Buddy

Buddy is doing just fine.  He and his new sibling haven't quite figured each other out yet, but they're learning.  He's a natural at sheepherding (duh!), though his new daddy needs a lot of training.  He still gets to visit his foster parents and their Sheltie herd on a regular basis.

Hello fellow NVSR fans,
My name is Sir Shelton and I answer to anything from Shell to Sir Shelton. Ironically, I’m usually in trouble when my mom, in a certain tone, calls me, “Sir Shelton!” I was adopted on the 4th of July. I had a right nice home with Ms. Pat Wilson where I shared my pillow with Bebe until she was adopted. I got to tell ya that when my mom visited Ms Pat, I ran and hide. Ms Pat was the best human thing I’d encountered. But there was something about that visitor that I felt I needed to check into. Before too long, I joined her on the couch and I loved the way she petted and talked to me. She said something about needing to see a few more dogs. That’s when I made my move – right into her lap I curled – and the next thing I know I’m on a car ride out to a place called Centreville. I love it in Centreville. My mom & I go on a long walk every night – about 3 miles! Every so often, I go to “Play Group.” Now that’s an experience! I’ve met so many new friends – Misty, Big Cody, ‘Lil Cody, BIG Dukie, Jetta, Spirit, and so on! BIG Dukie showed me how to go through the cool hoop. I sort of like couching out in there. But, BIG Dukie starting nudging me from the outside, pushing me towards the other end. Well, I thought to myself I gonna fix whoever’s doing that – until I saw him! Now he & I get along just swell. On 9/11, Sully Station II held a candlelight vigil. Mom & I went out for our usual walk, just at a slower, more leisurely pace. I met up with this huge German Shepard, (twice BIG Dukie’s size)! His name was Marlow and he was adopted too. His dad got him from the German Shepard Rescue. He and I sat together for a bit and people were so freaked out about how cool, calm, and collected these two rescue dogs were. People are so goofy! Thanks for my new home and I look forward to meeting many more new friends at the upcoming Picnic. Lot of wet kisses, Sir Shelton. Attached is a picture of me and my uncle Louis who brought me a fabulous pillow - all my own!

I just wanted to let you know how happy we are with our adoptee Duncan McTavish (formerly known as Thomi).  He was a little shy at first, but now rules the house.  While he hangs out with me during the day, at night he likes curling up with my teenaged daughter.  And every one in the family enjoys taking him out for his daily walks.  He's definitely a Velcro sheltie, loves to cuddle at your feet or in your lap.  We're crazy about him!

Cody

Nice of you to remember us . . . they call me Cody now. This picture was taken of me in August when William was going off to college. He left Gus, the husky, home with me. Gus is a little hard to herd now, but when I get bigger it will be easier!

Neo

Neo says that he is grateful to have a place to call his own, a bed to call his own and a batch of troublesome squirrels to call his own. He much prefers the indoors but will take charge of the neighborhhood when necessary to free it from all birds and varmints. He enjoys 'sniff attacks' with other people and pets, which is to say he quickly sniffs you and then dashes away once he has made sure you are really there and not a hallucination. He has never met a treat he did not like, and will be quite put out if his daily chew strip is withheld. He has overcome several obstacles such as going into the basement, walking outside, getting the nails clipped and learning the difference between a doorbell on TV and a real doorbell. We are working on the real doorbell still so our visitors wont go into shock when the bark-o-matic chimes.

Coral

Coral writes: I think I've died and gone to heaven. My new people are very good to me. At first it was scary being in a new home, but I'm adjusting really well. Sometimes I'm so happy, I just run around like crazy. Mom calls it doing my Waco Negersky routine, but I can't help myself. I've been busy getting Mom and Dad trained just the way I want them. I get them up about 5 a.m., a practice I learned from my sister, Lady. Lady's a real foodie, which is a good thing. I've figured out that almost every time the refrigerator is opened, if I stand under the door, I might get a treat -- a carrot or cauliflower -- yum. I love veggies. I've dropped a pound or two and I'm feeling so good. I get brushed often, which I love. Any excuse for attention is ok with me. I can't get enough pets or affection. I just wish Mom would sit on the floor with me more and spend all the time petting me. I don't understand why she has to work or cook or do anything else but pet me. In the mornings I get a walk with my sister. But it's a real slow one because she's a lot older and has arthritis. It's hard to walk so slowly, but I try very hard to be patient with her. Then in the afternoon, Mom and I take a long walk together. That's when I really get to let go and express myself. Sometimes Mom takes me on about a 3 mile walk around the lake. That's really fun. I find all kinds of new sniffs and experiences. I'm still very shy around other people. I sniff a stranger's hand to see if they have a treat for me, but then I'm out of there. I'm so small and they're so big. I've got my Mom and Dad so I don't need to let other people make over me. Don't worry about me. I'm getting everybody whipped into shape here so they do exactly what I want.

