It's never going to be "her", is it?

Thank you so much for the replies! I'm a bit shocked so many of you responded.

Nah, I don't even mention her beyond "had one as a kid" when I'm asked about previous sheltie experience. I truly am not desperate, I just am tired of the futility of searching, you know?

I have been offered a dog here and there, but I am leery of adding a dog with, say arthritis and slippery knees, to a home with children. Let's just not set anyone up for a bite, shall we? Nor do I think a tiny puppy is a good idea. An older puppy would be a good fit I think, as while my DS is a sweet kid, he's a kid. Trains get thrown, shrieks are shrieked. A ten year old, no matter how gentle, who is afraid of his own shadow is just not going to work, you know?

I'm not truly looking for "good" with cats. Just please, let's not view them as snacks. ;)

I am waiting another year or so probably, unless some saint of a dog crops up in the pound or something. My son needs to be a bit older, I just thought... well, let's put out some feelers. Maybe somebody has someone they are retiring who might be a great fit, or a show pup that's going to be a little too big. That and I'm a SAHM who moves around with DH alot, so lasting friendships are hard to come by. The idea of taking a pal along with me is tempting!

I could probably handle a young puppy next year as well. Hmm. Somehow the idea that my son will grow up a bit between now and then has been escaping me. He's not always going to be so... well, so two.

Don't get me wrong, my girl had her faults. But she still made a great pet, as her faults weren't anything major. The pet store pup that came after, now... well, I loved her. But she was a hot mess of issues. No desire to ever repeat that experience.

I don't care about gender or color, just a nice dog. I have had so so many sheltie people go absolutely off about everyone wanting a lassie lookalike before I can even get a word in that it's just :eek2: . Um, hello. Me, the one on the phone? I don't care about color. Honestly, I'd probably prefer an AOAC. Can I have my head back now, or is it that tasty? lol
 
I agree on the shy with a 2 year old but most Shelties are a bit reserved at first. Sca who pretty much loves everyone will shy from someone that comes right to him. Though he will sneak in behind them later to say hi :yes:. So shy might be OK but not so much timid (probably what you meant). Also don't discount the dog kid factor as I bet they bond (though others have more insight on that) a real old dog might watch him but think he is a to much at 9 years of dog age :lol:

Overall I think your thoughts reasonable and well thought out for the benefit of both you AND the pup AND your son (cats who cares :confused2:) Keep looking and be patient there is a pup out there ready to be you and your son's pal.
 
MaybeSomeday said:
Thank you so much for the replies! I'm a bit shocked so many of you responded.

Nah, I don't even mention her beyond "had one as a kid" when I'm asked about previous sheltie experience. I truly am not desperate, I just am tired of the futility of searching, you know?

I have been offered a dog here and there, but I am leery of adding a dog with, say arthritis and slippery knees, to a home with children. Let's just not set anyone up for a bite, shall we? Nor do I think a tiny puppy is a good idea. An older puppy would be a good fit I think, as while my DS is a sweet kid, he's a kid. Trains get thrown, shrieks are shrieked. A ten year old, no matter how gentle, who is afraid of his own shadow is just not going to work, you know?

I'm not truly looking for "good" with cats. Just please, let's not view them as snacks. ;)

I am waiting another year or so probably, unless some saint of a dog crops up in the pound or something. My son needs to be a bit older, I just thought... well, let's put out some feelers. Maybe somebody has someone they are retiring who might be a great fit, or a show pup that's going to be a little too big. That and I'm a SAHM who moves around with DH alot, so lasting friendships are hard to come by. The idea of taking a pal along with me is tempting!

I could probably handle a young puppy next year as well. Hmm. Somehow the idea that my son will grow up a bit between now and then has been escaping me. He's not always going to be so... well, so two.

Don't get me wrong, my girl had her faults. But she still made a great pet, as her faults weren't anything major. The pet store pup that came after, now... well, I loved her. But she was a hot mess of issues. No desire to ever repeat that experience.

