Meet Kaya (Protege #0265)! She is a red-tri female Aussie believed to be about 9-11 months old. Kaya is a very sweet and timid young Aussie. She was owner-surrendered because her original owner had to move into a non-pet friendly apartment. Kaya weighs about 35 lbs and has a red tri-colored coat. She gets along great with cats and dogs. When she looks up at you with her big golden eyes your heart will melt.

Kaya has been bounced around multiple homes in her short life and really needs the stability of a forever home. She needs to have a crate to go in as it is her safe place and she will often retreat to it if she gets nervous or even just to relax. She prefers sleeping in her crate at night. Any time company comes over to her foster parents’ home you can find Kaya hanging out in her crate (though she may poke her nose out if she thinks she has a chance at some people food). She took a while to warm up to her foster parents but when it’s just her and them at home she is a very playful young girl.

Kaya loves to fetch and also knows her name and sit. She is working on lay down and turn around right now. She is also working on house training. She is doing pretty good but occasionally will have “accidents.” She goes potty on a leash but will not go if there are strangers walking by. Kaya also loves other dogs once she’s gotten used to them. She can be standoffish at first but warms up after some time. She loves to wrestle with them and if there are no dogs around to play with and no strangers to scare her, she will try to wrestle with her foster parents. She is very gentle while doing it and will stop immediately if told firmly to “play nice.”

She hasn’t been exposed to many children and while her foster parents think she would be gentle and good with them herself, children tend to be loud and unpredictable and those are two things that will send her running to her crate. For these reasons she is looking for a home with either no children or older ones who are willing to be calm and patient with her. Because of her timid nature it is also recommended that her adopters have previous dog owning experience (preferably rescue experience, but not required).

Kaya is spayed and has been tested for heartworms, is on flea/tick preventatives. She is up to date on vaccinations. She is patiently waiting for someone to take her home and love her forever. She would also be especially happy if that home included another canine companion to ease her into her new life.

Kaya is living in Iowa City,Iowa.

If you might be interested in learning more about this dog, please email info@protegerescue.org. While we welcome your questions, all adopters are required to complete a Protege Adoption Application before being considered to adopt a Protege dog; our adoption fee is $200.

Jo
Iowa

Looking for a handsome, young man to bring into your life this Valentine's day? Nicholi (Protege #0266) is your boy. He is an 11 month old blue merle Aussie with striking blue eyes. He weighs 36 pounds, but he needs to put on a few pounds to look and feel his best.

He was surrendered by his owner who was going through a divorce, but either he had never been given lessons in house manners or he was happy to escape his previous life. When he first came to us he would jump over baby gates, run laps throughout the house, sprint across the couch and bed, and jump on the counter. The poor boy couldn't relax. However, in only two weeks he's come a long ways, and his house manners have greatly improved. He's no longer jumping gates, and he's learned to relax in the house. He will go in his kennel for a treat and then he'll stay quiet. Nic (as he prefers to be called) still has lots of energy though, so he needs a home that can devote time to giving him exercise. It's not difficult to find ways to exercise him as he loves to play with toys, other dogs, and children. He has a good recall and enjoys car rides so a trip to the dog park will be great fun for him and his family. Nic is a very smart boy and quickly learned sit. He also learned to play only with the toys in the dog toy basket. However, he did think that the laundry was an interesting toy. It was in a basket after all! A quick correction and Nic figured out that not all baskets contain toys. Nic loves playing with the laser light and thinks the vacuum cleaner is a scary enemy! It's clear that he will quickly pick up any sort of training his new family might be interested in doing with him.

Nic appears to be housebroken and will let you know when he needs to go out. He's had one accident, but only because his foster parents didn't realize that his barking at them meant he needed to go outside (duh!). He is fine around cats and good with baths and getting his nails trimmed. He is a wonderful, fun-loving dog, but he is still young and will need an owner with patience and the ability to give him the exercise and training that every young Aussie needs. If you think your family might be a good fit, please contact us. Handsome Nic would love to find his forever home soon.

Nic is neutered and up-to-date on shots, and on flea and heartwork preventative. The vet recommended that he be tested for heartworm in the spring. Nic is living in Ottumwa.

If you might be interested in learning more about this dog, please email info@protegerescue.org. While we welcome your questions, all adopters are required to complete a Protege Adoption Application before being considered to adopt a Protege dog; our adoption fee is $200.

