Our Ellie crossed the rainbow bridge

Thanks all. Our hearts are heavy this weekend.

I worry about an influx of heelers in the shelters with the popularity of Bluey. These are not necessarily the best dogs for families with young kids. They require a great deal of time, exercise, and training to be the very good dogs they can be. Their herding instinct is strong and they will sometimes herd children! Without consistent training and a job to do, they can be destructive and even aggressive, and dogs with those traits are often abandoned at shelters or simply dumped. With consistent training and a job, they can be excellent, well-behaved dogs, but they may never be particularly gentle or patient with kids.

They are, of course, the cutest puppies in the world. But if you know any families thinking of adopting a heeler (AKA Australian Cattle Dog) because of Bluey, please urge them to research the breed carefully and be sure they’re ready for the commitment. They are probably not good for first time dog-owners, either.