poor little Sheltie..

Bellesmom

Forums Enthusiast
yesterday when I was walking Belle we were approached by a man leading a little sable merle Sheltie girl.. the man told me that she was "nippy" but Belle approached her and she was OK for a bit and then snapped at Belle.

Poor little thing, I don't think she has ever had a brushing, for sure she has never had her feet trimmed, and she was filthy dirty. He said he got her on the internet because breeders were too expensive. another example of maybe not a puppy mill, but certainly not a reputable breeder.

He told me that Belle was nicely groomed. now, if he could see that about her, couldn't he see that his girl needed a bath/brushing too?

I hope I see him again. Do you think I should suggest this forum to him in the hopes he will treat his dog better?
 
yesterday when I was walking Belle we were approached by a man leading a little sable merle Sheltie girl.. the man told me that she was "nippy" but Belle approached her and she was OK for a bit and then snapped at Belle.

Poor little thing, I don't think she has ever had a brushing, for sure she has never had her feet trimmed, and she was filthy dirty. He said he got her on the internet because breeders were too expensive. another example of maybe not a puppy mill, but certainly not a reputable breeder.

He told me that Belle was nicely groomed. now, if he could see that about her, couldn't he see that his girl needed a bath/brushing too?

I hope I see him again. Do you think I should suggest this forum to him in the hopes he will treat his dog better?
Small steps. Maybe if you see them again just being friendly will provide an avenue for him to ask questions. Most people are not malicious though we all do stupid in our own particular ways :wink2:
 
Poor girl.....it must be uncomfortable not to have a brushed out coat. You can certainly mention the forum to him, or just suggest maybe viewing videos on youtube for "line brushing a sheltie." That may give him an idea on how to start with coat care.

Thanks for caring.
 
My Gypsy is from a Puppymill and she was really friendly with dogs until an offleash Lab and Boxer plowed into her as they were tearing across the park at full speed. She than required luxcating patella surgery which she may or may not have been predisposed to so I can't blame her for being nippy. I do wonder if this dog is nippy because it is in pain from all the mats. Maybe you could say you mentioned how nicely my dog is groomed I would be more than happy to give you a few tips or direct them here as you suggested for grooming tips. I sure hope you see them again.
 
I hope you see them again.It saddens me this poor sheltie was in need of just the basic grooming. I know we have been approached just recently in a parking lot at a resturant,by a couple that had a sheltie,but passed away recently.

They noticed the sheltie sticker on our truck.So they asked if we had shelties.They were very interested in hearing about Sheltie Forums,and asked alot of questions on thier own. I gave them the website.

The dog may very well be so uncomfortable from being matted,that it is causing some pain.I pray you will meet up again.I would just let the conversation flow,and quite possible you will have the oppourtunity to mention sheltie forums.
 
If he seems a decent sort, you might consider offering to help him groom her. I found that many people simply don't know how to start.
 
I agree with everyone here. Offer your kindness and maybe he will be receptive. Poor little girl. I hope you see them again soon.
 
thank you all for your replies and your good advicve.. I hope I see him again too.. I always walk Belle the same time of day in the same spot I saw him, so hopefully he will come by again..
 
He did give you an opening when he commented on Bella's grooming. So if you do see him again, I would say something like:

"I was thinking about your comment about Bella's grooming. I would be happy to give you some tips or point you to some websites that might help you groom your girl."

Then you can tactfully point to some potential problem areas....matted ears, grinch feet, etc. You can tell him that it really doesn't take all that long to do the basics.
 
yes, he did give me an opening and I was not bold enough to jump on it.. I haven't seen him again, but hopefully I will..
 
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