Tiffany (affectionately known as Tiffers) was born January 1, 1988.  As all border collies, she was intelligent and loving.
Not much is known about Tiffers before she was adopted by my sister Pamela at age 8.  In fact, the local border collie rescue network in Racine, Wisconsin didn't have much hope for an 8-year old dog.  However, when they put her stats on the net, they had at least six responses in less than one week.  One couple in California was willing to pay for Tiffer's travel expenses.  Pamela had two things to her advantage:  she was local and knew Tiffer's previous owners.  On May 7, 1996, Tiffer's adoption became official and they became the best of friends.
 
Tiffer liked to go for walks and sniff every blade of grass.  In fact, the word "walk" had to be spelled around her because she knew what that word meant (she was a very smart dog).  She wasn't really into playing with "toys," but she thrived on interactive things like playing tag and being scratched.  She was the only dog in the neighborhood that had two pet black cats:  Maize (pronounced may-zee) and Mylo.
 
Tiffers could always tell when Pamela was not having a good day and would act accordingly.  With loving patience, Tiffers never held a grudge nor got upset if Pamela slept in and breakfast was a couple of hours late.  If Pamela really felt bad, Tiffers would purposely not drink much water so she wouldn't need to "go out" so often or for her w-a-l-k-s.
 
Tiffer's favorite food was anything Pamela was eating (except for broccoli or cantaloupe).  She especially had a fondness for ice cream cones, but insisted that Pamela hold the cone.  
 
Unlike most dogs, border collies have perfected "the look."  You know the one ... the intense staring that brings most creatures to submission of the border collie's will.
 
Sadly, Tiffer's time was soon to end.  From Saturday to Wednesday night, her health deteriorated from being okay to not as frisky to ignoring Pamela to being confused and weak.  Even the cats knew something was wrong and seemed shaken up by Tiffer's declining health; Maize hid for about five days and Mylo was temporarily became nice and obedient.  Doctor Scott (Tiffer's veterinarian) and his staff were very kind and helpful considering the circumstances.  On Thursday, August 8, 2002, Tiffers' spirit departed this world.
 
As time heals all wounds, Pamela will one day adopt another older dog, probably from a rescue network.  Not too long ago, she saw a bumper sticker that she absolutely fell in love with:  MY BORDER COLLIE IS SMARTER THAN YOUR HONOR STUDENT.  However, the bumper sticker was on a vehicle moving at 55 MPH, so inquiring about the origin of the bumper sticker was pretty impossible at that point.
 
You can find the same love and friendship as Pamela did from your local animal shelter or a rescue network.  There are several networks and groups that help Border Collies, Boxers, Labrador Retrievers, Bulldogs, Shelties, etc.  These rescue networks have volunteers all over the country and will be glad to help people find someone near them. Your local pound/animal shelter may also have information and contact information on rescue networks.  Speaking for what we know about the border collie rescue network, they will not take in mean dogs or dogs that do not appear to be trainable.  The fees they charge only cover the expenses they incur, and barely at that. 
 
For more information, please visit the North American Border Collie Rescue (NABCRN) web page at  http://www.gis.net/~shepdog/NABCRN/
 
Make sure any rescue network you contact is legitimate!  Click below for more information
 
Other information available about rescue networks on the internet:
 
 
Humongous heartfelt gratitude to Pamela for allowing me to share her story about Tiffany.