Second Chance Border Collie Rescue of Wisconsin

08/17/2026

Poppy is a brilliant, busy Border Collie mix. This dynamo has a mind that is always working and a body that is always ready for the next adventure! She was born at the end of May 2026 and weighs 13 #.

Affectionately known as Popsicle or Poppers, she is spunky, athletic, driven, and remarkably intelligent. She notices everything, learns quickly, and genuinely wants to have a job. Balls and moving toys are her currency, and she spends her days chasing, thinking, learning, and enthusiastically chewing on a good bone, with puppy naps in between.

Poppy is looking for a family who recognizes her potential and wants to develop it. A home involved in dog sports like herding or agility would be especially appealing to this ambitious little athlete. A leisurely stroll around the block will not sufficiently occupy this girls very capable brain! She needs meaningful activity, thoughtful training, and opportunities to learn.

Because Poppy is both brilliant and sensitive, she needs a family experienced with herding breeds who understands the importance of positive reinforcement, consistency, structure, and gradual exposure to the world. Obedience classes are required. Trust us when we say Poppy is an eager student who will have her paw up before the instructor finishes the question (see pic!).

She would love a canine sibling but could also thrive as an only dog. A cat-free home is best, and she is likely not the right match for children under 10 due to her herding nature. A securely fenced yard is preferred and families with a history of keeping dogs safe on leash are welcome to apply.

Because she is still a puppy, Poppy is polishing her house manners and leash skills. She sleeps peacefully through the night in her crate, settling in after a few minutes. She just completed her first road trip and aced it!

Poppy isn't looking for an ordinary life. She's looking for a life with purpose, adventure, learning, and plenty of toys. If you're ready to help this extraordinary little thinker become everything she can be, Poppy is ready to meet you!

APPLY to adopt her at hoabcr.org/how-to-adopt

Poppy is being fostered in Minneapolis, MN. Her adoption fee is $550 + MN sales tax (this includes her spay). She is up to date on age-appropriate vaccines. She will be spayed and microchipped at the age of roughly 6 months. The cost of this procedure is included in her adoption fee.

Upon adoption, all our dogs go to their new homes with a collar and harness, leash, starter food, blanket, favorite toys & treats. They are current on flea/tick and heartworm prevention.

https://www.petfinder.com/dog/poppy-d32255d1-192f-456b-a504-27865c64d0f0/mn/minneapolis/heart-of-a-border-collie-rescue-mn432/details/?utm_source=petfinder&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=pet_details_share_link

08/17/2026

08/17/2026

Hi everybody! I’m Lassie! The nice people here at HOABCR, told me I was getting featured for Senior Saturday🤩

I’m not sure what that means, but maybe it’s because while all the younger pups might be out on the town, at 10 years old, I think the perfect Saturday night consists of a leisurely stroll, quality time with my people and topping off the night with cuddles and kisses!!

Don’t get me wrong though!! I have received an A+ on my parade and brewery outings! At the end of the day, having companionship and feeling loved is what it’s all about 🫶🏻💓

If it sounds like I’m your vibe, tap the link below to get my deets (see…. senior-schmenior😉)

Located in Minnesota

https://www.petfinder.com/dog/lassie-41938405-9762-4038-96fa-5217ca2bbf94/mn/minneapolis/heart-of-a-border-collie-rescue-mn432/details/?utm_source=petfinder&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=pet_details_share_link

08/12/2026

Beautiful senior needs home.🏡

Joyful. Smiley. Gentle. Silly. If you're looking for a dog who brightens your day simply by being herself, you found her! I'm Lassie, a 10-year-old, 55 # Border Collie mix, and I'm proof that growing older means you get better at appreciating the good things in life. My theme song is Happy by Pharrell Williams, and once you meet me, you'll understand why!

These days, my favorite things are simple. I love a nice, leisurely walk, followed by a fluffy dog bed where I can stretch out and relax. If it's warm, an AC vent works too!! I'm also an enthusiastic fan of pets, attention, and giving kisses to my favorite people.

