Idaho Rescuers Heartbroken After Finding Border Collie Mix Tied And Abandoned

When the staff at Priest River Animal Rescue (PRAR) in Idaho arrived one morning, they expected a typical day of feeding, cleaning, and caring for their animals. 

But instead, they were greeted with a scene that stopped them in their tracks, a border collie mix named Buddy, tied to the shelter’s donation shed and left completely alone.

The sight was devastating. Buddy wasn’t just abandoned; he was clearly terrified. Though physically healthy, his body trembled, his ears flattened, and his eyes darted nervously as if asking what he’d done wrong.

The team immediately rushed to comfort him, carefully approaching so as not to frighten him further. But it was clear that the sudden change in his life had shaken him to his core.

Barbara Grover, PRAR’s board president and longtime volunteer, later shared in an interview:

“Physically, he was healthy, but emotionally he was frightened and confused, which made him snarl and growl at us.”

Despite his fear, Buddy’s behaviour wasn’t aggression, it was confusion and heartbreak. He didn’t understand why he’d been left behind.

The rescue team posted about Buddy’s discovery on Facebook, sharing a photo that quickly went viral. The image showed the bewildered collie tied to the shed, his leash pulled taut, his eyes full of fear. The post read:

“THIS IS NOT OK!! We have contacted the owner and this baby has been surrendered to us.  He is in isolation for a few days and will be available to pre adopt when he comes out this weekend.  He will be neutered June 11 and will be able to go home on June 12th. If you are interested in pre-adopting this boy, we are accepting applications now.”

Messages of support flooded in from across Idaho and beyond. Many commenters expressed anger and sadness at how anyone could leave such a loyal, intelligent dog behind. Others offered donations or asked how they could help.

Fortunately, Buddy’s story didn’t end in heartbreak. Once in the shelter’s care, he began to slowly relax. At first, he avoided eye contact and kept his distance, unsure whether to trust the people around him. 

But the PRAR team refused to give up. With patience, treats, and gentle reassurance, they helped him rediscover that not all humans disappoint.

Grover explained that Buddy’s personality soon began to shine through:

“He is an active, friendly dog who loves to play fetch and is good with children.”

According to the  American Kennel Club (AKC), border collies are known for their boundless energy and sharp intelligence, traits that make them wonderful companions when given enough attention and stimulation. 

Buddy was no exception. He thrived when staff took him out to play and responded eagerly to affection. Grover also highlighted an important point about responsible surrendering:

“When an animal is not surrendered properly, it showcases a lack of respect for the shelter staff who are dedicated to the well-being of all animals in their care.The added burden this places on the shelter staff, who are already diligently caring for numerous animals each day, is truly unfair and potentially dangerous.”

Once neutered and medically cleared, Buddy was officially put up for adoption. It didn’t take long before the perfect family came along, one that saw past his rough beginning and recognised his loving nature.

Today, Buddy’s story is one of redemption. He’s no longer the frightened dog tied to a donation shed but a happy, energetic pup with a family that adores him.

At his new home, he spends his days running through open fields, playing fetch, and curling up on the sofa after long walks. His transformation is living proof of what compassion can do.

Thanks to PRAR’s dedicated volunteers and the kindness of his adopters, Buddy’s life has completely turned around. From abandonment to belonging, he’s finally where he was always meant to be, home.