Recently in border collie Category

That would be Chaser, who has been trained by her owner to understand more than 1,000 words,

along with simple sentences.

From the story at ABC news:

"She was born to live in the Scottish mountains and herd sheep," said (owner John) Piley, who is retired from a teaching career at Wofford College in Spartanburg, S.C.

Eventually, they amassed a collection of 1,022 objects: 800 stuffed animals, 116 balls, 26 "Frisbees" and other assorted items, each given a distinct name ....

A dog with South Bay ties has made the finalists' list (the only Southern California dog to do so) in a nationwide contest among rescue groups to win $5,000 in pet food coupons.

Buddy's is an amazing story -- clinging to life when he landed in a Kern County shelter, Buddy was slated for euthanasia when volunteers from Border Collies in Need took him under their wing in 2009.

The group, founded in 2007, provided for the extensive veterinarian care -- and with recovery care at a foster home in San Pedro -- over the next several months.

Buddy's now in a permanent home -- he was adopted by a Los Angeles police officer looking for a senior dog -- and is happy as can be, spending his older years playing fetch, munching on treats and generally getting pampered.

You can cast your vote for Buddy online at www.rallytorescue.org, the site for Purina Pro Plan's Doing More For Pets contest. Buddy's currently in fourth place, I'm told, and voting ends Oct. 1.

The prize (thanks, Purina) will help Border Collies in Need continue its work in rescuing other dogs like Buddy who otherwise would not have a chance.

And be sure to watch the video below with Suzanne Strauss of San Pedro -- one of the founders of Border Collies in Need. What a great clip that really says (and shows) it all. Suzanne talks about Buddy's story with the dog's new owner, Joe.

Then, go vote.

Here's Buddy's full story:

Meet Chevelle ("Chevy" for short), a 6-year-old smooth coat (short hair, she weighs about 50 pounds) border collie who was turned in by her owner to Border Collies in Need. Go to their website to contact them if you're interested. (You're also all invited to "Like" the group via its Facebook page:  www.facebook.com/bcin.inc/)

The rescue group -- these are great folks, I adopted Tess & Cowboy from them -- has had Chevy for 8 months and is really trying to get her placed:

"Chevy, as we fondly call her, is a sad statistic we see all too often. People get a dog, then babies come and the dog becomes 'too much,' relegated to second, third or further down the line of priorities. Chevy was incredibly bonded to her man. Upon intake, she became extremely shut down. At points, we did not know if she would turn around. She was distrustful of everyone. One thing about this breed is that they are so highly intelligent they can overthink situations and that is just what Chevy did.

"She adores ball, is highly driven and we felt that would be our way 'in.' It was, it just took much longer than we expected. She took her time regaining trust of humans. But, boy, once she gave in, she has become the most affectionate girl in foster care!

"Chevy is housebroken and has good manners with one exception. She counter surfs, so no food can be left on counters. She settles very nicely inside and certainly has an 'off' button. She adores fetching her ball. She has been very good with the resident 3- and 5-pound dogs and gets along with everyone but one female here who insists on challenging her. We would say Chevy is an upper level girl and would be happy with a subordinant female or any male canine companion. She was an only dog in her previous life and would probably do well as one again, if provided the human interaction she craves.

"Chevy is such a lovely girl and we are looking for her real forever home. She certainly deserves that."

Attention all local dog trainers: We need to get a class going in this in the South Bay, no?

This owner with her adopted dog -- Tina and Chandi -- aced the Britain's Got Talent auditions over the weekend:

Here's the video of Gin the dancing dog. (Thanks to my friend in Tennessee -- a book editor and owner of the amazing collie Misten -- for the heads up):

(And I love the characteristic "herding circles" Gin gives her owner at the end.)

Tess & Annie are far from cuddle-ready. But they do sometimes get close enough for a quick photo (Tess was already on her way out of this frame, in fact).  

Check out the Facebook page for Border Collies in Need.

They're on the Web at www.bordercolliesinneed.org.

Yeah, I know. I'm partial. This is the group that rescued Cowboy and Tess (shown below) and adopted them to me.