Nico is a rare find, a sweet, healthy, calm, affectionate two-year-old border who needs a home.

I rarely put up rescue dogs on the blog for obvious reasons. The blog is about many things, and I would be swamped with rescue photos if I did that.

But I love border collies, and I know a great one when I see or hear about one, and this dog sounds exceptional and very deserving of people who know and love the breed.

I couldn’t sleep if I didn’t try to get Nico into a nice home. He is in New Jersey, and there would only be a transport fee.

It seems he is not a working dog but a wonderful pet. He is a lovely brown and white color, something like Red.

This photo, which is from the rescue group  Best Friends Rescue, might be too small for Facebook or social media, so please come to bedlamfarm.com for a closer look at Nico if this image doesn’t appear.

He is two years old; his owner is an older woman going to assisted living, not the place for the border collie she adores. Best Friends Rescue is no looking for a fosterer or adopter.

I have to confess that I almost went for this dog when I heard about him, I have a great soft spot for the breed. Tracy Snell from Best Friends says she is the calmest border collie anyone in the group has met.

He gets along with everybody, loves people, and has the nickname “smushy.”  When anybody tries to take his picture, he rolls over on his back to get his belly rubbed.

Border collies are not for everybody; they can be too hyper and often need more work than most people can offer.

But Nico has been raised as a companion dog for an older person, and the rescue groups say he is unusually calm and sweet. He is also in good health.

A couple of walks a day and some ball-tossing would be more than enough.

Border collies like this make wonderful pets. Mostly, this is a dog who needs to be loved.

Best Friends has not seen him with other dogs, but he seems to have no problems with anything and adores people.

I have the feeling this would be a terrific dog for a child or an older couple, or any family, now that I think of it.

If nobody out there wants him, I might grab him myself.

For more information, or to meet, foster, or adopt him, contact Best Friends Rescue or use the website’s adoption application.

You can also reach Tracy Snell on Facebook Messenger under “Tracy Snell” or e-mail her at [email protected].

I’ve had border collies for nearly 20 years, and this one looks like a very safe and appealing choice for anyone looking for a loving pet. He is, I am sure, energetic, but not wild or crazy.

He was a wonderful and much-loved pet for women in her 70’s.

She just doesn’t think an assisted care facility is the right place for him. That’s what love really means.