Flat Coated Retriever and Border Collie Dogs Available for Adoption in Mettawa, Illinois

Osito means “little bear” in Spanish, and this teddy bear–shaped island boy lives up to the name completely. He came to us from Puerto Rico, but when housing got complicated and landlords got picky, his family was forced to surrender him to a local shelter We’d like to say it was purely a housing issue. We also suspect his extensive vocal opinions about being left alone may have played a small role. We can neither confirm nor deny this.
The bottom line? Osito just needs the right stage for his talents, and that stage is a single family house.

HIS PERSONALITY (buckle up)
Osito has personality for days. Like, full seasons. He is charismatic, hilarious, expressive, and absolutely convinced he is the smartest one in the room. Because he usually is.
He is always three steps ahead of you. He’s not being bad — he’s running calculations. He sees the chess board. But here’s the secret: deep down, this boy wants to be told what to do. He doesn’t actually want to be in charge — he just steps up when no one else does. Give him structure, clear boundaries, and a confident leader to follow, and he will exhale like a dog who has finally been able to clock out.
He’s a working dog in a teddy bear costume, and he is begging you to give him a job.
Oh — and that underbite? Absolutely elite.

WHAT HE KNOWS
-House trained
-Knows basic commands
-Working on crate training
-Confident and unbothered — not fazed by loud sounds or new environments
-Loves to learn and thrives with mental stimulation

A NOTE ON DOG SIBLINGS
Osito gets along with other dogs — but he’s an energy mirror. He absorbs and amplifies whatever your dog is giving off. Calm, balanced dog? He’ll vibe. Chaotic, anxious dog? He will dial that up to eleven. If you have a resident dog, they need to be the cool, zen presence he can sync with — not a hype man who eggs him on. He doesn’t need a partner in crime. He needs a role model.

HIS DREAM HOME
-Single-family home (neighbors will thank you)
-Experienced dog owner who won’t be outmaneuvered by a 30-lb genius
-Someone who wants to actively train, engage, and challenge him
-Clear, consistent structure — he will test the rules lovingly and repeatedly
-Resident dog must be calm and well-balanced
-Someone who laughs easily — you’re going to need it
“I’m not a project. I’m an investment. And I promise the returns are incredible.” Osito, probably, if he could talk. (He would definitely talk.)

If you’re interested in meeting him, please fill out a questionnaire to learn more.
https://upshotdogrescue.org/adoption-questionnaire

The Border Collie is a highly intelligent and energetic dog breed known for their herding capabilities and exceptional obedience. Originating from the border regions of Scotland and England, these agile and versatile dogs are famous for their focus, stamina, and trainability. With their striking black and white coat and intense gaze, Border Collies excel in various canine sports and activities, making them ideal companions for active families and individuals seeking a loyal and dynamic pet.

The Flat Coated Retriever is a versatile and friendly dog breed known for its glossy black or liver-colored coat and elegant appearance. Intelligent and easy to train, this breed excels in various activities like hunting, agility, and obedience competitions. With a playful and affectionate nature, Flat Coated Retrievers make excellent family pets, getting along well with children and other animals. Despite their outgoing personality, they can be prone to health issues such as cancer, so regular health check-ups are important to ensure a long and happy life.

To create an standard of how dogs are cared for and vetted when rescued to include proper quarantine , socialization...