Meet Miga (pronounced Mee-gah, named for the energetic black and white mascot of the 2010 Vancouver Olympics) is an approximately 1 year old very sweet petite girl. She absolutely adores people and gets attached quickly. She is extremely affectionate and sensitive but also energetic and pleasantly confident. Miga is housebroken, crate trained and knows several commands including sit, down and come (she'll also come if you just whistle or snap your fingers).
Miga likes to play with toys and chew on her nylabone. She'll nose a toy around the floor with her nose (though she's not at all sure what that squeak sound is all about!). If her canine friends are about, she thinks any time is a good time to start a wrestling match. When a little quiet time is in order, Miga will settle nicely in her crate (with a treat or toy), or nearby at your feet. She loves it when you rub her belly. Miga takes treats from your hand very gently, and will show off her speedy response time for a reward. Though we're working on enforcing the "four on the floor" (no jumping), this little girl loves to give hugs and kisses.
As Miga is young and is learning her manners, obedience classes (or equivalent) are recommended. We expect she'll be a class star, as she is biddable, attentive to her people, and craves your attention. Though she likes other dogs, she needs experience in how to make friends - she comes on a little strong at first. Miga wants the attention and approval of her person, and takes correction well. She has not yet been tested around young children or cats.
This quick, beautiful little girl will melt your heart. She's looking for a home where she will get lots of interaction with her person, playing and learning new things. Like most border collies, she will require stimulation and exercise - this will likely mean a lot of fun for her person, too!
Update 3/2/2010
Miga has quickly learned her name, and spends her days in constant motion, investigating her surroundings, chewing on her toys, and always keeping tabs on her people. Her forever home will need to be a place rich with stimulation and human interaction. Like many border collies, Miga is smart enough to make up her own version of fun if she's not already occupied (beware, you might not like her choice!). Miga has an endearing appearance and personality that she likes to show off immediately - she likes to be the center of attention.
When she's excited or bored (and this takes only a Miga-second), Miga tends to create excitement, puppy-style. At this stage, she may be overwhelming for older or less gregarious dogs/people. A good fit will be essential for all members of her forever family.
Her energy is also her strength. She readily focuses on you, and she can learn rapidly. Keep treats in your pockets, and she'll show off her smarts. A forever home with experience/interest in dog training would permit Miga to reach her potential, as she clearly has aptitude. Miga's energy also makes her pretty fun to be around. She loves it when you show her a toy, then hide it (under your leg, or behind your back), so she can go on the hunt. Sometimes she'll beg you to hold on to a toy just so she can wrestle it away from you. She is very careful only to touch the toy with her mouth. When instructed to drop a toy, Miga lets go without protest.
Though sometimes I think she'd like to hide her 'off switch' from you (Miga would rather play ALL day), she can be very calm. She likes to be gently petted behind her ears, and spoken to softly. She will curl up next to you if you take a nap.
Miga is eating well and is getting close to her ideal weight - though she may yet need another pound or two. Miga needs regular bathrooming opportunities, especially if she's been vigorously playing and drinking water. She is definitely housebroken, however she is currently on a puppy-like shedule.
Miga will be available for adoption soon!
Update: March 12, 2010
I've been asked whether Miga would excel as a dog athlete - in sports like agility. While I think she has potential (her smarts, her desire to 'do something' with her person, and loads of energy), she simply hasn't had the opportunity to try these things yet in her young life. I hope her forever home will love her first as a cherished family pet, then help her experience a variety of activities to see what interests her most. A committment to a positive dog training is suggested for Miga's forever person, regardless of her activities.
Miga was spayed on March 11, and is recovering nicely. She's scheduled to have her sutures removed on March 22, and will be available for adoption shortly thereafter.
Update: March 23, 2010
Miga's sutures are out, and the veterinarian has given Miga the ok, so MIGA IS NOW READY FOR ADOPTION!
Miga is enjoying early Spring, and does show interest in the squirrels and birds on her walks. Though she was initially somewhat suspicious of toys, she's learned to love them in a big way, always looking for something to chew, shake, pounce on, or toss around. She'll even play with toys by herself if she can't find anyone to join in. She needs toys that tolerate a vigorous chew and play session!
Though Miga does love to wrestle with other dogs, at this stage she does not get along well (at least initially) with every dog. Miga should be an only dog, or placed in a home where she has demonstrated an ability to get along with her animal siblings.
