Adopt
At Western Border Collie Rescue, Border Collies are top dog! Please read about our Adoption Process and Requirements below and then check out the list of adoptable dogs.
Adoption Process
Thank you for your interest in a rescued Border Collie! While we think Border Collies are the greatest dogs on the planet, we also know they’re not the breed for everyone. That’s why we ask lots of questions. Our priority is to find the best fit for each dog in our rescue. Our application process can take 2-3 weeks because we are an all-volunteer group who work regular jobs in addition to volunteering with the rescue.
🐾 Step 1: Meet Our Prerequisites
Must be 21 yrs of age or older
Live in Wyoming, Colorado, or immediately surrounding states
Have knowledge and consent of your landlord and roommates
Never been convicted of animal abuse
Be able and willing to spend the time and money necessary to provide training, medical treatment, and proper care for a pet
🐾 Step 2: Do Your Homework!
Please read our About BC’s page to learn more about Border Collies, their temperaments, needs, and whether a BC is the right dog for you.
🐾 Step 3: Complete an Application
We know our application is long, but this information is very important to help us determine if you might be an ideal home for a certain dog in the program. Our top priority is to find the most suitable home for each of the dogs in our rescue. We don’t have many dogs in our program, which means a waiting game for many qualified applicants.
*Upon submission, you should receive an auto-reply letting you know your application has been received.
🐾 Step 4: Home Visit
All adoption applications require a home visit with all household members present prior to approval. The Home Visit volunteer will be in contact to schedule a virtual meeting where they will do a short walk-through of your home and yard to ensure its safety and to advise on any areas of concern. Once the HV report is received by WBCR, it may take a few days for us to collate & review all of the information and get back in touch with you.
*You will be notified either way: whether your application is approved or if we do not have a dog that will fit your needs at this time.
🐾 Step 5: Matching/Phone Interview
Once your application is approved, now comes the fun part! An Adoption Coordinator will contact you to discuss specific dogs within our rescue that may be a good fit. “First Come, First Served” doesn’t apply here since we match each dog in our program with the most appropriate home for them. If we don’t think a dog is a match for your household, that does not mean you are not a good pet parent. It means that what you are looking for is not a fit with what that dog needs.
🐾 Step 6: Meets
Once we’ve talked with you about which dogs might be a suitable fit, it is time to set up a meet with the foster parent and prospective dog! Your Adoption Coordinator will help arrange the meeting with you, all your household members, your current dog(s), and the prospective rescue dog. It is important that all family members are present and have a say in whether you move forward after meeting a dog.
During the meet, keep in mind that rescued Border Collies may be rather aloof/timid at first meeting. While we have seen many meets where there is an “insta-bond” between the new dog and the adopter(s), many times that kind of bonding takes time. The meet is a great time to get any/all questions answered on the dog’s temperament, likes/dislikes, and what will be helpful in establishing a wonderful relationship with your new dog!
*If a meet does not go as well as planned, that’s ok. You may be able to schedule another meet with the same dog at a later date. But if you’d like to meet a different dog, please let the foster parent and Adoption Coordinator know so everyone is on the same page.
🐾 Step 7: The Adoption
If all members of your household and the WBCR foster parent feel the dog is a great match for you, the adoption may be completed at the meet. An adoption contract must be completed, signed and the adoption fee paid to complete the adoption. Please review our contract before your meet; it is available on our website or by clicking here. Please note that if at any time during your rescued dog’s life you cannot/no longer wish to keep it, WBCR must be contacted immediately.
🐾 Step 8: Follow-Up
To ensure a successful adoption, we have a network of volunteers happy to answer any questions/help you work through issues that may arise while your new dog is transitioning into your home, or ten years down the road! We are committed to each and every dog we rescue for the rest of his/her life, so please stay in touch with us. Plus, we love getting updates!
Adoptable Border Collies
Ashi
Meet Ashi – a gentle, loving girl who is ready to find her forever home!
At 5 years old, Ashi has overcome a difficult beginning and blossomed into a sweet, happy companion. After being pulled from a hoarding situation, she has shown incredible resilience and continues to grow more confident every day. And now she is ready to share her heart with a family of her own.
