Saying Hi from Central Florida

U

Uncle

Forums Novice
Found you guys and gals by snooping around on the net for Sheltie info. You 'all look like a friendly and knowledgeable bunch, so I thought I would pull up a chair and rest a spell.

I don't have a dog at this time and am trying to decide what breed would be best for me and the dog. At this time I am leaning toward a Sheltie. I am 70 years old and partially disabled due to heart surgery and the such. Can't run, can't stand too long, and can't walk more than 5 minutes. But I live not too far from a wonderful doggie park. All fenced in and many other folks there with their dogs. I now visit there at least 5 times a week just to get out of the house and socialize with other humans and, oh yes, and pet the dogs.

I am in need of a companion dog that will add time to my life and life to my time. If I choose well I can add life to the dog as well.

I would like to also train the dog to be a therapy dog to visit the major medical rehab centers in the area, we have five. Good for the patients, good for me, and good for the dog.

My name is Larry but I go by Uncle in forums.

Thanks for having me and I am looking forward to learning a lot from you nice folks.

Uncle (Larry)
Central Florida
 
Welcome -- I live in CA but work in the medical field in New Port Richey and Panama City Beach (online).

My advice would be to work with either a breeder/rescue of whichever breed you choose AND with a trainer (not like Petsmart but a reputable trainer/school you are comfortable with). Choose a dog with the right characteristics after thorough evaluation and then move forward under the guidance of a trainer. There's the CGC and new Therapy Dog certifications to work towards.

Best wishes. It is a wonderul thing and many of the shelites here do it. I used to do it with my first Aussie when I lived down in the city, back in the day.
 
Welcome, Larry.

I would suggest perhaps working with a breeder/s who might have an adult dog they have decided not to keep and are looking to place in a good loving home. Talk with breeders in your area to determine whether or not a dog in question has been a house doggie and treated as a member of the family...so they are familiar with household noises, are house trained, etc.

Ask about activity level of any individual sheltie you are considering...shelties range from having BC personalities that need a huge amount of exercise and a full time "job" to those that are happy with just having a person of their own to focus on and love. A therapy doggie will need to be stable and people oriented.

Although you miss out on the "cute" puppy stage by taking an adult...you have the benefit of knowing exactly what the adult personality is going to be. Some people worry that an adult dog will not bond to them as deeply as if they had the doggie from puppyhood...but I have not found that to be the case. It may take a bit longer for an adult dog to make the transition compared to a tiny pup (although that is not always the case)...but in the longrun they are just as loyal and loving.

Enjoy the search!! Looking for a doggie companion is an exciting journey...and when you find the right doggie to share your life with it is so worth the time you took to find him/her.

Trini
 
Welcome, Larry! I just love that you determinedly get your doggy fix! There are some incredible breeders in your area!
 
Thank you

Thank all of you for the warm welcome. Just as I thought, your advice is spot on and helpful.

Considering and older dog would solve a lot of the problems that have been swirling around in my head. But I do love the little puppies... so adorable. But I can forgo all that for the sake of making a perfect match with an older Sheltie.

I am glad to know that all Shelties are not cut from the same cloth... a ton of energy on four legs. That would wear me out in a heartbeat. Pardon my pun.

A lower energy love bug would suit me just fine. I like taking naps and I would need a nap buddy.

Why a Sheltie?

For one they are so beautiful. And they are about the smartest dog I have ever met. And did I say they are beautiful? :biggrin2:

So, I will start my search with the info you kind folks have shared. I will keep you posted along the way.

Almost forgot. I will be sending pictures along the way.

Uncle
 
Hello I've been lurking for a awhile and still having done my "intro" post yet but your thread caught my eye.

I'm an incomplete paraplegic and shelti owner. I walk but not far. There are a number of ways to work the pup out without the need to walk long distances. The dog park is only one. Tether balls and the like work. I'm luck as my pup will fetch a ball til the cows come home. Mine is also trained to accept my mobility devices.

Now on to the therapy dog end. Please be aware that a professional will be needed. You can't just buy a vest a put it on the dog no matter how well behaved. Also be aware that the US DOJ has made changes to the service dog category and therepy dogs no longer are protected under the ADA. Just a heads up.

All the best.

Be Big,
AMAC
 
Thank you

Hi AMAC,

Thank you for sharing your information.

I have been in cardiac rehab twice for one month each time. I always looked forward to Friday afternoons when the therapy dogs would come to visit and give me some loving. I became friends with the head of the local therapy dogs group. He is willing to train the dog I get. And I thank you for sharing the difference between service dogs and therapy dogs.

Sometimes I am in doubt about even getting a dog. I just hope I am capable enough to give it all that it needs.

Thank you all.
 
Uncle said:
Hi AMAC,

Thank you for sharing your information.

I have been in cardiac rehab twice for one month each time. I always looked forward to Friday afternoons when the therapy dogs would come to visit and give me some loving. I became friends with the head of the local therapy dogs group. He is willing to train the dog I get. And I thank you for sharing the difference between service dogs and therapy dogs.

Sometimes I am in doubt about even getting a dog. I just hope I am capable enough to give it all that it needs.

Thank you all.
Click to expand...

I wasn't sure I would be able to keep up with a pup either but as it turns out she has been of huge therapudic value, both physical and mental. I can't belive I waited so long.

I think you wanting to visit hospitals with a therapy dog is noble idea indeed! You seem to have a guy that can help with that so I say go for it.

I'm also a Florida guy, what area?

Be Big,
AMAC
 
I found my Chauncey last March, this is going to be his one year anniversary with us this month. He was 5 is 6 now. He came from a home with someone in a wheelchair and the husband put him up for sale when his wife became bedridden. He went to another home and then they had allergies and then I got him. I live with a 94 year old handicapped person who uses wheelchairs and walkers. We go to the dog park in good weather everyday, come florida summer rains we go to a local shopping pier where there are benches and fans and protection from the rain as well as snow birds gone so very quiet as the population reduces. He has passed his obedience not without drama from the ding a lings running it and he passed his canine good citizen ( did the best of all dogs) we haven't moved forward to therapy as I wanted a break and I also have not found classes locally do that.
Chauncey is NOT a handful or any trouble for his Poppa. He walks with him on a leash slowly and gently. He never gets under his feet and seems to be extremely careful with him. He has proven to get him moving more and out of the house, poppa has made some veteran friends at the dog park and they sit together every evening and everyone is socialized because of chauncey. Now I have to say Chauncey is lazy, he isn't big on long walks and running is something he occasionally participates in at the park. More then likely you will see him sitting under the picnic tables in the shade watching the dogs run about. He is mild manner, quiet and so easy going it is unbelievable. He loves car rides more then anything and we tend to forget he is in the backseat most trips, he is so quiet. He only sticks his head out the window if your going over 40 otherwise he is sleeping on the back seat. CHauncey goes with us a lot when we dine out. We have lots of outdoor seating here in florida and he is so well behaved we pick places based on him going along.
Stay patient because there are some that would be perfectly suited for you, take your time and a dog will find it's way to you. There is also a large sheltie rescue in florida, so your in a good state for that.
 
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