Hello there, I’m Taylen! I'm a collie/lab mix around 2-3 years old. Nice to meet you! There are so many things about me and my personality to tell you about, but can’t fit it all here. Let me start with some of fun things about me, then I’ll tell you what I’m working hard at. I’m a really happy, big, tall attention seeking dog, that just wants to be included and loved!

Some of the cool things about me. First, I like to go for long walks and on a short leash, I am the best walker and walk right next to my human without pulling (unless there is a small grey thing crossing my path, I might try to chase it). I even ignore other dogs walking past me, and my foster mom tells me I an such a good boy. If I’m on a longer leash, though, my nose gets distracted by this beautiful world. Foster mom says I am absolutely going to love to go for runs with someone, especially since I have so much energy to burn!

Second, I get along well with other dogs. I’m staying with two resident dogs who are smaller than me, but I might get along best with bigger dogs because I like to play hard and don’t know my own strength. I sometimes growl when I’m playing, but do not mean any harm- it’s a habit one of the resident dogs taught me.

Next, I am really good on car rides. Despite having long legs I work hard to keep my balance when I stick my head out the window. After some fresh air, I like to lay down, curl up, and fall asleep until we get to the final spot. This place called “The Cabin” is three hours away, and I do just fine the whole way there.

I love to play, play, play! Playing ball is my favorite, but really, I like chasing things really fast. Have I mentioned how fast I am or how high I can jump? I could probably clear the 5 foot fence in my backyard if I really wanted something- like those furry grey things that climb the trees, or those fuzzy, hopping brown things with the long ears. Because I like to chase anything that moves quickly and pin them down, foster mom thinks cats and I would not do well together.

Despite having a lot of energy, I enjoy napping and snuggling. I am the BEST snuggle buddy and in the mornings, I won’t get up until I hear an alarm- or my foster mom gets up. But when I’m up, I am up and need to go potty. I really match the energy level in the house. If the humans are getting excited, I jump and am excited too. If it’s mellow and quiet, I just fall asleep and lounge around. If the resident dogs notice something and bark really loud, it gets me going too.

I also need attention, basically, all of the attention. If any other dog or human is getting attention from anyone, I will budge my big head in to get in on the love too. I admit, I am a big attention hog. I’m working on my patience and waiting for my turn. I’m slowly starting to learn that humans have a lot of love to share.

There are some other things I’m trying to work on, too. One is trusting that my human will come back for me. I have a big kennel to stay in, but I hate it so much. I get very frustrated that I can’t go with to everything outside the house. When I do have to be alone I sometimes pee because I’m upset and try as hard as I can to get out. Even when my foster mom leaves and the rest of the humans are home, I pace back and forth and sometimes even chew things up. I really have attachment to one person, so I get really anxious when they are not around.

I’m also working to trust men. My foster dad has been very patient with me, and it took me several weeks to trust that he won’t hurt me or anyone I care about. I still sometimes bark at him when I only hear his voice and cannot see him. But slowly I’m learning that he gives some of the best scratches around, and I really like it when he gives me belly rubs.

Also, you should know, when there are any fast, unexpected movements, I bark with my big bark, because it scares me – I’m not sure what is going to happen and use my voice to speak up.

Mostly, I’m a fun-loving, belly rub requiring, napping connoisseur with a big heart. I’m eager to find my forever home. Maybe you are the perfect fit?