Stryker is a black, white, and tan Border Collie and Austrialian Shepherd mix, approx. 1 1/2 years old, and was rescued. He overcame many odds to find us. Stryker was originally found roaming and hungry in Tennessee. A man fed him along with other strays for a short while until he noticed how friendly and smart he appeared to be. That is when Find A Home Animal Rescue stepped in. There it was discovered that Stryker was covered in ticks and his fur was very matted. After lots of bathing, brushing, tick removal - over 100 - , and the first of several trips to the vet, Stryker had tick anemia from all of the tick bites. Stryker started his slow recovery. Meanwhile, our family decided that a dog would be a good addition and possibly help our daughter with high functioning autism. I began to research on the internet what breed types would be best and then I started looking at Austrialin Shepherds. I focused in on rescue animals because we wanted to give an animal a second chance and I had previously rescued a dog myself many years ago and knew what wonderful dogs they are and can be, if given a chance. We saw several pictures of dogs that we liked and even interviewed and had visits with a few. It just didn't work out. Then I came across Stryker's story and picture on the internet. We had several phone calls and a home visit. He was wonderful and perfect! It is amazing because Find A Home Animal Rescue didn't think Stryker would be adopted. He came to join our family last October, still needing to gain weight after recovering from tick anemia. Everyone, vet, friends, cannot believe how friendly and smart he is. He seems to know that he is supposed to look after our daughter and doesn't leave her side when she is outside. We all love him dearly! Stryker now has a forever home, has gained weight, is in good health, and is loved and spoiled by all that meet him. We couldn't be happier to have Stryker in our family! He is definitely the greatest dog!!