Ashi is a calm, easygoing Border Collie, a rare gem for anyone looking for a loyal companion rather than an energetic athlete. She’s happiest spending time with her person, whether that’s relaxing at home, enjoying a quiet evening together, or heading out for a leisurely walk. She walks nicely on leash and politely ignores other dogs and cats she encounters along the way. She has not been properly introduced to other dogs or cats, but with her easy going nature we believe she would do well with another calm dog in the house. But she would do well as a single dog as well.
While Ashi can be a little shy when meeting new people, she forms strong bonds once she feels comfortable. Her favorite place is close to her human, and she’ll often rest her head on your knee or lap to ask for a few gentle pets. It’s her own special way of showing affection.
Ashi is crate trained, house trained, and has excellent manners around the home. She knows basic commands such as “come” and “lay down” and is eager to continue learning. Although she isn’t particularly interested in most toys, she does have a soft spot for crinkly ones! Ashi also enjoys the occasional burst of zoomies in the backyard, proving that even mellow girls know how to have fun.
Because loud noises can make her uncomfortable, Ashi would thrive in a relatively quiet home where she can continue building confidence at her own pace. She has never shown any aggression and has consistently demonstrated a gentle, kind nature. Every day Ashi becomes a little braver, a little more confident, and a little more open to the life she deserves. If you’re looking for a sweet, loyal companion who will quietly steal your heart, Ashi may be the perfect match!.
Being fostered near Casper, WY
Bruni
Bruni is a 1.5-year-old Border Collie/Labrador Retriever mix with a big personality and an even bigger heart. He’s sweet, affectionate, enthusiastic, and happiest when he’s close to his people. If you sit down on the floor, there’s a good chance he’ll try to crawl right into your lap.
Bruni is smart and eager to learn. He has “sit” dialed in and is making steady progress with crate training and other basic manners. Like many young herding mixes, he thrives with clear structure, consistency, and positive reinforcement. He genuinely wants to get it right.
He gets along with other dogs and enjoys their company, though he’s still learning to read and respect boundaries. With continued guidance, he’s becoming more socially savvy every day.
Bruni is very skeptical and can growl when meeting new people if he’s not comfortable. He will need time and space to gain confidence and warm up. Once he feels comfortable, however, his affectionate and loyal nature really shines. A patient adopter who allows him to build trust at his own pace will be rewarded with a deeply devoted companion.
Bruni will do best in an active home that can provide both physical exercise and mental stimulation. Daily movement and training help him settle his busy, brilliant brain. He’d make a fantastic adventure partner - hiking, trail running, and possibly even skijoring would be right up his alley. Because of his enthusiasm and herding instincts, he’s not a fit for homes with cats. A household with older, dog-savvy kids would likely be a great match.
Bruni is a joyful, high-energy young dog who’s ready to bond deeply with his people and grow into an exceptional companion. With the right structure and an active lifestyle, he’s going to shine.
Being fostered near Denver,CO.
Bryce
Bryce is a beautiful ~1.5 yr old girlie who is an absolute love bug and gives some of the best hugs! She is super smart and is treat motivated, making training even easier! She is very proud of her sit and anticipates when you would like her to sit and will repeat what was previously asked (sit before her food bowl placed down, sit before being leashed, etc.) Bryce also sleeps well in the crate and walks well on the leash.
And if all of that isn’t adorable enough, just watch Bryce with toys. She just loves playing with toys, and will entertain herself - squeaking them, tossing them, swinging her head with them - all the cute things!
But wait, there’s more! Bryce loves outside time too! She’s great on walks in the neighborhood, hiking in the mountains, or just watching life go by – the outside suits her. And she loves to play in water too! Bryce is crazy athletic and definitely has sport-dog potential (agility, frisbee, etc.) She could also work around sheep (once she can listen to commands in their presence). Whatever activity is chosen, Bryce will need at least an hour of vigorous exercise per day.
She has previously lived with a male dog and loved to play with him, but she hasn’t gotten along with the female dog in the foster home. We think Bryce would do best in a home as a solo dog or with a male dog companion who is ok with a bossy girl. It is unknown how she’d do with a cat. Because she has a strong prey drive outside in the yard, a VERY slow introduction and the use of baby gates should be expected for everyone’s safety.
Bryce can sometimes be unsure or reactive to strangers, but does better with slow introductions. She has lunged at a male coworker at the foster mom’s work, but has been fine meeting other males and females. And Bryce also doesn’t seem to have a problem meeting people at the foster dad’s work. Continued training will be needed to ensure she can safely meet new people consistently and WBCR will provide training with a positive reinforcement trainer who can provide virtual or in-person sessions after adoption.
