This thread is very upsetting to me. I haven't finished it yet, but will do so after I reply. Forgive me if I repeat anything thats been said in the second half of the thread which I haven't read yet.

First of all, this sticks out in my mind:

I am home with Casey all day. If I have to go somewhere, he goes with us. He is NEVER alone.
Before you said this, I thought perhaps rehoming him through a responsible rescue (not a ranch) would be his best option. But now I have changed my mind. If he's never alone, there is no excuse to not work with him through this. That is an IDEAL situation for a dog. I think you need to speak with a trainer who will do a visit with you for free. If you tell them its your only option or you'll have to get rid of him, they may agree to waive their fees. It just sounds like you don't fully understand dog training and behavior. I'm not trying to be mean or anything, but thats what it sounds like.

I would definately not send him to those people who emailed you. The poor baby would not have a good life being outside looking in at his pack and only allowed to come join them one day a year. It will ruin his spirit. I also don't agree with them letting their previous dog "roam the countryside". Not too responsible. I understand they are old, but still, there's really no excuse to not educate themselves and try to be more responsible.

If you can't afford agility, enlist the help of your children. Set up something in your backyard. Buy a children's tunnel from Toys R Us and set up a few jumps. Get some tennis balls (you can get them free just by going to a tennis court ) and throw them around. Its very good that you take him to the dog park and I'm sure that helps him a lot. He probably needs more variety. Mix things up a bit and keep him guessing.

I agree with everything Twisterdog has said (as usual). It is perfectly possible to have an ACD in a small apartment if you have the appropriate knowledge, committment, and devotion to your dog. You can keep them happy and exercised.

When I was in juinor high, I thought crating dogs was cruel and swore I'd NEVER do that. Then I started educating myself on dog training and behavior and had several internships with behaviorists. I learned that crating is not only not cruel, but very very very helpful. Crating has saved many many dogs from having to go to shelters or be rehomed. It is only not cruel if you do it the right way though. Don't leave the dog in the crate for too long, and always make it positive. They think of it as their "den" and can be trained to be totally comfortable in it. I work with shelter dogs on crate training on a daily basis. Some are freaked out at first, but with some work they always get comfortable.

There are a lot of other things I had to say, but I think I'll finish the thread first.