About Pippin

Once Pippin locks eyes with you; and he will, given his trademark border collie 'eye', you'll understand exactly why he's impossible not to love. This six-year-old, purebred red and white border collie is social, affectionate, and genuinely enthusiastic about life - he has greeted every dog, cat, and person he's met with that same open-hearted energy. There isn't much he loves more than his person, his frisbee and some medium cheddar cheese (his top preference, but other cheeses are also appreciated). Like the brilliant breed he is, he thrives when he has a job or a game - fetch is his religion, and he'll play until 'the cows come home'. He does best with a patient, consistent person who understands the border collie mind; high-excitement moments can tip him toward overstimulation, and he needs gentle redirection rather than a firm hand. For most of his life we ran together several miles every single day, hiked on weekends, and played frisbee for hours. After an accident I was in, our lifestyle has changed dramatically and I'm not consistently able to give Pippin the daily mental and physical exercise he needs to thrive. His ideal person has the space and energy to match his needs- and the softness to meet his anxious heart with patience rather than pressure. I can't state this enough - Pippin has a tender heart. He has had that border collie anxiety since puppyhood, and a major life transition (cross country move) recently heightened it - he's been having some accidents indoors and has been a bit snappy with the cats he otherwise loves and often cuddles with, both of which we believe are situational stress responses, not who he is at his best. He's sensitive to loud sounds - storms, fireworks, loud wind, bikes, scooters, and large trucks. Loud, sudden sounds make him nervous and he hunkers down, he doesn't tend to lash out but he is visibly scared. He's also navigating a big life transition right now - having moved cross country, and some house training reinforcement in a new home would set him up for success. Pip is crate trained, and knows a long list of commands with the intelligence to pick up new tricks incredibly fast. Pippin grew up around small children but has not been around them enough since for me to state confidently how he would do with them. He also grew up on a farm as a puppy with his breeder in NC, and his favorite place to be is definitely outdoors and on a mission! He has cuddled with other dogs and cats throughout his life, gets great doggie day care reports etc. Please note, he may need to be monitored with new environments/animals - especially given his recent heightened anxiety with a few big life changes. Pippin has no known medical conditions or car sickness (he rode cross country from NC to WA just fine). He does have what the vet believes to be possible food/environmental allergy flare ups at times. This looks like itching/skin irritation for Pippin. He's looking for a person with outdoor space, experience with anxious/sensitive dogs and/or border collies/herding groups, and the capacity to work with his quirks gently. He deserves someone who will give him room to run and the soft hand he needs to feel safe again in the midst of change. Pippin is ready for the next adventure with his person - could that be you? Please reach out if you can give him the best home.

Contact

Kittitas County
Cle Elum, Washington

Contact Person:

Everett Huxley

Email