A Border Collie Like No Other

Before Daisy came into our lives, we'd never had a border collie before, nor did we know much about the breed. Then people began sharing stories of their own experiences. I heard, on more than one occasion, about an owner forced to give up their pet border collie after the dog became too possessive of one family member and overly aggressive toward the others.

For the record, we have never had that problem with Daisy. Sure, she becomes attached to people. Dogs do that; it's in their nature. She's very attached to me, in particular. But aggressive? No. The most she's ever done is growl a bit at someone who approached us, but she's never been violent. Always a little lady, she usually sits with her paws crossed in front of her, and is just as sweet as she can be. Easy-going, playful, smart, happy, and loving, Daisy may not be the most affectionate dog in the world, but we know that she loves us just as much as we love her, if not more.

Through the years, as our family has expanded to include our children and more dogs, Daisy has consistently accepted these new additions without hesitation. When our kids were babies, she often slept near them and kept a careful eye on anyone who approached. Often, taking on the "mother" role in our "pack," she is always the one toward whom the new pets gravitate, except for our cocker spaniel, of course, but that's another story. She just exudes a sense of protectiveness and nurturing.

Aside from earning a cherished place in our hearts, Daisy has also developed special relationships with other dogs as well, particularly Max, our beagle-mix, and Sampson, a bichon-frise.

Max and Daisy are the same age. These two bonded right away. It was love at first sight. We think of them as a couple. They lay together quite often and Max spends a lot of time kissing her face. It's really very sweet. They're so cute - like an older married couple. Below are some pics of them together.

Sampson is a bichon-frise who belongs to my sister. They lived with us while Sammie was a pup. During that time, he grew very attached to Daisy and she to him. Our girl seems to have "adopted" the little guy and Sammie, likewise, treats her like his "mom." Even now, when he comes over for a visit, he always seeks her out. What follows are pics of the two of them.

As dog owners and dog lovers, we've found something is each of our babies that distinguishes them from the rest. A certain quality that makes them endearing in a way that no other dog can be. Something that just makes you so glad that this dog has come into your life at this time. Daisy is no exception.

Daisy has been an invaluable addition to our family. Very few words can adequately describe my feelings about this faithful, lovable dog. I had no idea what the future would hold when I took her in that day so many years ago, but I couldn't be more thankful than I am today that we found each other. She has been there for me, for all of us really, more times than I can count . . . lending a calm, quiet, reassuring ear, a gentle nuzzle or a lick on the face . . . anytime we've needed it. I only hope that we've been able to repay the kindness and have done the same for her.

We have enjoyed every moment we've had with Daisy and are looking forward to many, many more. God willing.

Border Collies can be almost any color, including red and completely white.

Border Collies range largely in size and color because they've been bred as working stock, focusing on performance, not looks.

All pure Border Collies alive today can trace an ancestral line back to one dog, a Border Collie called "Old Hemp" who lived from 1893-1901.

The record for the "fastest car window opened by a dog," in the Guinness Book of World Records, is held by a Border Collie named Striker; his record time is 11.34 seconds.

Border Collies are sometimes used to chase birds and animals from airport runways and golf course greens.

These "Did You Know" facts are courtesy of Terrific Pets.