1. Where did the name “Sammy” come from? The woman who originally rescued him named him Sammy, or Sammie Joe. He has been Sammy since January, and does respond to his name.

2. What is his gender? Sammy is a male, and was neutered in March, 2003.

3. How old is he? Two different vets have estimated his age at about one year.

4. What is his breed? From a distance, he looks like a purebred Border Collie. Up close, he appears more fine-boned and has a fox-like face. This, as well as his extra-fluffy coat, leads me to believe he is a Border Collie/Sheltie cross.

5. What are his markings? Sammy has typical black and white Border Collie markings. True to his nature, it looks like he couldn’t stand still long enough for his ruff to be finished – on the left, its full and thick, but white band does not reach around to the right side. He has four white legs, a very faint white stripe down the middle of his forehead, and the tip of his bushy tail is white.

6. What is his coat like? Sammy’s coat is thick and fluffy, with some feathering on his hind legs.

7. What are his measurements? Sammy weighed 35 pounds at his last vet appointment and stands approximately 20 inches at the shoulder. He is more fine-boned than a typical Border Collie.

8. Does he have any of the traditional Border Collie Traits? Not really, which leads me to believe he is a Sheltie in BC clothing. He has minimal ball drive, shows no herding inclination, and lacks the focus and work ethic in the typical “all ball, all the time” Border Collie. He does, however, plop drop.

9. Has he had any formal training? Alas, no. Sammy is a quick student, and has the potential to be the star of the obedience class, but he does need someone to work with him on manners. He wants to be a Good Boy; it’s just a question of showing him how.

10. Does he have any medical issues? None. Sammy is up to date on his vaccinations, has been tested for heartworms, and has been micro-chipped.

11. Where did he come from? Sammy appeared on the doorstep of a family in Indiana on Christmas day. He appeared well cared-for, and the family fed him for a few days, figuring someone would come looking for him. When his owners did not come forward, the family’s daughter took Sammy home. She loved him very much, but with five dogs of her own, having Sammy as number six was just too much excitement. She contacted Great Lakes Border Collie Rescue, and he is now being fostered with one of our members.

12. What is Sammy like? Sammy is a clown, and is far cuter than his pictures suggest. He is a relentlessly happy little guy who wants to be right up front for whatever you’re doing. He isn’t shy and doesn’t object to being handled – I don’t think he has an aggressive bone in his body. He is a perfect, “pet quality” dog.

13. How is he in the house? Like any puppy, Sammy is busy. Everything is a potential toy – shoes, pillows, plastic bottles, etc. He is fine when you’re with him, but I would not recommend leaving him unsupervised.

14. Is he housebroken? Yes, Hallelujah! Initially, he would not ask to be let out, but he quickly figured out that scratching at the door would get him into the yard.

15. Does he bark? Yes, but it is mostly alarm barking (when there is someone at the door or walking past the house). He will also bark at my dogs as part of play.

16. Does he like strangers? In Sammy’s world, there are no strangers.

17. What are his favorite toys? Sammy’s favorite toy is whatever Ellie (my GLBCR alumni) is playing with at the moment. He also enjoys gnawing on soup bones, even well past the point where they should have any flavor left. If given the opportunity, he will empty my bag of returnable plastic pop bottles, crunch them up, and distribute them around the house. It's all good.

18. How does he feel about being crated? I crate him when I’m not home, and at night. He’s not crazy about it, but deals with it.

19. How is he with kids? Sammy is incredibly friendly and, as mentioned earlier, doesn’t seem to have any aggression issues. He also doesn’t seem to have any manners. Sammy is still very mouthy; meaning he puts his mouth on everything and everyone. Once we have solved that issue, I think he will make an excellent family pet. We’re working on it.

20. How is he with other dogs? Sammy gets along with other dogs, and his ideal home would include a playmate or two. He does have a submissive personality, so it is important to make sure he does not get picked on.

21. How is he with cats? I have not tested him with cats. Based on what I’ve seen, I don’t think he would hurt a cat, but there would be a lot of chasing. Perhaps a home with an adult cat that would not be afraid to put him in his place would be all right, but it would probably be best if he went to a cat-free home.

22. Is he a flyball prospect? Probably not. It’s a shame too, because he is small, and may be the fastest dog I’ve ever seen. Unfortunately, he’s not all that interested in getting the ball.

23. Is he an agility prospect? Possibly. He is fast and agile, but may lack the focus needed to compete.

24. Is he an obedience prospect? Definitely. Sammy is very smart and wants to please – I think he would be a star!

25. Quick, give us ten fun facts about Sammy!

a. Sometimes he sleeps on his back.

b. He likes to hang out under the bed.

c. He REALLY likes the water.

d. He knows how cute he is.

e.Has not given up on getting my big dog Newton to play with him.

f.Got bit by my Blue-Front Amazon while I was parrot-testing him.

g. Did I mention he likes the water?

h. Is not at all helpful when you’re trying to vacuum.

i. Doesn’t mind a little mud. Or a lot of mud.

j Will make someone a really wonderful companion.