My ideal home is peaceful with a family who enjoys staying close to home and believes in getting out for daily exercise. Short strolls are my favorite - I'm an amazing walking companion. My stamina is building as I lose weight toward my 45 # goal. Traffic, strange noises, and other dogs do not bother me. My fosters have taken me on outings to a parade and a brewery, and I got an A+ at both events!

I could happily live with another calm dog or be your one-and-only. Cats are no problem - we can coexist easily. Gentle, calm children could be part of my family, too. A fenced yard would be wonderful but its not a requirement. I want to be near my people, only outside if they are with me.

You can leave me loose in the house for short periods (my fosters have left me for a couple hours so far). After suddenly losing my person, a lot has changed for me. My foster family is helping me learn to feel relaxed, and I move a little slowly due to extra weight and minor arthritis. Each pound I lose makes me feel much better! (My haircut is part of the 'feel better' plan too - my mats are gone! One of my pictures shows my beautiful coat that will grow back soon.)

If you're looking for a sweet companion who appreciates quiet days, comfortable beds, gentle affection, and little adventures, I might be your girl. My forever home will gain a little happiness every single day.

Lassie is being fostered in Savage, MN. APPLY to adopt her at hoabcr.org/how-to-adopt

Lassie is taking supplements and medication that are approximately $60/month. We believe weight loss and time to settle will make the world of difference for this special girl, reducing the need for these items. Details will be provided to interested families.

Her adoption fee is $250 plus Minnesota tax. Lassie is spayed, microchipped and up to date on vaccinations. Upon adoption, all of our dogs go to their new homes with a collar and harness, leash, starter food, blanket, favorite toys & treats. They are current on flea/tick and heartworm prevention.

As a foster-based rescue, we do not have a central facility to visit. Meet and greets with specific dogs are arranged once your adoption application (not an inquiry through Petfinder) has been received, processed, and approved. We are located in Minnesota and adopt to an area 400 miles from Minneapolis/St. Paul.

https://www.petfinder.com/dog/lassie-41938405-9762-4038-96fa-5217ca2bbf94/mn/minneapolis/heart-of-a-border-collie-rescue-mn432/details/?utm_source=petfinder&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=pet_details_share_link

08/09/2026

Thinking about getting a Border Collie puppy? Here's what I'd consider before choosing where they come from...

There isn't one "perfect" place to find a Border Collie. Every route has potential pros and cons. The key isn't what the breeder calls themselves, it's whether they're breeding ethically, health testing properly and setting puppies up for life.

🐑 Working farm breeder
Pros: Parents are often selected for working ability, intelligence and resilience. You may find dogs with incredible trainability.
Cons: Early socialisation can vary hugely, and not every farmer health tests. Dogs that work cattle may be stronger than those that work sheep.

🏆 Sport breeder
Pros: Parents are usually highly trainable and motivated. Many invest heavily in health testing and carefully plan their breeding.
Cons: Some lines produce puppies with exceptionally high drive that can overwhelm pet homes if owners aren't prepared. Sometimes health issues are over looked if others in the litter are winning.

🎀 Show breeder
Pros: Often place a strong emphasis on looks, health testing, temperament and breed standard. Some show lines may be a little less intense than many working lines which can be easier in a pet home.
Cons: Not all show breeders prioritise preserving the working traits Border Collies were developed for, so energy levels, instincts and suitability can vary between lines.

🏡 Pet owner with a litter
Pros: Occasionally this comes from genuinely loved family dogs.
Cons: This is where I'd ask the most questions. Why was the litter bred? Were both parents health tested? Was there a plan beyond "she'd make a lovely mum" or "the children wanted to experience puppies"? Good intentions don't replace good breeding practices.

❤️ Rescue
Pros: You could completely change a dog's life. Rescue organisations often know a dog's personality and can help match the right dog to the right home. They also give lifetime back up and help.
Cons: Puppies are relatively rare, and many rescue dogs come with unknown genetics or previous experiences that may require additional training and patience.

