Echo was with a family that could not control him.  They said that they had had another dog before that was really easy to train.  But, Echo was stubborn, intelligent and too active.  Aren't they all?  Anyway, they were never really able to get a handle on his training.  So, the family gave Echo away to a family that couldn't handle him either. 

As it turns out, a lady who is a groomer and does rescue was talking to Echo's new owner who was thinking of taking him to the SPCA or a shelter.  On hearing that, the groomer offered to help the new owner with training and everything was looking good.  Then a couple of hours later, the new family brought Echo to the groomer and left him for good.  That's when the groomer contacted us and we picked up Echo and fostered him.

We made sure that he had a vet check and that he was up to date on his shots.  He was already neutered.  Echo had a small lump on his head that was removed and it was also discovered that he had a slight heart murmur.  A big thanks to Katherine Mitchell at Fraser Heights Animal Hospital for helping us out. 

Kristi Roberts then stepped up to the plate and fostered Echo.  Kristi was working part time for me and would bring him to work everyday, so we were able to observe his behaviour.  Kristi worked with Echo on his training.  It appeared that he obviously knew his basic commands, but they were never reinforced enough when he was younger.  At 18 months, he was also going through his teen phase - need we say more.  He also did suffer from mild separation anxiety.  During the three weeks we had him, Kristi was a great foster mom - loving but firm.  Thanks Kristi.

Yes, Echo is stubborn, intelligent and active. But he's also very affectionate.  Even 10 stitches in his head couldn't keep him down - he was happy everyday we had him. 

We are happy to say that Echo was eventually adopted by John and Julie Case.  Here's an update from them...

"John and Julie were adopted by Echo on February 6, 2006.  Echo is about 18 months old and had been in foster care with the GRCBC for about 3 weeks before he came to live with us.  He loves his new backyard - especially after the wind storm when there were lots of branches for him to pick up and dance around with.  He's still learning about staying out of the garden!  His new sister Tessa (eight year old Sheltie) is teaching him lots - especially about his place in what was solely her territory!  They like to play tug-of-war with the frisbee - Tessa does a pretty good job of holding her own despite the fact she weighs about half what Echo does!  All told, its been a fun three weeks and already we can't imagine life without him!  Big thanks to Wendy and Kristi for bringing us all together"