I am using this website as a sort of catharsis. I am a foster parent for SouthWest Collie Rescue and the beautiful girl in the picture was my first foster. When I got her she was 5 years old and afraid of her shadow. She would lie in the corner and the tip of her tail would wag when I aproached her to pet her. She soon learned that her life was changing for the better. Later, she and I were out walking around and my neigher was out with her children. Lucy immediately joined in, playing with the children. The mother said "look at that dog, she is smiling; she is really enjoying playing with the children". I knew right then she was going to be just fine. We had 8 wnderful years filled with joy and laughter. We kept a second foster (Sam) who Lucy just fell in love wtih almost over night. He too has been with me for 8 wonderful years now - he was only a puppy when we got him and Lucy was truly his foster mother. Other foster collies came and went and she welcomed them all. A gentle spirit who shared her love for me and Sam with her "friends" as they came and went. Now Sam and I are sharing our love for her with everyone who may read this.