Bob

I am so excited to get an e-mail, and can't wait to tell you how happy I am here. My two Mamas took me in as a foster puppy in January 2004, and then they adopted me. I can't believe how lucky I am to live with The Mamas, the kitties, the birdie, and my favorite dog in the whole world, Chelsea. We play all the time, and even though I get on her nerves sometimes, I know she loves me. My name was originally "Hunter," but The Mamas decided that my name should be "Bob." Sometimes they call me Bob, or Bob Barker, or Cinnamon Bobka, or just Good Boy. I am happy ALL THE TIME, and love to run around and bark. I can jump up so high that I kiss their faces when they get home. I have gotten really good at catching balls in the air, and have some great toys that make neat sounds. Sometimes I get to go to Grandma's house and see lots more dogs, but they are big and chase me around. I don't like that so much, and I tell the big dogs to BACK OFF! I don't have a lot of winter fur yet, but Mama Kristin made me a sweater and it keeps me warm. I like to bark at the mailman, other dogs, bicycles, strollers, cars, squirrels, trash cans, the air.... basically, I'm a very talkative boy. The Mamas got a special collar that sprays smelly stuff when I bark too much outside, but I figured out that if I run away really fast after I bark, the smelly stuff doesn't get on me too much. And if I bark long enough, no more smelly stuff comes out. I am a lot smarter than I look! I went to Lynne Dunham's super school for puppies. I got distracted a lot, but had fun with the other puppies. My favorite part of school was when we got to go outside and play on the playground. I especially like the A-frame, and I would go up and down lots of times. The Mamas still work with me on "sit" and "lie down," and "off," but I basically do whatever I want. Mama Kristin takes lots of pictures of me and Chelsea, here is one for you (I'm on the left).

Tooney

Tooney was having a little problem typing on my laptop, so he asked me to write back to you. Tooney has adjusted well to his new home. It took him about two weeks before he found his voice again and now barks on occasions. He realizes he is home and loved and will come with his tail wagging behind him when he see I have come home after being way for work or an errand. He LOVES to walk and even runs from time to time. He really loves exploring Congressional Cemetery and meeting other dogs. His adoptive sisters, Bridget and Panadora, my cats (technically still kittens) are still not sure about him. While they don’t hide and will play in the floor, they are not quite sure how close they should get to him.

Bubba

All is going well. He is a green bean addict which helps maintain his weight as food is his world. Bubba has everyone trained to take him for a walk whenever they come to the door. Bubba is enjoying his fence in yard and loves to stay out there when he isn't sleeping. But just don't mention the word squirrel to him for he will go into a barking frenzy.

Player

Player is doing great in his new home :) He is such a sweetheart and it's been fun everyday I have had him. I have attached a picture of us after his first bath and brushing (he fell asleep to me brushing him) :)

Taffy

Lady

I am doing great with my new family. I have gained weight, I was only 14 pounds and now up to 25. I have a big backyard and I like to tease Rusty, the other Sheltie in the picture! Thank you for your help and matching with my family.

Freddy

Summer

I really enjoy my new home and my new brother, a Westie named Snoopy. I enjoy playing ball out in my new big yard and napping on the couch while my mom is at work. When she comes home, I am excited and do "sheltie spins" for her as she walks in the door. I was very timid when I first arrived at my new home, but I am getting more and more comfortable with my surroundings. Thanks for sending me to such a great home!!
This is Summer's new mom. I absolutely love her and want to thank NVSR for placing such a lovely dog in my home. Summer is very obedient and listens when you call her name or tell her to stop barking. She is also excellent when I take her for walks in the neighborhood. She is still a bit shy towards strangers, especially men, but is making great strides and is not nearly as timid now as when I got her 3 weeks ago. She has such a sweet disposition and loves to jump in my lap and give me kisses. I am very happy with her and will refer NVSR to all my friends.

Nicholas

I have never had a dog move in as easily as Nick has. He entered our home and was comfortable from the first moment. Nick and I walk 2-3 miles daily as our exercise, and two or three 15 minute walks just for kicks and giggles (okay, and poops and piddles). Nick fancies himself the mighty deer herder as he never lets an opportunity pass to shoo them from our yard! And squirrels beware - Nick is there! Nick still has a bit of puppy in him and enjoys playing fetch with the girls and romps whenever he can. He is a fantastic dog, and we all just love him so much. He has gotten to know quite a few of the neighborhood dogs and has regular romps with his pals "Dino" and "Harpo". He has become a traveler (just came back from family trip to Grandma's), and is going to the beach with the family very soon (We all hope he likes it!). I just can't begin to convey what a huge part of this family Nick has become (even our cat waits for us at the door to return from our walks!).

