I am very excited to introduce to you today a new addition to the Pretty Fluffy family! This 18 month old Border Collie X was a rescue dog at the RSPCA Shelter when my parents decided to take him home with them earlier this year. Since then he has become a much loved member of the family. Pretty Fluffies, meet Socks…

NAME: Socks

AGE: 18 months, give or take!

BREED: Border Collie X

NICKNAME: Socksie

FAVOURITE TOY: Squeaky Pig

FAVOURITE GAME: Fetch, fetch and more fetch.

DISLIKES: People putting blue ribbons on him for photo shoots.

Sadly my parents were unable to find out much about Socks’ history. When he came to them he was severely underweight and quite shy. The RSPCA records mentioned something about a family surrendering Socks because they were moving, but this is unconfirmed. Unfortunately for a lot of working dogs like Socks, they are very cute and cuddly to begin with, but as they grow up their needs for exercise and mental stimulation become too much for their owners. Which is sad, because happy working dogs can be the most intelligent and loyal dogs you will ever know.

But lucky for Socks, he has hit the jackpot with my parents. Funnily enough they had originally gone to the pound to see if there were any older dogs that needed a home. My mum’s beautiful dog of 12 years, Spot, had passed away a few years prior and she was ready to bring another furry friend into her life. (I got a lot of my dog craziness from her!) However when they arrived at the pound my Dad began to tell the officer about his most favourite dog in the world – a Border Collie named Soda (just as any proud grandfather would!), and the carer mentioned they also had a Border Collie available for adoption. It was love at first sight.

Believe it or not, my Dad has never been a dog person. In fact growing up, I would have called him a cat person if anything! But to see him today with Socks is heart warming. Every morning they go to the park to play fetch, and when they’re at home Socks rarely leaves my Dad’s side. To my parents they have just welcomed another rescue dog into their lives, but to Socks, the love of my Mum and Dad means everything.

If you’re thinking about welcoming a new pet into your home, consider offering a rescue like Socks a home. To see more pets looking for fur-ever homes visit PetRescue or your local shelter.