As we mentioned, Bryce has exhibited a strong prey drive outside in the yard. If she is on leash and you aren’t paying attention she may pull you over! Because of this, a fenced yard is a requirement unless you can accommodate by keeping her on a leash at all times, including going out to potty. But with bonding and training, she definitely could have off-leash potential.
Are you looking for an active girl who loves the water and whatever activity you throw her way? Are you looking for a single dog or a doggie companion for your male dog? Are you an experienced border collie owner looking for a super smart dog driven to learn and please? Bryce is your girl!
Being fostered in Littleton,CO.
**UPDATE 11/6/2025 Bryce is working through some things with our behavioral trainers and is not ready for adoption. Stay tuned and we will update when she is.
Indy
Meet Indy!
Indy is a sweet, energetic, and lovable 6-month-old Border Collie mix packed into a pint-sized package. She’s equal parts cuddle bug, comedian, and future adventure buddy.
Her favorite activities include herding her beloved Jolly Egg. She gets so excited about her egg that she’ll happily whine and chatter while pushing it around the yard. Like any proper puppy, Indy is also a huge fan of squeaky toys and stuffies—and considers destroying them part of her job description. Despite her enthusiasm for toy destruction, she’s been very respectful of household items and hasn’t turned her puppy powers on anything that isn’t a toy.
Indy is still building confidence in the big outside world. While she's comfortable in her backyard, new people, dogs, and unfamiliar sights can make her nervous. For such a little dog, she has a surprisingly big bark when she wants to let you know something seems suspicious! The good news is that Indy is incredibly smart and eager to learn. She already knows Sit, Shake, Crate, and Look, and is currently working on Down and loose-leash walking. This girl catches on fast!
When it comes to other dogs, Indy can be unsure of herself. She has not yet been introduced to other dogs off-leash or to cats. She may bark at dogs while out on walks, but being on leash in an environment where she's already nervous doesn't always show her true personality. Indy would be perfectly happy as an only dog, but she could also live with another dog if given slow introductions and thoughtful management.
At home, Indy loves spending time with her people, including a young child. She enjoys snuggling on the couch, but she'll also make sure you know when it's time to play by bringing you every toy she can find. If you work from home, she's happy to entertain herself with her egg, splash around making bubbles in her water bowl, or take a nice puppy nap nearby.
Because she's still growing, Indy hasn't started running, hiking, or sports training yet, but we think she has all the makings of an excellent adventure partner or dog sports prospect. In fact, there are rumors she may be mixed with a pogo stick—she regularly bounces around on her hind legs just to get a better view of what's happening!
If you're looking for a smart, affectionate young dog who will make you laugh every day and grow into an amazing companion, Indy might just be your perfect match.
Being fostered in Colorado Springs, CO.
June
Meet June!. We have re-branded her former name (Octane) because that name just did not fit her personality. This middle aged girl has brains, beauty, and loyalty…she’s the whole package!
She has such a happy, bouncy, sweetness to her- she wants nothing more than to hang out with her people, whatever it is you're doing (she LOVES group nap time cuddles as well as adventures in the woods), and make up games to play together. She takes a while to bond, but once she is comfortable and trusts, she is so much more confident and really blossoms. Doing anything outdoors results in sheer joy, it's like a big celebration, and the sweetest thing to see. She's solidly medium-energy, or even perhaps on the med-low energy side.
Thanks to her extra dose of loyalty, June’s an excellent candidate for off-leash work (as long as there isn’t any wildlife or livestock nearby!). She will obsessively herd the cats (not in a nice way) and can be mouthy during play, so absolutely no young children or cats. She must live as a single dog since she has had some tough interactions with other dogs. June would do best in a household that doesn’t have a lot of hustle or bustle because she can get overstimulated easily if there is too much going on (visually, auditory, or in exercise…especially with fetch. She will need a home that can give her adventures without all the external stimuli of a urban environment. Do you love long walks in the woods and cuddling? Look no further!
Being fostered near Lander, WY.
Keller
Keller is a sweet and snuggly young man (approx 3 yrs old) who enjoys meeting new people and other dogs. We don’t know much about his life before WBCR other than he was a backyard dog. He quickly learned how great home life is and has learned proper manners, is housetrained, and crate trained. Keller loves his snuffle mat, interactive training with treats, playing with a flirt pole, and will run after toys when tossed. He doesn’t always bring them back right away, but he still enjoys the play time! Although Keller has been diagnosed with mild dysplasia in both hips, he does not have pain or arthritis. But, he would be best suited for a household that doesn’t want him to be a jogging buddy. To help his long-term joint health, we have been giving him a joint supplement (Cosequin).
