Australian Cattle Dog Blue Heeler Dogs Available for Adoption in Wheeling, Illinois

Splash has been living in a foster, but is at our shelter and available to meet during open hours as of Thursday, April 30th. Please submit an application from our website or just come in to meet her during open hours!

Scroll through her pictures to see her cute videos!

We are so happy that Splash is a Heartland dog, because her story could have turned out very differently. A friend of our rescue, who is also the owner of Doggie Do Rite daycare and boarding in Northbrook, was scrolling online one evening when she saw a post where someone was selling Splash for $200. The comments had her fearing for this poor dog's safety, so she contacted the seller and arranged to "buy" Splash herself, to save her from an uncertain fate. Splash had never seen a vet, so she had no vaccine history, no chip, was not spayed, etc. Vetting a pup can cost hundreds of dollars at a private clinic, so we were happy to take Splash in to our program and see to her medical vetting while she was fostered at Doggie Do Rite. Now that Splash is ready to make her adoption debut, we also have the benefit of knowing a whole lot about this special girl!

Splash is still a puppy at around five months old, but she is super smart. (Have you scrolled to watch her video where she is training? She picked all of that up in less than one week!). Splash is highly food and treat motivated, which makes training her easy and fun for everyone. She may still have an accident from time to time, but she knows to go potty outside. She is also crate trained. Splash is well-exercised both physically and mentally (the latter is so important for a cattle dog!) , so she settles easily in her crate with a frozen Kong and keeps to herself or naps.

Splash has met kids as young as 4 years old and done very well! As a young and social pup, we are sure that she is playful with other dogs, but she was not fully vaccinated until recently and so her exposure to other dogs was purposely minimal. We are excited to see her in playgroup at the shelter!

Here is what else her foster mom has to say about her:

"Splash! True to her name, this little one makes a big impression. She is so incredibly smart, eager, and playful. She LOVES training (very treat motivated) and catches on quickly. She knows "sit" and is learning "down" and "place". She is also doing great with her recall!

She will play fetch with you, run with you, and if there is food involved, do just about anything else with you! She is also incredibly sweet, too, and gives you her belly when you come to greet her.

Her breed is known for its intelligence and high drive, and we see that in everything she does! We haven't had her meet any doggies yet (due to her not being fully vaccinated until recently), but we do think she would probably do well with them. She has met children and is very friendly with them!"

If adopting Splash sounds like the perfect way to "cannonball" into summer, please come in and inquire about her!

Splash's adoption fee is $450. This animal is spayed, up to date on core vaccines, and Heartworm negative.

The Australian Cattle Dog, also known as the Blue Heeler, is a hardworking and intelligent breed originally developed in Australia for herding cattle. Renowned for their endurance and agility, these medium sized dogs have a striking blue or red speckled coat and alert, curious expression. With a strong herding instinct and boundless energy, they require mental stimulation and physical activity to thrive. Blue Heelers are loyal, protective, and make excellent companions for active individuals or families willing to provide the engagement and exercise they need.

Heartland Animal Shelter is a no-kill shelter and a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization.  We depend on your donations in order to...