Joe

Meet Joe!<br/><br/>Joe is an adorable Border Collie/Flat-Coated Retriever mix (best guess) who was found wandering and severely underweight in Southern Colorado. A good-hearted local person took him in, got him the veterinary care he needed, and has been working hard to help him recover.<br/><br/>Now, unfortunately, she is traveling and can no longer keep him, so Joe urgently needs a safe place to land. We're stepping in to help Joe find a good home.<br/><br/>Joe is a true rescue dog. He has the kindest eyes and a joyful, tender side that comes out when he feels safe. But, like many dogs who have had difficult beginnings, Joe has some challenges that will require an understanding and patient person.<br/><br/>Joe’s biggest challenge right now is body sensitivity and handling. He needs someone who understands that hands touching, petting, or handling his body need to be carefully introduced as safe. He is making progress, and he comes with three behavior-consulting sessions with the wonderful Sarah Dugger to help his new person continue that work.<br/><br/>Joe has put his teeth on people when he has been overwhelmed by handling or over-petting, and he did nip a veterinarian while the vet was treating an injury to his face. No one has been seriously injured, but this is important information for anyone considering him. Because of his handling sensitivities, Joe would not be appropriate for a home with children.<br/><br/>Some of his behaviors — including the heartbreaking way he sometimes flops onto his back as though anticipating being hit — make us wonder whether he has experienced rough or frightening handling in his past. We don’t know his history, but we do know that he deserves a future where he can learn that people are safe and that he doesn’t have to defend himself.<br/><br/>Joe currently lives successfully with four other dogs and appears to do well with canine companions. We don’t know his history with cats. <br/><br/>Given his background and where he has been living successfully, we think a rural or quieter home may be the best fit for him.<br/><br/>We really don’t want him to end up in a shelter, so please pass the word along. A shelter environment is unlikely to be the right place for a dog whose primary challenge involves body handling and fear. Even excellent shelters have limitations when it comes to the individualized screening, decompression, and ongoing behavioral support Joe needs.<br/><br/>Our goal is to help find Joe the person who will look at this sweet, complicated dog and see the dog he can become, not just the things that are difficult right now.<br/><br/>Whoever takes Joe in will have our support, too. We are happy to provide behavioral guidance to his adopter or rescue placement because we want to give this guy every chance to succeed.<br/><br/>Joe is looking for someone patient, compassionate, experienced, and willing to let trust develop at his pace. If that sounds like you — or if you are a rescue that might be able to help — please reach out.<br/><br/>Let’s keep this Colorado boy out of the shelter and help him find the safe, peaceful life he deserves. <br/><br/>For more info, contact us at SummitDogRescue@gmail.com. Thanks.

Meet Joe!

Joe is an adorable Border Collie/Flat-Coated Retriever mix (best guess) who was found wandering and severely underweight in Southern Colorado. A good-hearted local person took him in, got him the veterinary care he needed, and has been working hard to help him recover.

Now, unfortunately, she is traveling and can no longer keep him, so Joe urgently needs a safe place to land. We're stepping in to help Joe find a good home.

Joe is a true rescue dog. He has the kindest eyes and a joyful, tender side that comes out when he feels safe. But, like many dogs who have had difficult beginnings, Joe has some challenges that will require an understanding and patient person.

Joe’s biggest challenge right now is body sensitivity and handling. He needs someone who understands that hands touching, petting, or handling his body need to be carefully introduced as safe. He is making progress, and he comes with three behavior-consulting sessions with the wonderful Sarah Dugger to help his new perso

Meet Joe!

Joe is an adorable Border Collie/Flat-Coated Retriever mix (best guess) who was found wandering and severely underweight in Southern Colorado. A good-hearted local person took him in, got him the veterinary care he needed, and has been working hard to help him recover.

Now, unfortunately, she is traveling and can no longer keep him, so Joe urgently needs a safe place to land. We're stepping in to help Joe find a good home.

Joe is a true rescue dog. He has the kindest eyes and a joyful, tender side that comes out when he feels safe. But, like many dogs who have had difficult beginnings, Joe has some challenges that will require an understanding and patient person.

Joe’s biggest challenge right now is body sensitivity and handling. He needs someone who understands that hands touching, petting, or handling his body need to be carefully introduced as safe. He is making progress, and he comes with three behavior-consulting sessions with the wonderful Sarah Dugger to help his new person continue that work.

Joe has put his teeth on people when he has been overwhelmed by handling or over-petting, and he did nip a veterinarian while the vet was treating an injury to his face. No one has been seriously injured, but this is important information for anyone considering him. Because of his handling sensitivities, Joe would not be appropriate for a home with children.