Dog tired of sheep life now wants to be with humans

By James Connolly

A sheepdog who flunked farm life because he'd rather spend time with humans than herd sheep is looking for a loving new home.

Five-year-old Border Collie Sam was bred for life on the fells of Cumbria, but never developed the drive needed to round up livestock.

Marion Yates, general manager at Animal Rescue Cumbria, said: "The farmers up here need dogs that have got real drive to herd sheep - but poor old Sam would just rather be with people.

"He's a lovely collie but, sadly, farm life was not for him."

While other young sheepdogs progressed in their training, Sam failed to make the grade.

Instead of showing the focus, determination and herding instinct needed to work livestock, Sam was far more interested in spending time with humans.

Rescuers said the laid-back collie never really took to life as a working dog, preferring people to farm duties and showing little enthusiasm for the job he had been bred to do.

Marion said: "They gave it a good long time to see how he developed but he just didn’t quite make the grade.

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"Home life was the best option for him."

Sam is now being cared for by the sanctuary that regularly takes in working dogs that prove better suited to life as family pets.

Marion said the rescue has already rehomed around 10 collies this year after they were deemed unsuited to farm work.

Far from being a problem dog, staff said Sam has quickly become a favourite thanks to his laid-back nature.

Marion said: "He's always got his eye on that sofa.

"He's really people oriented - we've only had him for a few days but he's taking everything in his stride.

"A lot of the dogs that come to us have never been off the farm, so there's often a bit of anxiety there.

"But Sam is very laid back."