Falling in love with a new (older) rescue Sheltie

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2di4jewelry@msn

Forums Regular
I got my first Sheltie when he was 8 weeks old. After 12 years together I thought he was the most amazing dog I would ever have the chance to know in my lifetime. He was so beautiful, sweet, smart, kind, and the list goes on. I lost him from heart failure in April and thought - that's it, no more dogs for me. The heartbreak was too much. But I found life without a great dog to be lonely so I started to think about a rescue dog. And since I love Shelties I started research on the Sheltie rescue in my area. It wasn't long before they found a Sheltie suited for my home and environment. An older dog that I was open to but many people don't want. She was so beautiful and sweet - I adopted her immediately. But it felt weird, like I was dog sitting. Of course I loved her right away but she was so different. She was distant from me - sweet but kept to herself, sleeping in a different room, didn't seek me out. Now it's 6 months later and she is my shadow! Always by my side, giving me affection, always wanting attention and she sleeps right beside my bed (finally!). I love her as much as I loved my former Sheltie....never thought that would be possible. I guess it just took time to bond. Just like puppies, older Shelties can bond and adapt to new homes, it just takes time and lots of love. I hope more people will consider adopting older rescue Shelties, they are beautiful, amazing animals that don't deserve to be given up in their senior years. They can bond with new owners and be so loving. I won't have 12 years with her and that's a shame but I love every minute I have with her and that's enough. Adopt an older rescue Sheltie...they need you and you'll never regret it!
 
Thanks for the adoption !!

You are a great loving person to give this sweet older Sheltie the love she deserves in her elder years. The older shelties just need time, remeber they were with someone else for all those years and now they must re-adjust and get over their own mourning about why they are not with their other owners. What happened, and all those questions that must be running through their minds.:sadsmile: Most people don't give dogs enough credit for being intelligent. They grieve and wonder why the change also. Thanks for giving her a second chance at love and being there for her!!:yes: What did you name her or did you keep her regular name, and what is it? How old is the sweetie? Pictures please.
 
I'm glad that she is adjusting so well and has come to love you as much as you love her. Two of my girls are going to be 7 in the next few months and they both had a tough time bonding completely with all of us. They are great now and it's so amazing to see their personalities coming out! I hope things continue to be wonderful with your girl! I agree, adopting an older Sheltie can be worth it! I'm so glad you gave her a chance in your heart and home too!
 
2di4jewelry, you are a jewel for taking in this amazing pupper. I run a rescue full of dogs that are older and sicker, and no one wants. I wish more people were like you. These older babies are the sweetest dogs around. They may not be that puppy most want who will bond a little quicker, but the older ones, to me, seem to know when they get a new forever home that they are so loved and wanted. Every older sheltie that comes here is here to stay and once they realize this they become our shadows. I am so glad you have found out the joys of owning an older sheltie, or is that the other way around :winkgrin:. They are priceless
 
sheltiemom said:
2di4jewelry, you are a jewel for taking in this amazing pupper. I run a rescue full of dogs that are older and sicker, and no one wants. I wish more people were like you. These older babies are the sweetest dogs around. They may not be that puppy most want who will bond a little quicker, but the older ones, to me, seem to know when they get a new forever home that they are so loved and wanted. Every older sheltie that comes here is here to stay and once they realize this they become our shadows. I am so glad you have found out the joys of owning an older sheltie, or is that the other way around :winkgrin:. They are priceless
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Normally I don't go in for 'me too' posting, but I have to agree wholeheartedly with what the Mrs (sheltiemom) said here. Though we love our younger shelties, the bonds are tighter with the elders.
 
rescue

Sweetest sheltie story, and thanks to you whatever years this darling sheltie has left your furkid will have the love and caring. Your pal will return all that love and caring back to you. Thats what you call a happy beginning for both of you.

Congrats!!!
 
I'm glad that you were able to help this dog and give her the patience to come around. I truly believe that rescues are grateful for being rescued and while it may take some time to turn around, they do and sometimes I think their bonds can be just as great, if not greater, than you might form with a puppy. You're an amazing person with a great heart for helping out an older sheltie.
 
Adopting is the way to go if you ask me. Callie is the sweetest dog ever- she was pretty scared when she came here- she was at our house for a week before we took a roadtrip to PA from AL for Christmas. She did so well on the trip and while it took her a little while to start the follow everywhere- she does now. Congrats on your new friend 2di4jewelry :smile2:
 
I would love to adopt a Sheltie rather than getting one from a breeder. It just seems more right to give one of them a second chance!!!
 
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