Lassie

Lassie is the first dog I've rescued, and the first dog I've had in about 15 years. There were some occasional bumps in the road at first. Her first day, she stole an unopened loaf of bread off the counter and ate the whole thing. Later that week she lost her footing on the stairs and slid all the way down. As I watched in horror, I was thinking, "Emergency vet.
Emergency vet. Where's an emergency vet?" But she was OK. She would even do stairs again. But she made me go down first so I would break her fall if she slid again. Lassie has been having a wonderful time in her new home. I had just been in the house for a couple of months when I adopted her. But she doesn't seem to mind that things are changing all the time. Contractors always make things interesting. Not only can she bark and prance and show off her stuff, but sometimes they bring food into the house and foolishly leave it in Lassie's reach. Her biggest "score" so far has been a bag of 6 day-old cream cheese pastries, which she hid until the contractor left. Despite the contractors, Lassie has done pretty well on her diet and exercise program. She's much better at going up and down the stairs, and now she can jump almost all the way off the floor to catch a treat. She also enjoys other aerobic activities, like wrestling with Mommy, making snow angels, rolling in the grass in the back yard, chasing cats, chasing squirrels, and occasionally trying to climb a tree to chase a squirrel. She's also a great helper with the yard work. The neighbors love her and find it hard to believe she's 11 because she has so much energy. They always talk about how well-behaved she is. My next-door neighbor told her to call her "Nana". Lassie gave her a mug with her picture on it for Mother's day.

Kelsey

Hi, Kelsey here. Well, since I first stepped my paws in my new home, I knew it was my forever home. I am an only dog, but live with a teenage human sister, 2 weep weeps, (I think you hoomins call them guinea pigs) and my momma. Mom says that I am a very dainty princess, and quite the little lady (see, she was used to ol boy doggies). I love to give my mom exercise by letting her throw my tennis ball for me, and we play 'chase' around the yard. I also like to entertain Momma with my 'run circles around my rawhide bone' game, where I woof and do sheltie spins and pounce on my rawhide. Mom jokes that she will videotape me one day and send it into Planets Funniest Animals, and I'll be famous! At night my favorite pastime is to curl up in bed with mom and watch TV. At first I was nervous and stayed in Mom's room when the teenage hoomin would have parties, and have other teenage hoomins over, but now I greet her friends, and mingle with the crowd. Teenage hoomins are messy, and I can usually find potato chips or something on the floor during these events, so hopefully there will be another one soon. Mom says while I take my treats daintily, I am still a piglet in fine sheltie tradition, and love to eat. Momma says my only bad habit is the barkbarkbarkbarking I do as soon as she gets out of bed in the morning, but hey, I'm excited she's up! She says she will need to teach me the 'quiet' command, but I apparently do 'speak!' very well already. Thank you NVSR for helping me find my forever home, and new family!

Whitney

The short story is that I am the happiest I have ever been in my life. When I was first brought to my new home I was very depressed and worried that this was just one more change in a bunch that would continue. I was on my very best behavior but even so (I'm embarrassed to say it) once in a while I was so nervous that I wet the rug. In my life before the Sheltie Rescue time, I learned the hard way to "hold it" until I was invited to go - and that was much too infrequent. I was afraid to ask, expecting to be yelled at or worse. I was also worried (unnecessarly so it turns out) that my hair condition would make me undesirable. My new family have been giving me vitamins for my coat and George brushes me a lot so my coat has come back almost to what it was in my "glory days". George calls me his "huggy bear" and wants to cuddle me all the time but I confess that is hard to get used to. Well, I'm not worrried anymore and I am confident that this is my final home. Elaine thinks of everything for everyone including me and George has retired and has been home every day. He takes me and Ripley (aka "rippercat") out with him almost everyday while he works out there and we can enjoy being "free". Rippercat (I've attached a picture George took of the two of us back in March - George uses it as his computer wallpaper and we have a framed version in the family room) is a great companion. She's a lot younger than I am and has far more energy that I do but I do play sometimes with her and she knows that I pose no threat to her and will in fact protect her when any danger enters the picture. I am learning about the Anderson extended family - most notably Matty and Rob Hoffman (Tracy's godparents) and no longer feel uncomfortable visiting. Tracy has moved to her first apartment now that she has graduated from Law school and both Rippercat and I miss having her here. Rippercat was especially sad and concerned when Tracy moved because Tracy saved her when she was just a newborn kitty wandering on Route #1 in Alexandria. I've done my best to comfort her. Rippercat is my best friend and I hope she's getting to feel that same way. I have become very comfortable here and what little bark I have left (someone had my voice changed!) comes in handy all the time. George never yells at me but I know he wished I didn't feel the need to bark as soon as I get outside - especially at 5:30am. I've gotten my happy face back and everyone likes that. Visitors and people I meet amost always tell Elaine and George they want a dog just like me. Some even say they had no idea such a good dog could be found. I am very proud of that.

PS - The Andersons at first tried changing my name. I refused to respond to it though and they wisely decided to continue calling me Whitney (and some variants like Whitner, Whit, Huggy Bear, Sheltie Girl) and George calls me (goodnaturedly) "NitWhit" sometimes when I do something strange based on my past rigorous training that I still have not learned is no longer necessary! I'm trying to relearn but...I am an old dog after all.

Finally, THANK YOU for finding me this great home and family.

Malichi

Malichi is doing very good and we really love him. He's visited our family vet Doctor, and everyone there is just amazed by how well behaved he is. Malichi really enjoys Buffy my brothers dog when they come. He's been great. We could not have asked for a better dog. He knows its bed time when he jumps on the bed. We watch what treats that he gets so the when its dinner time he gets some chunky beef dog food. Which of course he loves. We are also working on some tricks, such as stay, shake and down. Malichi is very smart and is very much one of the family. Thank you soo much we really love him a lot.