We have 3 Shelties (2) are 13yrs young, all have annual blood work, in a couple of cases, the blood work has caught a few minor things that were fixed quickly, hense forth the long life. Yearly blood work is worth every penny, all the blood work has to do is find something early that can be fixed and you will never regret the expense. Good Vets are not cheap and owning a healthy Sheltie also in not cheap. Just like humans, they catch stuff the has to be treated. I spend a yearly fortune on my 3 but these are my children and they are worth it. Do not skimp on vet care, you will never forgive yourself it you do.