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
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. Beyond his snuggly side, Bruni is a total goofball who absolutely loves to play and is especially fond of his stuffed animals. Whether he’s carrying around a favorite plushie, tossing a toy for himself, or showing off his silly side to make you laugh (see video link below), Bruni’s joyful energy is contagious.
This bright boy has been working hard on his manners and has mastered all his basic commands and is fully crate trained. Because he is highly treat motivated and incredibly eager to please, training sessions are successful- he genuinely wants to get it right and thrives with clear structure, consistency, and positive reinforcement.
Bruni 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 a work in progress when it comes to meeting new humans and needs a slow introduction. He is very skeptical and can growl when meeting new people if he’s not comfortable. While he may need extra training to help build his confidence in unfamiliar situations, the payoff is worth it. Once he feels safe and comfortable, his affectionate and loyal nature truly 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 to help settle his brilliant, busy brain. He’d make a fantastic adventure partner - hiking, trail running, and or even learning a new dog sport. Because of his high energy 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 sweet 2.5 year old BC Mix, ready for play or cuddles! You’ve certainly noticed by now that she is quite the looker, and she makes maintaining her good looks easy by being an excellent participant in baths, brushing, and nail trims.
She’s not just a pretty face though! Bryce has a winning personality to match her appearance. Toward her human family and other people in her inner-circle, Bryce shows enthusiastic devotion. She’s happy to go for a long walk with you, entertain herself with her silly antics with her toys, or relax near you on the floor or couch.
She has excellent crate training and general separation/confinement skills. These skills help everyone relax when her people need to leave the house, or have those inevitable plans that temporarily don’t include the dog! She is cat friendly and peacefully coexists in the same home with them. But when it comes to other dogs, she will likely prefer to be the only canine star of the house! However, with a skilled owner and the right doggie-match, Bryce may be able to share her home with a laid-back male dog.
Bryce’s ideal home would be a lower-traffic house in an area with access to places for quiet walks where she won’t be bombarded by other dogs and people. She walks well on-leash in areas where she has enough space to process her surroundings. Bryce is nervous toward some unfamiliar people (but immediately friends with others), so intros need to be taken at her own speed. For this reason, we are seeking an adults-only home for her. Bryce seems to be able to accept anyone into her “approved” circle with enough time and patience, but is not a dog who would enjoy busy gatherings like breweries or neighborhood barbecues. Bryce has been living with dog trainers for many months now, and they have been evaluating her needs and working on skills to make life easier for Bryce and her future adopters. She now can happily wear a muzzle as a safety strategy when meeting new people, and has done great with her current plan for receiving veterinary care. She has made progress with leash reactivity toward other dogs, though she will need to continue that work once in a permanent home.
WBCR will provide post-adoption professional training support for Bryce to help ensure a successful transition to her new home.
Being fostered in Littleton,CO.
June
Meet June! 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. But she will never turn down an adventure! And she’s just as happy to curl up at your feet with a chew toy or sit on the porch with you and watch the clouds roll by…as long as it’s with you.
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 is stand-offish with strangers, but does well if allowed to meet new people at her own pace, without forcing interaction before she's ready. She will probably never be a social butterfly, but with consistent, calm experiences, she is making great progress and comes out of her shell a little faster each time.
June 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, but has done well with dogs outside the home. 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. If this happens, she does respond well to her “go settle” command when it’s time to take a break. June 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 total sweetheart who may initially catch your eye with his unique coloring and super soft fur. But this young (2-3 year old) man is not only good looking, he also has the high-powered brain of a true Border Collie underneath all that fluff. This lovable guy adores affection, whether that means gentle pets, or warm pats. He greets new people with enthusiasm and is happy to say hello to fellow dogs, making him a friendly companion wherever he goes. Because he spent much of his earlier life figuring out how to entertain himself, he is eagerly soaking up structure and loving every minute of it. Though he started out with a blank slate when it comes to basic commands, he is a smart, enthusiastic student who is thriving as he learns all about good habits and house manners.
Keller’s playful personality shines through in everything he does, especially during playtime. His version of fetch comes with a delightfully scenic route, as he loves taking a victory lap or two around the yard before deciding to bring the toy back to you. Keller has recently discovered a passion for the flirt pole and is practicing his patience while playing. He also loves the treat toss game, which has been a wonderful tool for helping him slow his busy mind down, practice eye contact, learn his name, and build impulse control. Keller has already mastered sit, made incredible progress with not jumping up for attention, and proudly clears out nearly every bite of kibble from his snuffle mat at mealtimes. Keller does have mild hip dysplasia so he is not a candidate for dog sports. He does not currently have pain or arthritis though, so could easily enjoy an active pet lifestyle! Keller adores walks, loves finding things to sniff, and passing the time with his people.