Jo
Iowa

Introducing Panda (#0259)! Panda is a 1 year old, neutered male border collie mix. He is around 45 pounds. Panda has adorable speckles on his face and a curly tail. His coat is still growing back in from a bad flea problem he had when he first arrived in our care. This cute guy was an owner surrender because they just didn't have the time for him.

Panda is completely house trained and can hold it all day while his foster mom is at work. He loves to play with the resident dogs in his foster home and with his foster mom. He is a very devoted dog to whoever takes care of him. Panda loves to snuggle up next to his person on the couch. He is a bit of a chewer, but has not chewed on anything that he is not supposed to. He is learning that the kennel is not such a bad place to be. He is kenneled while his foster mom is at work or gone, and at night. He will whine a little at first then settles down.

He has learned to sit and wait for his meals. We are working on learning not to jump on people, down, and come. He walks nicely on a leash. Panda is a little nervous when meeting new people especially in new places but he warms up pretty quickly. He does better meeting new people where he is comfortable. Panda is learning that going in the car to new places can be fun. He is good for grooming and is learning that having his teeth brushed is okay.

There are two cats in his temporary home, but because he tries to herd them he may do better in a home without cats. He has not been around children while in temporary care, but did live with three small children with his previous owner. Because he is still a young dog who doesn't always pay attention to where he is going, it may be better that he not go to a home with small children.

Panda is current on vaccinations and is on heartworm and flea preventatives. He is living in Cedar Rapids.

If you might be interested in learning more about this dog, please email info@protegerescue.org. While we welcome your questions, all adopters are required to complete a Protege Adoption Application before being considered to adopt a Protege dog; our adoption fee is $200.

Jo
Iowa

Bailey (Protege #0262) is a beautiful 5 year old blue merle Sheltie. At first glance she would appear to be a preppy girl, but she is not opposed to finding some mud to walk through or grass to roll in first thing in the morning. She tolerates bathing and brushing well because of her tomboy ways.

She had many doggy friends at her old home and gets along well with the other dog in our household, but hasn't quite figured out if she wants to play with her. She will play "tag" with the humans at home; tapping us with her nose or pawing us, doing the play bow and then running away. She tolerates the cats in the household but would prefer that they didn't exist in her forever home.

Bailey's come to us from a breeder where she spent all her time outdoors. Bailey has had many challenges to over come, the biggest being how to potty outside on a leash. She was used to having full range of her outdoor home and hadn't ever been on a leash before. We have found that she does well off leash and will potty on a leash but it takes time. A fenced in yard would be nice but is not a requirement for her.

We believe that the indoor dog lifestyle suites her well. She has learned to kennel and we often find her in it napping during the day. We are working on basic obedience and for not being on a leash before, she has excellent leash manners. She sticks right to our side always checking in with us when on walks. She LOVES food and is a quick study because of her food motivation and eagerness to please. If you are going to the kitchen she is sure to be by your side. She is a little shy at first when meeting new people but warms up very quickly. She has done well with all people and children so far, but is startled easily by loud noises and quick movements.

Bailey is up to date on vaccinations, tested negative for heartworm, and she has been spayed. She is currently being fostered in Cedar Rapids,Iowa.

If you might be interested in learning more about this dog, please email info@protegerescue.org. While we welcome your questions, all adopters are required to complete a Protege Adoption Application before being considered to adopt a Protege dog; our adoption fee is $200.

Jo
Iowa

Fae (Protege #0264) is a 2-1/2 year old Sheltie. She is up to date on all of her shots and is spayed. Fae came to our rescue with three of her sisters. They were outside breeding dogs, and although loved, they could use some extra TLC. Fae is a black-tri, but due to the sun her coat has been faded to a rusty brown. With some good food, brushing and an indoor home, Fae's coat should be restored to new in less than a year! Fae weighs about 15 lbs - a tiny little fluff ball!

She LOVES humans and other dogs, but is initially shy when introduced. Fae has been in her foster home for about three weeks and is really starting to warm up to her foster mom and the other dogs in the house. Just this week Fae worked her magic and got her foster brother Stitch to play chase with her. Although she's never been inside, Fae seems mostly housebroken. She has only had two accidents in the house and has great bladder control. She is completely crate trained and is very quiet in the crate.

