This page is about the Shelties that are available for adoption and those who will soon appear here but are still in foster care.
Updated 6/5/25
Updated 6/5/25
Before you get too excited about one of our Shelties, please read ALL the information on our page "How to Adopt." It will answer your questions about our process and expectations. Our adoption application is at the bottom of that page.
E-mail additional questions.
E-mail additional questions.
Russ
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What a Difference Six Weeks of Training Makes!!
Handsome Russ is a happy, affectionate youngster who loves humans of all sizes and ages and assumes anyone he meets probably wants to play fetch. He also loves other dogs and assumes they, too, are eager to play with him. His puppy energy and eagerness to play was somewhat of a problem in his first foster home where the two resident Shelties were very elderly (15 and 17) and frustrated Russ by their unwillingness to play with him. Since Russ had little training when he came to NVSR, we moved him to the home of our most talented in-house trainer. His new foster home had big fenced areas in which to run and two younger dogs more interested in chase games. Russ was in paradise. Russ’s new foster dad found Russ to be very smart and anxious to learn. He quickly responded to new ques like sit, wait, down, shake, kennel, leave it (see video). His foster dad taught him self-control, insisting that Russ wait before exiting or entering open doors and before digging into his food. He has now learned not to jump up on people when greeting them or when he wants attention. He is reliably house trained and never has accidents in the house. He is crate trained and goes into his crate when requested. He sleeps quietly through the night in his crate in his humans’ bedroom or—if invited—on their bed. When he is up Russ wants activity. He is able to focus much better on training if he’s had a good romp off leash in a fenced area first. Long leash walks are good but just don’t absorb enough of his puppy energy. Russ will still sometimes bark when he hears the ice dispenser (because his previous owners gave ice as a treat), and sometimes at other sounds that are foreign to him (like planes flying overhead). Leash training is still a work in progress; he will sometimes pull when cars drive by. His foster parents have made progress by putting him in a sit and diverting him with a treat before continuing on the walk. Russ has been neutered and brought up to date on all tests and vaccinations. He has been kept up to date on heartworm preventatives and flea/tick prophylaxis. He has attended puppy classes and knows how to interact with other young dogs. Russ would benefit greatly from continuing obedience classes and has the strength and agility to be a star in a range of dog sports when he matures. The ideal home for Russ would have a large fenced yard and another active young dog to play with. He is probably not a good match for families with cats or small children simply because he would try to play too exuberantly with them. He needs dog-savvy humans who will work with his exceptional willingness to learn. He is a very social dog and would not thrive in a home where everyone goes off to work or school and leaves Russ home alone. For the right adopter who is willing to spend time with Russ and give him lots of love and gentle direction, Russ will become an outstanding companion. He is a very special dog. Russ is 10 months old, 16 inches tall, and weighs about 26 pounds. His adoption fee is $450. |
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Sheldon
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Looking for a calm, gentle guy who just wants to be with his humans? Sheldon might be the dog for you. His experienced foster mom says, “I have never encountered a more loving dog. He thrives on affection and praise.” While Sheldon is fine with other dogs, it is people who really matter to him. He loves to go on leash walks with his person.
Sheldon is an unusual Sheltie in many ways. He does not bark or run to the door when the doorbell rings. He shows no interest in toys. He loves to be brushed even when mats are being removed. While he loves food, he never tries to steal food or countersurf. While he loves to sit on a bed or sofa next to his humans, he doesn’t get up on furniture unless invited. When out for a walk, he notices strange dogs or fast moving vehicles, but he doesn’t react to them. Sheldon has never had obedience training, but because he is so anxious to please, he seems to sense what his humans want. He has a perfect recall and comes immediately when called. He has also learned “sit,” “wait,” “down,” and “give paw” while in foster care. While he enjoys exploring a fenced yard, he will cease his explorations when a human appears who might give him some attention. He doesn’t care about other dogs but is very well socialized with them. He is easy-going with other animals. Perhaps because Sheldon received very little attention in his previous home, he expects little and is grateful for any affection he gets. He was abandoned by his original family who fell on hard times. A kind neighbor took him in and contacted NVSR to find him a new home. He was mostly tied outside and exhibits the somewhat dry, sunburned coat characteristic of a dog with little shelter. Since he came to NVSR, Sheldon has been leash trained, house trained, and crate trained. He has been neutered and brought up to date on all tests and vaccinations. Given a high quality diet and appropriate supplements, Sheldon will soon sport a shiny coat. The perfect forever home for Sheldon will have one or more humans who are home most of the time and will welcome a sweet shadow. He enjoys soft-spoken humans who are happy to include him in their adventures. Sheldon rides calmly in a crate in the car and is eager to go anywhere as long as his people are with him. Sheldon is . . . . .about 5 years old, weighs 35 pounds, and is 17 inches tall. His adoption fee is $350. |
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Coming Soon- Five Dogs who were part of a national effort
to place dogs from a breeder who closed due to ill health
These dogs are from a well-respected breeder who carefully chose dogs for temperament. They are shy and a bit skittish, but cooperative and respond to calm, patient human guidance. All are receiving any needed vet care, dental cleanings, spay and neuter procedures, and will be ready for their forever homes in the coming weeks. They range from 5-11 years old and will make lovely companions. If you are interested in one of these dogs, now would be the time to begin the application process described on our "How to Adopt" page on our website.
to place dogs from a breeder who closed due to ill health
These dogs are from a well-respected breeder who carefully chose dogs for temperament. They are shy and a bit skittish, but cooperative and respond to calm, patient human guidance. All are receiving any needed vet care, dental cleanings, spay and neuter procedures, and will be ready for their forever homes in the coming weeks. They range from 5-11 years old and will make lovely companions. If you are interested in one of these dogs, now would be the time to begin the application process described on our "How to Adopt" page on our website.