Whatever route you choose, I'd be asking:
✔️ Have both parents had the recommended health tests?
✔️ Can I meet the mother? This is an essential part of Lucy’s Law
✔️ Are the puppies being raised in an enriching environment?
✔️ Is the breeder interested in me as much as I'm interested in their puppies?
✔️ Will they always take the dog back if circumstances change.

Ethics matter.

Good breeders don't just produce puppies. They produce healthy, well-adjusted dogs and support owners for the dog's entire lifetime. They breed because they believe they're improving the breed, not because puppies are profitable. They are honest about issues with any previous puppies.

The best Border Collie isn't the one with the most impressive pedigree or the most accomplished parents.

It's the one whose genetics, upbringing and temperament are the best fit for your life.

🚩Red Flags.

When to walk away

🚩If the breeder is persuading or pressuring you to have a puppy
🚩If there are health issues in the line. I wouldn’t buy from a line with epilepsy or tethered cord, OCD, Hip dysplasia or many other health conditions.
🚩If you can’t see the dog’s parents or the breeder offers to deliver the puppy without seeing where they were bred
🚩If the puppy is sick. If you buy a puppy because you feel sorry for it you are lining the breeders pockets and encouraging more breeding of unhealthy pups.
🚩If you question if the puppy isn’t moving as they should, if they are touch sensitive, fearful, noise sensitive
🚩If your gut instinct tells you something isn’t right

My Collies have come from farms, rescue and sports breeders.

Where did your Border Collie come from, and what advice would you give someone looking for their first puppy?

08/09/2026

08/07/2026

At just 18 months old and around 40 # (plus a whole lot of fluff!), Marco is an adorable Border Collie/Australian Shepherd mix (our best guess). He is a loyal, slightly clumsy and utterly lovable Velcro dog, happiest wherever his people are.

With lovely medium energy, Marco is always up for playing and doing things with his family. He is equally happy relaxing in the yard, soaking up the sunshine while watching his favorite show, Bunny TV. Cuddling with his humans is another favorite pastime. He discovered the joy of toys, and his goofy play style is downright adorable.

Marco can be shy when meeting new people. He prefers to take his time, observe, think things over, and then decide when he's ready to approach. Once he feels safe, his sweet personality shines. Patience, kindness, and allowing him to move at his own pace are key to building his confidence and winning his trust.

The ideal family for this handsome lad will help him become more confident without sheltering him from the world. He wants to explore, experience new things, and expand his horizons. He loves being outdoors and loves going for walks. A securely fenced yard would be amazing: he would love a safe place to explore and gain faith in himself.

Marco does well with the cats in his foster home, simply ignoring them. We know from his prior home that he cannot live with free-range chickens. A calm, confident canine companion could be a good match after proper introductions.

He could live with mature children who understand that loud noises and being startled aren't his jam. He is housebroken once settled into a new routine. Relaxes in his crate when his people are away. He wants to take his new family to obedience classes to learn lots of things and spend time together.

You will not find a more devoted companion than Marco. He cannot wait to find a deep connection with a special family that will treasure him as much as he will adore them. APPLY to adopt him at hoabcr.org/how-to-adopt

Marco is being fostered in Rochester, MN.

His adoption fee is $450 + MN sales tax. He is neutered, microchipped and up to date on age-appropriate vaccines. Upon adoption, all of our dogs go to their new homes with a collar and harness, leash, starter food, blanket, favorite toys & treats. They are current on flea/tick and heartworm prevention.

As a foster-based rescue, we do not have a central facility to visit. Meet and greets with specific dogs are arranged once your adoption application (not an inquiry through Petfinder) has been received, processed, and approved. We are located in Minnesota and adopt to an area 400 miles from Minneapolis/St. Paul.

https://www.petfinder.com/dog/marco-033e811f-ef79-43e9-8186-d50d0630a716/mn/rochester/heart-of-a-border-collie-rescue-mn432/details/?utm_source=petfinder&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=pet_details_share_link

08/06/2026

Haven is ready to find his forever home. He is fun, chill, ready to love, good on leash, and ready to be a best bud. Link to his webpage in the comments.