Fae sleeps in bed with her foster mom to help her become more comfortable with her new inside surroundings, but she would also be fine sleeping on the floor or in a different room. She is very easy to please. Although very shy, it is apparent that Fae wants to be loved and will warm up more and more with time. From her first day at her foster mom's house Fae would follow her (and other housemates) from room to room -- but never get in the way. At first Fae would follow a human into a room and then hide in the corner ... but now Fae is mostly over the hiding and just comes into the room and lays down. Fae loves attention and loves to be petted. She is a great lap dog and loves snuggling, but she is also fine laying on the floor. She likes dog beds best, but doesn't seem to mind laying on the hard wood or laminate floors either. Overall Fae is a very sweet, shy little dog who needs a patient loving home to bring her out of her shell.

Fae is being housed temporarily in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

If you might be interested in learning more about this dog, please email info@protegerescue.org. While we welcome your questions, all adopters are required to complete a Protege Adoption Application before being considered to adopt a Protege dog; our adoption fee is $200.

Jo
Iowa

Say hello to our terrier/Benji mix Toby (Protege #0258). He's a lovable, easy-going 10 month old boy. Toby is one of those dogs that is just happy to be doing whatever he is currently doing. He's up for cuddling while watching TV with you, or laying on the floor and chewing a bone while you watch TV. He loves to go for car rides. It doesn't matter where, he just wants to ride along. He is good with kids and other dogs, though sometimes he can't understand why everyone doesn't want to be his friend. Toby can be a bit rambunctious when meeting new dogs and can sometimes cause problems, but he's learning how to read when other dogs do not want to play. Toby also wants to play with cats and will need a close eye kept on him when first being introduced so he can be corrected. It's clear that he's not had a lot of prior training, so we are working on walking nicely on leash and on his recall. He's also had a few accidents in the house but nothing unexpected for a 10 month old. His new home will need to continue to work on all his manners, but he's a very smart dog and is coming along quickly. He does not enjoy going into his kennel and will fuss, but after a few minutes he will calm down and behave. Toby was fine while having a bath and having his nails trimmed.

Toby is neutered and up-to-date on vaccinations; he is on flea and tick preventative. He is being fostered in Coralville., Iowa. If you've always loved Benji and are looking for an adorable, fun-loving friend, then you have to meet Toby. He'd love to find his new home in time for Christmas.

If you might be interested in learning more about this dog, please email info@protegerescue.org. While we welcome your questions, all adopters are required to complete a Protege Adoption Application before being considered to adopt a Protege dog; our adoption fee is $200.

Jo
Iowa

Rooney is a 3 year old neutered red merle male Aussie. He is very sweet and well-mannered. He can sit and shake. Rooney does great with other dogs (large and small), and with cats, horses, and kids. He is a velcro Aussie who so far is happy to stay nearby when outdoors. Rooney is quiet and calm in his kennel and is housetrained.

Rooney is currently underweight at about 41 pounds, but the vet says he should probably weigh closer to 60 pounds, so he'll be a good-sized boy when he gets up to his ideal weight. He is current on his vaccinations, is negative for heartworms and is on heartworm and flea preventatives. Rooney does get a little car sick; he will not get in the car himself and doesn't seem to likes car rides much, though he is very calm and relaxed in the car. However, he does love the doggie park and gets along great with everyone there! (He'll need to learn that to get to the park, ya gotta ride in the car.)

Rooney is available in Ottumwa, Iowa.

If you might be interested in learning more about this dog, please email info@protegerescue.org. While we welcome your questions, all adopters are required to complete a Protege Adoption Application before being considered to adopt a Protege dog; our adoption fee is $200.

Jo
Iowa

This little cutie’s name is Pistol. But don’t let the name fool you, he is a very sweet and playful puppy. Pistol is about a year old and was found wandering around as a stray. He is a red merle Aussie with split colored eyes (each eye has 2 colors) and a beautiful red/orange/white coat. He is about 30 lbs currently. Pistol is your typical puppy in that he loves to play and run around until he can no longer keep his eyes open, then he proceeds to fall asleep on or next to the closest lap he can find. He loved to play with his foster sister Maya until she was adopted, and would play tug of war with her or wrestle around. When Maya had finally had enough she would give him a growl and then nip at him and he knew she was done so he calmed down.

When his foster parents are away, Pistol rests in his kennel, but has graduated to sleeping out of the kennel. He will sometimes choose to go in his kennel on his own when at home and will kennel on command (unless he has to potty). He has also learned sit, shake, and potty on command and has been doing really well out of his kennel at night. However we would not yet trust him alone in the house for an extended amount of time.

