Bailey & Sky.

[macarlson]

We had lost Princess in May 2009. We had gotten Charlie in June 2008 as a companion to her after she went through 2 cancers in her leg. (Charlie just passed away 11/3/2012). Charlie was depressed at the loss of his buddy, staying in his "safe spot", and not wanting to come to the table to join us at dinner. Seeing that, somehow my wife Cheri was "directed" (we think by Princess) to look on Craigslist for a Sheltie. She came upon an ad that stated that there were two free to a good home, as this young lady had gone through a divorce. Some e-mails went back and forth between Cheri, and this girl, all the while she was giving "vague" answers to our questions, and a request for a picture.
We finally made arrangements to make the trip to take this male and female off her hands (our local Sheltie Rescue was interested on how we made out, as we were going to see who fit, and surrender the other one for placement). We did finally get a picture seeing 2 very skinny dogs that she had shaved their fur, not wanting to deal with grooming.
We met her, and had a very excited bi-black male, and a reserved tri female greet us. She assured us that it would be no problem splitting up these dogs, as they weren't close (even though the female had 3 litters from the male), so off we went back to our house with Bellow & Sky in the back. We watched them, and when one moved, the other one did. I realized at that moment, that we could not split these dogs up.
We got home, had Charlie outside on his leash, and made the introduction. Bellow decided to "christen" our daughter in the process. He was matted up, so we combed him out. Everytime he said his name, he'd scowl. Cheri noticed that, and said that he looks more like a Bailey, and his eyes just lit up, and he started wagging his tail.
We found out that these dogs were put out in the morning, and left to fend for themselves. They were grossly underweight, and when I went to have Bailey neutered, we found a tapeworm. We had to keep any food up and away, as they would just help themselves.
So, 3 years later, they are happy in their home. Bailey is my shadow, I can't move without him being right with me. Sky has learned, thanks to the addition of Diego our youngest, to play. Bailey will even play tug-of-war on occasion.
So, they will live out the rest of their lives not being used as a personal puppy mill, and having to fend for themselves. We figure that Bailey's 10, and Sky is 9. As with the departed Princess and Charlie, and Diego our 3 year old sable, they are living the good life, with much love.
Mark

[lasheltie]

What a wonderful story! I have rescued about 13 shelties since 2006 & so many have had similar stories. I rescued a pair of sisters from a woman & they were AKC registered but living in horrible conditions. When we went to see them they were in a fenced muddy area with a shed full of junk to go into out of the cold. I saw what I thought was bloody diarrhea but it turns out the woman had thrown cooked red beans in the mud for them to eat. This woman had been given the dogs by their owner. When I got them I contacted her since her name was on their papers. She had just had her 9th child & cried when I told her how I found them. They have been rehomed to 2 wonderful homes & are loved beyond imagining. My daughter usually changes their names when we rescue them from a bad situation. She feels a new name is a new start.

There will always be dogs that need our help. It's sad that people can get a dog without knowing or caring how to care for them. Thank goodness people like you step up to make a better place for them. My motto is "each one save one". If everyone would foster, adopt or just spay/neuter there would be so many less rescues needed.

[hrcarol]

Wonderful story! I'm so glad they are with you now. Sorry about Charlie.

[Tagg]

Stories like this make me so sad. Poor little dogs to have had to suffer through this kind of thing. I'm glad that you found a place in your heart for both of them - it's wonderful that they get the rest of their lives to be loved members of your family. Kudos to you.

[macarlson]

I had to start right in back in 2000 when I met my wife. She had Princess, who was 3 at the time. Her ex-husband abused her (one of the reasons he's her ex), so I had to work with her to make her trust a man again. That took a couple of years, and lots of treats!
We think there had been some abuse, as Bailey will cower when scolded, especially if it's my wife doing the scolding.
Plus, Bailey's hair texture is well improved from when we got him. But, he always needs extra attention to grooming, as his undercoat will bunch up easily. Sky will never have long hair due to the shaving. It's a shame, she'd be a really beautiful tri. She only has patches of long hair.

[lovemyshelties]

What an awesome up-beat story. Thanks for sharing. Our local Sheltie rescue took in two Shelties from a Craig's List ad back in August. We fostered the little girl and she stole our hearts so we adopted her. The owner had NEVER taken either one to the vet for anything - no shots, no checkups. Very disheartening to know there are dog owners out there that treat animals so poorly when they deserve so much more.

We rename every dog we adopt just to give them a fresh start. Kudos to you for doing the same.

If you'd like to see our clan, visit: http://hendrixshelties.shutterfly.com/

[macarlson]

Originally Posted by lovemyshelties

The owner had NEVER taken either one to the vet for anything - no shots, no checkups. Very disheartening to know there are dog owners out there that treat animals so poorly when they deserve so much more.

Same story here. We got the name of the vet, but really no care had been done to them. We figured another 2 weeks would have been too late for them.
Our late dog Charlie was renamed upon rescue from the awful puppy mill/kennel. He was known as Tanner.

[lasheltie]

People never cease to amaze me. The woman I rescued the 2 shelties from gave me the craziest answer when I asked her about heartworm preventative or if they'd been tested. She said, "no, I haven't seen any worms". I had to explain that you don't see heartworms. One sheltie was positive & the other was negative. Thank goodness there was nothing else wrong. They have been the sweetest & most loving dogs & their new owners just love them. Blessed are those that open their hearts, homes & wallets to give these sweet things a life they deserve. Hugs to Bailey & Sky from my shelties- Buddy, Jack, Bailey & London.

[dawns2shelties]

It sounds like these precious ones really needed you. I am so glad you decided to keep both of them and hope you are blessed with them for many years.