I don't care about gender or color, just a nice dog. I have had so so many sheltie people go absolutely off about everyone wanting a lassie lookalike before I can even get a word in that it's just :eek2: . Um, hello. Me, the one on the phone? I don't care about color. Honestly, I'd probably prefer an AOAC. Can I have my head back now, or is it that tasty? lol
Click to expand...

LOLLL
Sheltie people are a tad over reactive and sensitive you think, too? hahaha
I always say go figure I end up with an oversensitive, oversized, somewhat neurotic, bubbly, talkative dog.. whodda thunk it?? hahahahah

Seriously I agree to look for a dog from a breeder who is growing out a dog and one that is well socialized and your son will get through he terrible twos, lol.. I hear it truly IS a phase!?

I know some of us have lamented the fact that a lot of rescue groups are also looking for homes that have a fence only and won't even consider a well matched owner just for that fact... The right one will come along, but I hear you! I had no dog for one reason or another for over ten years! Thank god I found the one and my breakup dog was the best thing I ever did... close second only to the break up itself, LOL
 
Welcome to the forum you have gotten great advice and I so understand your searching for the perfect one. I have my 2nd and 4th sheltie right now, my 3rd died from cancer almost 2 years ago and b believe me I started looking at puppy pics a few months after we lost her to find "the one" that would replace her. I found out and I really knew it already it does not happen. We changed the sex and got a male and he is just a love. I wanted one with her same face coloring-- not going to happen- we got a darker faced tri and I can tell you I just adore that black face.
Don't give up and do think of an older puppy or a one year old. You will find her... or him the one that makes your heart melt again.
 
Welcome! I feel your pain in your post. I know there's the perfect sheltie out there for you somewhere.

I have to agree with some of the others though, be open to a boy. Honestly, I've had female shelties but I only have males now and that's all I'll look for again. I like their temperament and their willingness to please more than females. There's no reason that you can't find a sheltie that's good with cats and children. All of my shelties have been rescues except for one and they have all been very good with children, even the one that was given up because she snapped at a child :wink2: A sheltie that comes from a reputable breeder should be sound and not overly anxious. If they tell you that they aren't then you don't want a dog from them anyhow.

Good luck!
 
MaybeSomeday said:
Thank you so much for the replies! I'm a bit shocked so many of you responded.

Nah, I don't even mention her beyond "had one as a kid" when I'm asked about previous sheltie experience. I truly am not desperate, I just am tired of the futility of searching, you know?

I have been offered a dog here and there, but I am leery of adding a dog with, say arthritis and slippery knees, to a home with children. Let's just not set anyone up for a bite, shall we? Nor do I think a tiny puppy is a good idea. An older puppy would be a good fit I think, as while my DS is a sweet kid, he's a kid. Trains get thrown, shrieks are shrieked. A ten year old, no matter how gentle, who is afraid of his own shadow is just not going to work, you know?

I'm not truly looking for "good" with cats. Just please, let's not view them as snacks. ;)

I am waiting another year or so probably, unless some saint of a dog crops up in the pound or something. My son needs to be a bit older, I just thought... well, let's put out some feelers. Maybe somebody has someone they are retiring who might be a great fit, or a show pup that's going to be a little too big. That and I'm a SAHM who moves around with DH alot, so lasting friendships are hard to come by. The idea of taking a pal along with me is tempting!

I could probably handle a young puppy next year as well. Hmm. Somehow the idea that my son will grow up a bit between now and then has been escaping me. He's not always going to be so... well, so two.

Don't get me wrong, my girl had her faults. But she still made a great pet, as her faults weren't anything major. The pet store pup that came after, now... well, I loved her. But she was a hot mess of issues. No desire to ever repeat that experience.

I don't care about gender or color, just a nice dog. I have had so so many sheltie people go absolutely off about everyone wanting a lassie lookalike before I can even get a word in that it's just :eek2: . Um, hello. Me, the one on the phone? I don't care about color. Honestly, I'd probably prefer an AOAC. Can I have my head back now, or is it that tasty? lol
Click to expand...

