This little cutie came to us from Animal Control.  Judy was there dropping off some paperwork and she saw little Jessica and scooped her right up!

Foster Update:  Jessica is doing so well.  She is off her meds now, no more runny nose and is growing like a little weed. It use to be that when I took her out into the yard she would stay right at my feet. Now she runs out of the house and straight for the yard. She runs all over playing with pine cones, chasing leaves and butterflies. She has become much more independent and curious about her surroundings. She loves my big dogs. They are not allowed to be together in the same area for fear my Danes may step on her, however, they love running over to the fence and meeting nose to nose. She still eats well and is very well behaved. She's crate trained and can go all night (most nights) without soiling her crate. She is indeed a precious little package.

According to www.dogbreedinfo.com, despite the misleading name, the Australian Shepherd is not Australian at all, but was developed entirely in the U.S. to work as a herding dog on ranches. It is possible that the name was derived from one of the dog's ancestors. The breed's principal forebears were most likely Spanish dogs that accompanied the Basque shepherds and herds of fine Merino sheep exported to both America and Australia in the early days of the colonies. At some point it probably crossed with Collie stock. It has only recently gained recognition as a distinct breed. Its many talents include, retrieving, herding, watchdogging, guarding, police work, narcotics detection, search & rescue, agility, competitive obedience and performing tricks. Australian Shepherds are easy going, perpetual puppies that love to play. Courageous, loyal and affectionate, they are excellent children's companions that are great with active children. A devoted friend and guardian, for they are naturally protective. Very lively, agile and attentive - they are eager to please, with a sixth sense about what the owner wants. Australian Shepherds are highly intelligent and easy to train. Though aggressive when at work with livestock, the Aussie is gentle with human friends. Australian Shepherds needs lots of exercise and a job to do, as the breed is very intelligent, active and easily bored. They can become nervous and destructive if left alone too much without exercise. They are naturally suspicious of strangers, so they should be well socialized as puppies. Working lines of Australian Shepherds may be too energetic to be suitable pets. Some like to nip people's heals in an attempt to herd them. They are quiet workers, unlike some breeds, which are bred to bark constantly at livestock. This breed is not usually dog aggressive. They have a life expectancy of 12-15 years. This breed is often sensitive to ivermectin; however, the dosage for heartworm preventive is considered safe. Be warned that higher doses of Ivermectin are also used to treat mange and caution should be taken.