Keller gets along with both male and female dogs at his foster home but has not been introduced to small dogs, cats, or children. He is very obsessive about squirrels outside, so supervised and slow introductions will definitely be needed for small dogs or cats.
Having been a backyard dog, it’s no surprise that Keller gets overstimulated quickly with passing vehicles and wild critters. Until he and his person can learn how to de-escalate him more quickly, it has been recommended to not put him in that scenario (so no leash walks in town) at this time. Keller does great with backyard fun and going to areas where you can avoid loud mechanical and traffic noises. Keller will need an adopter who is willing to continue training for his reactivity to noises and outdoor movement.
Keller would do best in a quiet household. If another dog is in the household, it will need to be a calm, non-reactive dog he could role model from.
Being fostered in Wheatland, WY.
Lizzy
If there was a fresh-baked, warm chocolate chip cookie version of a Border Collie, that’s Lizzy — sweet, comforting, gentle, and impossible not to love. Her story has included more hardship than any dog should experience. Lizzy is one of the dogs that came from the hoarding situation. During her transport, she was overnighted at a grooming facility where she broke out of her kennel and escaped into the streets. Volunteers searched for Lizzy for two weeks and through MANY sightings and some patience we were able to capture her and get her back into our rescue. Unfortunately, Lizzy must have been hit by a car because she came back to us with a severe injury to her right front leg. We immediately got Lizzy to a vet who determined her front right leg was fractured but was able to surgically repair it with a plate and screws. Lizzy has since fully recovered but will never be a runny buddy or agility dog (not that she’s into that anyway!)
So, despite all this, Lizzy has remained incredibly kind-hearted and full of quiet love. Now, she’s searching for the special people who will help her continue building confidence while giving her the safe, calm home she deserves.
Lizzy is a 2 year-old, soft and sensitive soul who blossoms through trust and patience. Once she feels comfortable, her curious personality shines. She loves long, slow walks filled with sniffing every interesting smell and watching the world around her. Every day she grows a little braver, and it’s truly special to watch. She will need to be leashed when outside due her being a flight risk (she has escaped twice now and ran over 20 miles away both times). She will come to the person she is bonded to but is fearful enough she runs from others. Because of this, she may never be an off-leash candidate other than a fenced yard with supervision.
While Lizzy can be shy in new situations, she is wonderfully gentle with people of all ages and dogs alike (she has not been exposed to cats). She does especially well in calm, predictable environments where she can settle in at her own pace. Her favorite things include cozy cuddle sessions, lounging in tall grass, exploring on leash, enjoying meals from her snuffle mat, and working on a peanut butter Kong.
She’s crate trained, fully housebroken, walks nicely on leash, and has low-to-moderate exercise needs. Lizzy isn’t particularly interested in toys or roughhousing with other dogs — honestly, she mostly just wants to be near her favorite person. Once she bonds with someone, her loyalty and affection run deep.
One of her sweetest quirks? She likes to carry a human slipper into her crate to lie on while she rests.
Lizzy would thrive in a patient, loving home that can continue helping her build confidence at her own pace. A calm, quiet household with gentle routines and plenty of affection would be ideal for this tender-hearted girl. In return, you’ll get one of the sweetest companions imaginable. Lizzy may start out shy, but underneath that gentle uncertainty is a deeply loving dog ready to give her whole heart to the right family.
Being fostered near Salt Lake City, UT
Oscar
Meet Oscar!
Oscar is the kind of dog who quietly works his way into your heart. This handsome 5-6 year old Border Collie has a gentle soul, a thoughtful nature, and a determination that inspires everyone who meets him. He came from the hoarding situation, so while his journey hasn't always been easy, Oscar continues to gain confidence every day and is discovering just how wonderful life can be.
Around the house, Oscar is calm and easygoing with an excellent "off switch." He enjoys carrying around his stuffed toys, relaxing in his crate when he needs a little downtime, and spending time with his canine friends. While he's not interested in playing with humans just yet, he loves the company of other non-barky dogs and would thrive in a home with a friendly canine companion.