When it comes to daily life skills, Keller is making wonderful strides. He handles a harness and leash comfortably and will love having a patient partner to offer a little reassurance as he explores new sights and sounds. Keller would prefer a quiet, open space to explore since he thinks cars are his personal herd of sheep and a busy road would be overwhelming for him. He is also reliably house trained, even letting his humans know with a polite bark if he needs an emergency trip outside during the night. Crate time is a breeze for him, especially if you toss in a tasty piece of kibble to sweeten the deal. Keller is a bright, joyful pup who is ready to bring endless fun, affection, and loyalty to a home that loves a smart dog with a heart of gold.
Being fostered in Wheatland, WY.
Ruby
If you've ever wanted your own furry little shadow, Ruby is ready to apply for the job! This beautiful young Border Collie believes life is best lived right by your side—whether you're relaxing on the couch, heading out for a walk, or playing fetch. Once she gets to know you, she's all in with endless loyalty, belly rub requests, and plenty of love.
Ruby is an athletic girl with a fantastic fetch game—she'll happily place the ball right back in your hand every single time. She'd love an active family that enjoys hiking, training, or dog sports, but she's just as happy soaking up attention after a day of adventures. She also gets along wonderfully with cats, is crate trained, and thinks wooden gorilla chews are pretty much the greatest invention ever.
Like many sensitive Border Collies, Ruby is still building confidence with new people, unfamiliar places, and unexpected sights (those flapping garbage can lids are highly suspicious!). The good news? She's smart, eager to learn, and responds beautifully to positive reinforcement. Every day she grows a little braver.
Ruby would thrive with an experienced adopter who enjoys helping shy dogs blossom. She'll need patient introductions to new dogs, especially around food and high-value treats, but with thoughtful management and continued training, she's making wonderful progress. In return, you'll get a devoted best friend who wants nothing more than to be your faithful sidekick through all of life's adventures.
Being fostered near Durango, CO
Teddy
If you're looking for a sweet, loving companion with a big smile and an even bigger heart, let us introduce you to Teddy! This handsome 2½-year-old BC mix is the kind of guy who would happily spend his day soaking up love, getting ear scratches, and hanging out with his favorite people. Some of his nicknames include Teddy Bear, Smiley, Jumpin' Jack, and Cuddle Boy—and honestly, they all fit him perfectly!
Teddy is a people-loving guy who enjoys being close to his humans. Whether it's relaxing with the family, enjoying some time outside with someone, or getting his ears scratched, he's happiest when he's part of the action. And if you happen to offer him your hand to hold, he just might give you his paw in return. ❤️
One of Teddy's most adorable quirks is his excitement jump. When he's happy, he jumps straight up in the air and flashes the biggest, goofiest smile! It's pretty hard not to smile right back. He's not particularly interested in fetch, agility, or toys at this point. But he's still discovering all the fun life has to offer, and right now, his favorite activities include food time, walks, dog park adventures, and plenty of family lounge time.
Teddy enjoys running and sniffing at the dog park and gets along with dogs of all sizes with a proper introduction. He does well on leash and enjoys having canine company, although his true preference is spending time with people. He can live happily with or without another dog in his forever home. He's learning how to greet new people and dogs with confidence, so a patient family willing to give him time, treats, and positive experiences will help him continue to blossom.
Teddy has done great with teens and children ages 10 and up. Since he doesn’t chase toys or wildlife, we suspect he’d do fine in a household with younger children and cats (but has not been exposed to them yet). As with any new pet, careful introductions and supervision should be practiced with new greetings. He warms up to new adults with a little patience, treats, and those all-important ear scratches. He's crate trained, knows his basic commands, and is mostly housebroken, with just a few accidents still to work through. He's even a fan of brushing and tolerated his bath like a champ!
Teddy is a lovely, gentle-hearted guy who would make a wonderful family dog and loyal companion. If your idea of a perfect day includes a walk, some fresh air, a cozy couch, and a whole lot of love, Teddy might just be your guy. 🐾
Being fostered near Firestone, CO
Adoption Pending
Riley
Wyatt