On my way to work yesterday morning I saw a dog out in the road near my farm. I stopped the car and she came running to me, wagging her tail. No collar, but you could see where it had been, and where her tags had discolored her fur. She apparently was left beside the road with an opened bag of dog food. I petted her and went to work.
I picked her up on my way home. A little knee-high mutt, in heat (of course!), probably her first heat. I think I’ll call her Stumpy, because she has a bobbed tail.
Got her into vet first thing this morning. Stumpy’s 9 months, in her first heat. Thankfully heartworm negative. Sweet, healthy dog. The vet’s as stumped as I am about her breed(s). Best guess is Australian Cattle Dog mix. Introduced her to the horses - she was a little befuddled, but perfectly calm, no barking or chasing. The other dogs are doing well with her.
I’m under the impression that in the US, Australian Cattle Dogs often get their tails docked, for some reason. I don’t know why we seem to think Aussie dogs are tailess. Nice dogs, though.
Yup, I’d say cattle dog for sure, of the variety usually called a “red heeler.” I have a mix one of those myself and the face is a giveaway, as are the ears and the spotty coat. I don’t know what Shoga is mixed with, but I suspect whippet or greyhound, given how skinny and wicked fast she is. Here’s a pic for comparison: Imgur: The magic of the Internet
I’ve had a handful of dogs and only one came from a breeder. Every other dog in my life was literally rescued from the side of road, going to a kill shelter or in Savannah’s case…saved from a garbage bag in a creek.:eek: (someone put the whole litter in a bag and tossed it in the water)
That’s too bad. Could you volunteer at your local shelter? Here in the Bay Area, they love vols to take dogs out for walks and even cuddle up on the couch with them! Check it out!
Well, mostly I have Dobermans. In fact, as I was telling my vet about finding her, he said, “Not your usual Doberman, is she?” She’s called Stumpy because she’s compact and sturdy (and because of her stumpy bobbed tail). Not my idea of a beautiful dog, but she seems to be a good dog, and that’s what counts.
Oh, she’s darling!! I’ve known several red and blue heelers and they’ve all been wonderful dogs who’ve been great with horses. If I lived closer I might be PMing you. Thank you for helping her and please keep us updated on how she’s doing!
Yer good people, StGermain. That is a good-looking dog, IMO. If she’s a heeler, you found a very good dog, IME: calm, loyal and smart. Prolly have to coax her to get her to bark.
Oh, Germain, I am so envious! I keep hoping a pup will find it’s way to me like that. Good on ya for taking him in. Stumpy, my friend, you hit the jackpot!