Oscar is truly a nature lover at heart. His favorite activities include long walks, greeting the neighbors, lounging in the yard while you garden, and keeping a watchful eye on neighborhood wildlife. He enjoys exploring the world at his own pace and is happiest in peaceful environments where he can listen to birdsong and enjoy the outdoors.
This smart boy already knows several cues, including "sit," "touch," and recall, and he's always paying attention to his people. Oscar likes to stay close by and looks to his trusted humans for reassurance when he's feeling unsure. He can be startled by sudden movements or loud noises (including squeaks from squeaky toys and dogs barking), so he'll do best with a patient adopter who lives a quiet household and neighborhood and who can help continue building his confidence and celebrate his progress along the way.
Oscar is house-trained, crate-trained, walks nicely on leash. He’ll even run to his bed or crate and patiently wait for you to put on his leash. He has been known to be so excited for his walk that he rushes outside, but then could get scared if a car is passing or there is loud noise. For Oscar’s safety, he must be leashed and additional threshold training will need to be taught for his safety.
Oscar is playful with other dogs of all sizes as long as they are not barky (he will retreat to his crate when he’s scared). He's polite when meeting new people, gets along well with children, and may be able to live with a dog-savvy cat. While he's still learning to fully trust physical affection, he's making steady progress and is beginning to show more of his happy personality every day.
Recently, Oscar had several painful teeth removed and is already feeling much better. With additional dental care planned, we're excited to see even more of his bright spirit emerge as he continues to heal.
Oscar isn't looking for perfection—he's looking for someone willing to meet him where he is, give him the time he needs, and share plenty of walks and outdoor adventures. In return, you'll gain a loyal companion whose trust is deeply earned and incredibly rewarding.
If you're searching for a kind-hearted, gentle spirit with a lot of love to give, Oscar may be your perfect match.
Being fostered near Boulder, CO
Riley
Riley is a stunning young (1-3 yr old) blue merle BC with a gentle heart and a soft, sensitive personality. He may be shy when you first meet him, but give him a little time and patience and you’ll discover a devoted cuddle buddy who wants nothing more than to be close to his person. Once Riley trusts you, he loves hanging out on the couch for naps, keeping an eye on what you’re doing around the house, and being your quiet little shadow.
Riley enjoys playing with other playful dogs and would likely thrive in a home with a confident canine pal to show him the ropes. Having another dog around can encourage Riley’s confidence and playful side to come out. While he’s an active BC who enjoys daily walks and lots of off-leash playtime in the yard, he isn’t over-the-top high energy and has a nice “off switch” when it’s time to relax.
This sweet boy is also a bit of a neat freak. Riley likes to help “clean up” by collecting shoes or clothing left on the floor and proudly prancing around with his treasures. Luckily, he’s happy to drop them when asked—or trade them for a tasty treat! Riley enjoys chew toys and is still discovering the joy of other toys. He may even be a fan of squeaky toys, judging by how fascinated he is with the dogs in Subaru commercials on TV (but his foster mom can’t test this theory since the resident dog is destructive with squeakers).
Riley currently lives peacefully with chickens and even shares the yard nicely with a resident rooster, showing very little interest in them! He gets along well with other friendly dogs and loves to play. He has not been tested on cats, but with a slow and careful introduction this is a possibility.
Because Riley is naturally shy and unsure in new situations, he would do best with a patient adopter who will give him time to build confidence. He can be nervous around new people, unfamiliar places, loud people/noises, and is extra scared of car travel (something his foster is working on with a trainer), so a quiet suburban or rural setting would suit him best. And due to this, a home without young children would also be ideal. He can be skittish with loud noises and may never have off-leash potential but plays well in the fenced back yard when his people are out there with him.
Riley is still working on a few things—like leash manners, confidence in new environments, car travel (he currently drools and pants inside it) and a bit of indoor marking—but he’s a smart dog who responds well to gentle guidance. His ideal home will understand that slow introductions and positive experiences will help him blossom. We recommend continued training with positive reinforcement to continue building his confidence and his skills.
At heart, Riley just wants to be someone’s best friend. He’s a loving, loyal companion who keeps watch over his person and enjoys simply being nearby. For someone willing to take things at Riley’s pace, this beautiful boy will reward you with snuggles, loyalty, and plenty of adorable quirks.
Being fostered near Elizabeth, CO
Adoption Pending
Alma
Amity
Arrow
Da’ithi