Rescue

From time to time a sheltie will find itself in a shelter or just in need of a new home. There can be a varity of reasons why this occurs. The most common being a lack of time. Shelties are an adaptable breed but they do take time for socializing, training and just plain play. Shelties DO NOT make good outside (on a permanent basis) dogs. Their greatest joy in life is to be part of the family. Shelties do have one very common and potential problem-causing trait -- they were bred to bark. There is a very easy, safe way to help with this and that is called "de-barking". "De-barking" is a surgical procedure (it takes about 3-5 minutes) that softens a dogs bark. The dog still feels that its needs are being expressed, but people around them don't hear it at full volume.

If you are interested in adding a sheltie to your family, consider adoption. Shelties are a highly intelligent dog and seem to know that they have been given a second chance. Before you adopt your new family member -- ask yourself the following questions:

*** what to I want a dog for?

***do I have the time to devote to my new friend?

***do I need a dog good with active kids?

***do I have a way/place to exercise and interact with my dog?

***is my house dog friendly?

***am I prepared to pay vet expenses (vaccinations, emergencies, older age issues)?

***am I prepared to do the necessary grooming? (nail trimming, brushing, bathing)

The most important thing to consider before acquiring a dog is, what do I want the dog to do? Adopting a sheltie is a 10-14 year commitment. This new friend will be there through good and bad times, good and bad days....are you prepared to give the same to your new dog?