Pistol is a very happy dog and is doing really well with learning new commands. Although he has a lot of energy, he also has the attention needed to learn and does very well with treat training. A home that can provide a fair amount of daily exercise would be fantastic for Pistol. He can climb and jump quite high, so low fences could be inadequate for this little guy. Once he has burned some energy, he can be an extremely affectionate and calm dog who just wants to lie next to you or in your lap. He loves all kinds of bones and chew-toys and can keep himself occupied for quite a long time. He is great with other dogs and fine with cats as well. He has shorter hair for an Aussie and does not shed quite as much as other foster dogs we have had; some minor regular grooming is all he will need.

Pistol is a very driven and sweet young Aussie who loves to meet new people and gives lots of kisses. He is very smart, loves attention, and is looking for his forever home.

Here are a few short videos of Pistol that show how much fun he will be:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NgzM8tXRMgA&feature=youtu.be
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbQS54m-3jk&feature=youtu.be
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1UtlUikEFQ&feature=youtu.be


Pistol is available in Iowa City, Iowa.

If you might be interested in learning more about this dog, please email info@protegerescue.org. While we welcome your questions, all adopters are required to complete a Protege Adoption Application before being considered to adopt a Protege dog; our adoption fee is $200.

Jo
Iowa

Hi! My name is Annie and I am an 8 year old black-tri Australian Shepherd; I'm a good-sized girl and weigh about 59 pounds. My foster mom calls me Miss Annie; it makes me feel so important. I was used for breeding and was kept in a barn with 16 other dogs during most of my life, however I was able to be in the house sometimes.

When I came into the rescue I was stinky and had a LOT of hair mats. My foster mom gave me a bath and periodically would work on brushing the hair mats out as well as on getting rid of some of my very thick undercoat, but some of the hair mats were so bad and so close to my skin she sent me to the spa for additional grooming. I feel so much lighter and so much better without all those hair mats. It is nice to be able to be petted by someone and not have their hand get stuck in my fur. I still do have a thick coat of fur which makes me look bigger than I really am.

I am really enjoying the life of being a house pet and living inside. I am a very easy going and happy-go-lucky girl. I am kind of a shy gal and it takes me a little while to warm up to new people, but thankfully my foster brother, who is also an Aussie, is helping me with this. If he thinks the people are ok they must really be ok. I would really love to have a doggie brother or sister in my new home to help me with my confidence, however that isn't required.

I am crate trained but I prefer not to be in the crate. If I am left in the crate for a long period of time or I hear that you are home and I'm still in the crate I will voice my opinion in hopes that you'll let me out. Other than that, I am very quiet and my foster mom rarely hears a peep out of me. I am completely housebroken. They say that I'm a really good girl and I even get to have the run of the house with the resident dog when my foster mom leaves home during the day. From what I understand that is a privilege and I'm pretty happy about it. I have not chewed on anything inappropriate at all. When my foster mom comes home I am waiting right by the door happily wagging my bobbed tail to greet her.

I am very loyal and love my people. My foster mom says that I’m a velcro Aussie which I guess means that I like to be by her side. What can I say, I really love my people. Wherever you are, I want to be close by. If you workout at home I will be right there to cheer you on. I even roll around wiggling on my back for a little bit before heading off to sit off to the side to watch from the sideline. However, I do not like cats, so I really hope to go to a home without them.

When given the chance, I like to snuggle on the sofa or on the bed but I will happily just lay down on the floor by your side. I will forewarn you, my foster mom says that I snore but I don’t believe her for a minute.

I enjoy going for rides in the car. We went on a field trip to Petco and I wasn’t too sure about those sliding doors or the kids running around but my foster mom reassured me that it was ok and I even got some yummy treats too from that trip.

I enjoy going for walks, running around the back yard, playing fetch and I can even catch tennis balls. I don’t have any interest in any toys other than a ball, although my foster mom and foster brother have both tried to get me to play with toys. I just think it is quite silly. I’m pretty low maintenance, so when it comes to toys it is tennis balls all the way. I am up to date on my vaccinations, tested heartworm negative and am on heartworm and flea preventatives.

Annie is available near Iowa City, Iowa.

If you might be interested in learning more about this dog, please email info@protegerescue.org. While we welcome your questions, all adopters are required to complete a Protege Adoption Application before being considered to adopt a Protege dog; our adoption fee is $200.

Jo
Iowa