Why should people join the Sheltie Forums?

BarbV said:
4) I feel like I know just about everyone on this forum. We all have our quirks and you start learning about the people behind the name, and tailor your responses accordingly. This is NOT some anonymous Yahoo Asks that gets all the crazies responding in silly ways. WE HOLD PEOPLE ACCOUNTABLE!
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What?!!? We're being held accountable for what we say? :eek2: oh no!!

Barb summed it up perfectly, but here are my own words.

In no specific order, I love this board because of the huge knowledge base (from vets, to breeders, to show, to sports, we cover it all), the friends I've made, no one says anything when I yet again complain, brag, or otherwise about my dog or agility, you guys "get it", and lastly the support, whether it be for health, weird things, agility, or otherwise, has always been amazing.

I may not agree with everyone, not everyone may even like me, but overall, we all share a huge commitment to not only our dogs, but our breed. And I love the Sheltie only aspect of this board. Even when people talk about their other breeds, it still feels "homey" to me, versus something as random as, yes, Dogster.

I also feel like I can talk or ask anything and won't be ridiculed. Granted, that doesn't mean y'all agree with me, but I don't get an eye roll (or can't see one). I feel safe to discuss the strange, the weird, the off the wall topics here. It's the only place I feel secure enough doing that. That says a lot about me.

p.s. I too talk about the boards to my hubby, I feel bad, because he has no clue who's who, but he puts up with me anyways and LOVES the cute photos of your dogs (because I'm always sharing those with him, the good, the bad, and the ugly).
 
Besides the Shelie-only aspect of this Forum, I love the community feel it has. As others have said, I feel as if this group is more "friends and family" than the anonymous people who post on most other boards.

I know it's the one place I can come when I need support or advice, or to just laugh and get cute Sheltie fixes. I love sharing others' experience when they bring home new puppies, or discover something special or quirky about their pup, and I cry when they share losses and illness, because we've all been there and can relate. And I feel as though the sentiments expressed here are genuine and caring, which is so rare on any of these types of internet boards.

My husband also frequently walks into the room and looks over my shoulder and says "what's up on the Forum?" and I call him whenever there are great videos or pictures to see.

In short, this is more a family than a Forum, and that's what makes it special! And we owe it all to Kelly, the wonderful organizer whose brainchild this was. Did you ever imagine how many people's lives you'd touch, Kelly?
 
To sum it up for me.....

I'll often say to someone....."I was on MY Sheltie Forum the other day, and read that ...." Yes, "MY". I truly have a sense of ownership and participation on what goes on here.

And this, of course, is 100% due to Kelly and the moderators. Thank you all!
 
Originally I joined because I thought it would be really nice to talk to sheltie owners all over the world. I was imagining just sharing odd stories and photos about what the dogs have been up to and it being a bit of fun. However, I find it is so much more than that:

I have cried over hearing of the loss of a treasured sheltie;
I have laughed at some of the funny antics which they all get up to;
I have had my preconceptions challenged over issues such as debarking and double merles and realised the world is rarely black and white (!) -in particular watching the progress of Mia has proved that it is entirely possible for a blind and deaf dog to have a great life:biggrin2:
I have learned a great deal about different diseases/illnesses, grooming, training and care methods;
I have enjoyed hearing about some unexpected pups and following their progress from day one
I have waited with baited breath to hear how shelties have come through surgery or illness are doing
and many other topics too numerous to mention...

All this from people and dogs I have never met and probably never will meet:smile2:

These are all really wonderful things that the forum has given me, but above all it is the friendship of people the world over who have been there when support was needed, have enjoyed looking at my pictures and hearing about the boys and who I know will never tire of talking about shelties and that I can share the highs and lows of sheltie life with!

Thank you:biggrin2:
 
Ann said:
In short, this is more a family than a Forum, and that's what makes it special! And we owe it all to Kelly, the wonderful organizer whose brainchild this was. Did you ever imagine how many people's lives you'd touch, Kelly?
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I didn't have any expectations, but did hope I'd find others like myself, who love Shelties & want only the best for them. Sometimes even with the purest of intentions things fail, but I have tried to stay focused on the original idea for the site; improving the lives of Shelties through education, mentoring & friendship.

I do consider the site lucky to have found such a wonderful group of people! I've been learning this whole admin thing on the fly and I am so appreciative of all of your suggestions...and patience!

Of course without the fabulous moderators, I know for sure things would have gotten out of hand by now! :uhoh:

When you boil it down to the essence, my beloved Trevor was really the mastermind behind the whole thing. He was just such an amazing spirit. :sadsmile:
 
When my wife and I decided to get a Sheltie, I did a search online and found Sheltie Nation, and the forums.

I decided to join because there was a wealth of knowledge, and by reading through the various topics, it was clear that all the members here loved their dogs. Everyone was willing to provide their expertise, experience as well as moral support (to get through those rough puppy moments).

Haha, it's always nice to find other like minded people who share a common interest. Hehe, I also frequent a Golden Retriever forum, and it's a very similar community (although centered on Goldens :P). I usually split my time online between the two forums...

But seriously, these forums have been a great source of information and support... And for that alone, I think anyone interested in Shelties, planning to get a Sheltie, or anyone is owned by Sheltie(s) should join.
 
Kelly said:
I didn't have any expectations, but did hope I'd find others like myself, who love Shelties & want only the best for them. Sometimes even with the purest of intentions things fail, but I have tried to stay focused on the original idea for the site; improving the lives of Shelties through education, mentoring & friendship.

I do consider the site lucky to have found such a wonderful group of people! I've been learning this whole admin thing on the fly and I am so appreciative of all of your suggestions...and patience!

Of course without the fabulous moderators, I know for sure things would have gotten out of hand by now! :uhoh:

When you boil it down to the essence, my beloved Trevor was really the mastermind behind the whole thing. He was just such an amazing spirit. :sadsmile:
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Kelly and Trevor, Thank you SO much for your efforts and spirit that are behind our wonderful Sheltie Forums! I echo what everyone else has said, that Sheltie Forums has given me tons of information, support, belly laughs, tears, great stories and best of all, friendships from folks around the world.

Even though I don't post nearly as much as many other members, I check Sheltie Forums daily to get my sheltie "fix". THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU Kelly and Trevor--and our great moderators, too. You are the best!!!:smile2:
 
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