growing up are really hard it iron out. Bordercollietrust have very few ready to adopt, and most of them have nipped/bitten or are afraid of men. It's really sad.

What are you actually looking for ?

We just always had collies, and live rurally with stacks of good off lead collie places. Never had a difficult collie and they are so teachable and lovable. And not very big.

Try Pre Loved Border Collies. They are on Facebook. We adopted our last collie from there and they were great to deal with

stgilesanimalwelfare.co.uk/adoptions/kai/

stgilesanimalwelfare.co.uk/adoptions/sadie/

We are avoiding little trip over -able dogs, for family reasons. And big dogs for transport reasons. And Frenchies and sort of town/city dogs and lurchers etc with strong prey drive because have a couple of friends with them, and they have to have them on long leads and with neckbells because they just can't help running off at a squirrel or a rabbit or deer.

Ah, I thought so from your list- but this is Mumsnet and someone will be along to suggest adopting a Yorkie in a minute.

Are you on the Facebook/watsapp groups for the specialist collie rescues?

Have you tried the Blue Cross?

When we were looking to adopt, we undertook the approval process and it was about 2 months before we were offered a match (2 adult, no children household though so easier to place). It is a waiting game, but I appreciate it is frustrating

Have tried Blue Cross, and am on Diana Hart's waiting list in South Wales, and Border Collie Rescue although they are moving from Yorkshire to Dumfries and Galloway I hear, so much harder to get to.

I've dog walked for this rescue, anything here?

www.homelesshounds.org.uk

I hope you aren't waiting too long OP. So sad to see all these poor, troubled dogs in rescue kennels.

I love collies too. wonderful and intelligent dogs

Crap, I didn't realise they don't rehome out of Lancashire

Do you have children ?

Do you have a private, safe and enclosed back garden ?

www.heathlands.org.uk/dogs.php

These guys are reputable and often have collies/ collie cross for some reason. I got my dog from there although he is a big dog.
They are all fostered in experienced homes before being rehomed and they do offer post adoption support

www.facebook.com/share/o4WUAUGjQKrnZqNo/?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Barneys small animal rescue, based in south wales but do go further afield.

Try Spaniel Aid.

A couple of young dogs available at the moment.

Keep an eye on this one
https://www.animalrescuecumbria.co.uk/
Good reputation for taking care with homing choices but seem to have a sensible approach to families with kids and whether they can be considered (with the right dog)

I'm in Dumfriesshire so delighted to hear collie rescue is coming here. We're not that remote. Carlisle's our local city and the motorway runs through the county. You sound ideal collie adopters. I've usually acquired mine through the grapevine. I hope you and your putative collie ind each other soon.

@OlderGlaswegianLivingInDevon do you work for a rescue?

Many Tears have an 8 week old collie puppy tight now - is that too young ?
or are your children unsuitable for it ?

Gumtree is full of collies and collie mixes that are rehomed as people don't understand how much energy they heave and how much stimulation they need.
GT is notorious for puppy mils but there is fair chunk of owners who prefer to arrange rehoming and checks themselves and don't want dog getting to kennel.
I got mine collie mix through there and he is with us for seven years now. Still in contacct with previous owner (us by email, not the dog).

Here?

www.thebordercolliespot.com/dogs-needing-homes/

www.fostbc.org.uk/dogs-for-adoption/