Kids, Cats, and Toys
Danielle and Jessie are typical teenage girls. They like all the things teenage girls tend to like. But that's where the similarities between "your average teenager" and these two girls end. Danielle and Jessie are HSMS volunteers that share an immense love for animals. Case in point — instead of spending countless hours chatting about boys, going to football games, and listening to the latest Jennifer Lopez CD, these two girls recently volunteered their talents and free time to help HSMS cats.

The two girls' special gift was making toys for our cats. Jessie and Danielle made yarn dolls, balls, treat bags and all kinds of things for the shelter cats to play with. And their volunteer spirit didn't end there. The girls also collected money from friends and schoolmates to donate for various shelter needs. Along with their mother, Jessie and Danielle visited the shelter recently to give us their donations and play with the cats.

At the time, Nike was already 2 years old and nearly 70 pounds - not exactly a puppy. He was the star of the clinic and most popular with the staff due to his tremendous affection. However, his friendliness thus far had not landed him a new home. Being Christmas time, all of the other Border Collie pups had been adopted. It appeared Nike was to spend Christmas without a family only to be put-down shortly there after.

In Huntsville Alabama, Scott was looking feverishly for a Border Collie puppy to give his son and daughter for Christmas. "I knew I could find a breeder and get a pup but stories of unethical breeding of this popular breed had turned me off to that idea. I was running out of time with only 5 days left until Christmas when I decided to contact the local Humane Society," remembers Scott.

Scott continues, "What I learned about Nike was that he was not a puppy, that he weighed nearly 70 pounds, and that he had been a stray for some time increasing his chance of disease. The age and size both concerned me as my daughter was only 4 at the time. The idea of house-breaking a 2 year old didn't exactly enthuse me either. But I also learned that Nike had the sweetest disposition and had gained the love of all the Clinic staff, that he was very intelligent, and that his days were numbered."

Like most breeds, Border Collies have very individual personalities. The rescue organizations screen applicants thoroughly to make sure their dogs are placed in well-suited homes. "I remember being drilled by the rescue volunteers. Did I have a fenced in yard? Are my kids well behaved and mature enough for a pet? On and on and on. The entire process was really very intimidating although I understand now why they do it. These rescue organizations are so committed to these animals - they want to make sure they never are strays again."

Needless to say, it was now two days prior to Christmas and Scott still didn't have a Christmas dog and Nike still didn't have a home. After some last minute rushing to pay Nike's boarding and neutering fees, shipping crate, and plane ticket to Huntsville, it appeared there would be a joyous Christmas union of the two. But it wasn't to be so. Being protective of Nike, Little Rock Border Collie Rescue got cold feet and vetoed the transaction. Christmas eve day, after one more phone call, everyone involved at the rescue organization was finally put at ease and the transaction was a done-deal. Unfortunately, it was now too late to ship Nike by Christmas.

Nike is now 75 pounds, survived chemotherapy treatment for heart-worms, and has grown into his new and loving family. His front teeth are worn down but his snout is now healed of the abrasions from constantly putting it through the chain link fence at the shelter - I'm sure for the frequent pettings by clinic staff. After only a few days, Nike settled into his new home quite nicely with no trouble with the cat, the kids, or housebreaking. Despite his size, as you can see, Nike is truly a lap-dog. During his third month in his new home, Nike proved his loyalty and his claim on his family by protecting the 4 year old daughter from a neighbor's dog who attacked her.