Welcome to the forum,I have been reading this thread,and everyone is giving you great ideas & thoughts.

I think I would tend to agree to wait till your little guy is at least a year older. There will not be a dog that can fill the void of the one you lost,which I am so sorry to hear that.

We have 4 dogs here,3 of which are shelties.Two of them are half brothers. I was specific in my choice of puppy,sex,color.And I must say they are just what we wanted.
Our newest member is a rescue.I was not looking for another pup,it was my husband that was taken by Mia.She just reached out thru that computer moniter,and spoke to him! She is blind & deaf,but has been a joy,and I could not imagine our lives without her.

I do tend to lean towards males,Mia is our first rescue that is in her forever home with us,and she is female.I do like the characteristics of males,they tend to be better with training.Mia is really a daddys girl,no doubt.

The right dog is out there,don't be discouraged.You will know when it is a good fit. I do have to say,I don't think I woul be discouraged even with a shy dog,as often times in a great family home,one that is committed to giving them the best possible chance,they do make a good turn around in behavior.


I would certainly also look to breeders that have dogs that are going out of size,and they are looking for wonderful companion homes.

I hope you continue to check in often,and keep us abreast of the puppy search~
 
Last edited:
Poor you Jen. I am sorry if I have got it wrong, but you still seem to be hurting badly from the loss of you beloved sheltie. Keep trying to find another sheltie to whom you can tell of your great love for your first and to whom you can give all that love that is inside you. All shelties have that special something that makes them our special loves. Keep looking and gaze deep into their eyes - then it will YOUR special pup. Others have commented on how old your skinkid should be, I'll leave it to them.
 
Weighing in here. And I'm going to be blunt here.

I think you've gotten alot of good advice already, but I would like to expand on a notion that ClantyreSheltie alluded to.

It strikes me that you have a notion that most dogs - or Shelties - will be some maniac kind of dog, and therefore you have to ask for a "sane" dog??? What do you mean by "sane"?

I think you might have your thinking backwards. If you are dealing with reputable breeders, you should assume that the dogs are sane to begin with. Not assume that most dogs are crazy and need work.

I strikes me that you are not ready for a dog yet. No dog is perfect and they each have their quirks. If you are not prepared, as an owner to deal with those, then you should NEVER have a dog.

I'm sorry for your loss, but you will never find a dog exactly like the one you lost. They each have their own personalities and traits. If you can't accept that, and be prepared to train to get around those traits that are undesirable to you, then don't do it at all.

My tuppence worth. Sorry if I sound harsh.
 
Last edited:
First of all, welcome to the forum!! It's nice to have you with us. I hope you find plenty of support and encouragement from our group.

I'm sorry you went through such a horrible experience with your sweet girl. We have a member who has been wondering what happed to one of her boys for many months now. I can hear her pain of "not knowing" in each of her posts.

I have two shelties, female and male. I got my Meggie as a wee one and she is MY BABY! She has seen me through some difficult times! Cooper is a rescue, partially blind and deaf from misbreeding. He is my big lover boy, always wanting to cuddle and love on his mama. The whole male vs female thing is a mystery to me. I just can't believe that all males are more willing to please or better companions. My daughter has two females and their personalities are completely different from one another. I think it just simply depends on the dog you get.

Keep on your search and the right dog will come your way. Just remember that if you get an older dog there will be a period of adjustment, to both the adults and the children in your home. It's different from getting a puppy, but still they require a good deal of attention. I actually found getting Meggie as a puppy was easier than Cooper as a 14 month old dog.

In the mean time you may live vicariously through the rest of us and our stories of the wonderful breed we call our own.
 
Welcome and I am so sorry your having a hard time.

It took me two years to find my boy, and four years for my little girl. It isn't easy to find that sheltie at first, then bam they just fall in your lap.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top