Wherefore doest this fine fellow still has't not a home? Wait. What? This guy doesn't have his forever home yet? Can't believe it? Neither can we. Neither ca...n he. Please give love to this funny floppy fella! Cooper is our ready to be adopted border collie mix foster. -- What to say about Cooper? Well, Cooper is an active, smart, joy-filled, sweet 15 month old, 42 pound Border Collie mix. He was rescued from a high kill shelter-abandoned for being deaf. Yep, Cooper can't hear. But he doesn't need any sympathy. Frankly, he doesn't want it. He can run, and jump and play. He has a little bit of a stubborn streak that has helped him be the secure, confident fellow he is. Amazingly, despite his abandoned start he wants nothing more than to understand and please you. This guy likes to learn. He looks right at you with those soulful chocolate eyes and says, "Here I am. What do you want me to do? Tell me. I'm ready." He tunes into you. He wants to know. Cooper watches his person closely for his signals. He follows his person around because he develops a close bond to his person. --Oh, a little something about his deafness- Deaf dogs are often referred to as "Velcro-dogs" because they want to be by your side. They keep track of you with their eyes and noses. And their hearts. You are his companion, leader, and pal. --Ok, more about Coop- 1. Cooper has learned a few things since he joined us (his foster family) and is learning more. 2. He is potty trained. 3. He finds cats interesting but has learned they like to be left alone. He likes hanging out with his foster friend dogs. 4. He enjoys spending some time with the neighborhood children. 5. He loves to play and go on car rides. 6. He will flop down on your lap and cuddle at night. 7. Cooper is a silly floppy fella who loves to give hugs. 8. He is very adaptable and eager. --What Cooper needs and knows- Cooper needs to be with a forever family who have a watchful eye and a fenced-in yard. He is good with his crate. Like any dog, he may bark when he wants out. He does well on lead. He has learned or is learning the simple hand signals to sit, go outside, down, go in the car, come, stay, off, leave it, stop, no, good, calm, shhh, and more. We have bells on the front and back doors Cooper is still learning to touch (ring) when he has to go out. --What Cooper wants- Cooper is a very, very happy dog! But, he needs and wants his forever family. --What you want to know: You can definitely give Cooper a home if you have room and heart for a dog. But he's deaf...so how do you communicate with Cooper? I wondered the same thing! But, truly you just use simple hand signals like those used to train any dog. You have to be more hands on, definitely. You can't correct him from the next room. He has to feel your gentle touch or see you with his sweet eyes. -Let's sum it up: Are you Cooper's kindred spirit? If you have patiently read all this, you just may be! 1. Cooper is good with dogs, cats, and dog-savvy children. 2. To adopt Cooper fill out the application at the link below. 3. Cooper is in Northern Illinois but transport is available. 4. Cooper's adoption fee is $275. https://www.emailmeform.com/builder/form/dDNce9yr0ChU0F http://www.australianshepherdadvocates.org