Fluffsters' Sheltie Rescue Stories--Page 3
Rescued Hearts
Taking care of Rescue dogs
Is something I do best.
I know because I've done it,
And I've surely passed the test.
The dogs I've bathed, the food I've fed,
The vacuuming I've done,
And all to watch a frightened soul
Sit dreaming in the sun.
My own dogs I've neglected,
But I tell them every day,
That I love and cherish each of them
Though a new dog's come to stay.
I know they understand this,
For in their eyes I see
The love that I have given them
Come shining back at me.
Some people think I'm crazy,
Some others think I'm great.
But very few can understand
What really is at stake.
If I can love and help a dog
To find a better way,
My own life is much richer,
I look forward to each day.
So now you know my secret,
It's there for all to see.
The love I give, the life I save,
I do it all for ME.
Kathleen Parsons April 2, 1996 Southland Sheltie Rescue
Colleen's Story--Jan. 1997
By CindyB and Michelle Pitts
Marie, one of the Sheltie Rescue ladies for our area, brought us 3 Shelties to groom.
Their "mom" had passed away suddenly. She was only in her forties. The dogs were
found lying by their mom, and one of the girls would not leave her side until the EMTs
covered her with a sheet. A friend found her, and she was so distraught she didn't even
think about the dogs until later that day. When she did think of them, she called Marie in
hysterics that the dogs had been taken to the pound. Poor babies! First they lost their
mother, then they were dragged from their home and tossed in the shelter.
Anyway, when Marie brought them to us, they were frightened and one of them bolted.
Fortunately, with the efforts of most of us from the grooming shop on her trail, we were
able to retrieve her. When I came home that evening, I passed on this story to the Fluff
List, just because I thought it was so sad. And somewhat amazing that we were able to
catch Misty, the loose one. Two of these girls, Paige and Colleen (tri and blue) were 10
year old littermates. Misty, our bolting girl (sable) was the youngster in the family at 4
years old. I posted that it would be nice if we could find a home for at least two of them
together, as Misty was very frightened and unsure.
Cindy Buckner, bless her huge heart, wrote that she would be interested in taking the
whole group, so they could remain a family!! What a sweetie she is! Contacted Marie about
the possibility and also sent Cindy the particulars on the girls - age, size, colors,
temperaments. Marie informed me that she had placed Misty and Paige already (separate
homes) but she was debating putting Colleen to sleep unless the perfect home could be
found for her. You see, on top of Colleen's age, she was deaf! I let Cindy know the
situation and also that it would be difficult taking in a deaf dog, so I would understand
if that was not an option for her. Cindy has two children and Colleen had never been
around kids. I received a hearty "Yes!" from Cindy, so we went on to make
arrangements for Colleen's transfer.
Jeff, Cindy's husband, drove up to St. Louis from Atlanta to take her home. Sweet guy!
And I think he pretty much drove straight through getting to St. Louis *and* getting back
home!! Spent a while with him and Colleen at Marie's house, so that we could all get to
know one another.<G> And, of course, having a rousing game of "get the tennis
ball" with Colleen! Her favorite game!!
None of us were sure quite how Colleen was going to react to the two-footed kids, so
we all breathed a huge sigh of relief when she "decided they could stay".
The rest of this story is Cindy's, so I'll let her take over from here...Oh, as far as
Paige goes, she is still in the first home she went to. Adjusted beautifully and they love
her to pieces! Misty, otoh, had a more rocky start. The first family was not sure, so
Marie told them to forget it. The second home, an older lady, was not prepared for Misty
and her insecurities. So, with much heartsearching, sent her back to Marie after only a
day. Finally, a woman called because she had just lost her companion. Guess what the dog's
name was? Yep, Misty. The woman came to Marie's three times to get to know Misty and let
her get to know *her*, before she took her home. She's been in her new home for a few
weeks now and I think she is home to stay. I think it was one of those "meant to
be" things.
~ Michelle
It's currently 1:55 am EST on Saturday, January 18th. Jeff will be leaving at 7:00 pm
EST , battling snow, ice and overall yucky weather. His plans are to make it as far as
Kentucky, sleep a bit and continue to St. Louis, arriving somewhere around 3:00 pm (????).
Hopes to be back on the road no later than 6:00 pm. He will be making a stop in Nashville
on the way back, Ann just HAS to see Colleen!!! Where will you be Sunday afternoon??? I
told Jeff he can not leave Marie's until you get there or makes arrangements to meet you
somewhere else!! (besides, I think he wants to be ableto THANK YOU in person). So now all
I have to do is occupy myself until Monday. Already have Jeff packed, Colleen's bag is
ready to go, emergency survival stuff (that won't be needed, I hope!!!). Housework is all
done, kids are at their *other* parents until Sunday
night............................so..................I wait.Will keep you posted on Jeff's
travel progress.
Just got back from Marie's. Jeff in on his way home to Atlanta with his new
"daughter"--Colleen. She is in the back of the station wagon with about 20
blankets and pillows to snuggle with. Yes, Jeff brought a crate, but Marie warned him that
if he didn't want to listen to her bark all the way home, he would not use it, and the
previous owner's (deceased, remember) friend said she is a really good rider when she is
not crated. We had a fun game of fetch with the tennis ball. She is a natural retriever!
Hard to believe she is 10 yrs. old! Not to mention deaf. She makes enough noise. Pictures
have been taken (by Jeff, cause I couldn't find my camera) and Marie. Unfortunately, I
couldn't get Jeff to wear the lovely bow I had made for him, but Colleen is proudly
displaying hers. And the little baggie of bows is in Jeff's possession, and I have warned
him that they had better make it home undisturbed. Oh, and Cindy! I gave Jeff a hug for
you, so be sure he hands it over when he gets there! Also, thanks for the picture of the
"McDonald's French Fry Olympic flame! Berry fluffy. I know you're gonna love her.
~Michelle
Let's don't forget, I"M THE MAMA!!!! Just got home from some tension
relieving shopping and find that everyone knows more about my baby's (I'm referring to
Colleen, not Jeff ) journey home than I do!!!! I did check my answering machine AFTER
getting my fluff mail (Hey, I have my priorities!!!). Did have a message from
Jeff......Not a very coherent message, but a message. Something to the effect of
"She's beautiful, she's friendly, she's an angel, I think she likes me and I am
hopelessly in love!!!! Next Stop.....Home of the Tennessee Terror......Auntie Ann. Can't
wait to hear what SHE has to say!!!
~Cindy B. (awaiting the verdict from her FAVORITE aunt)
On Sun, 19 Jan 1997 21:31:49 EST rebelac@juno.com (Ann C.Acuff) writes: Dancer and
Cindy's husband Jeff just left for their last part of the journey to Atlanta. Dancer is a
beautiful dog, and fit right in with my dogs...but went ballistic when she discovered our
cat asleep in a chair! She was so beautifully groomed...the loving touch of our Michelle!
And was wearing a wonderful red bow thingie. Jeff is delighted with her. Thanks Michelle
for this gift to them...she will be loved, I assure you.
~Ann Acuff
Well Guys,
It's 1:00 p.m. (EST). Jeff and Colleen should be home within the hour!!! Apparently,
Jeff can't wait for me to get my hands on her and has driven straight through!!!!! (He's
such a good husband, a berry tired husband, but a good husband!!!) I told him he can sleep
all day tomorrow!!! Be prepared, you may get some crazy sounding posts today. I don't make
much sense when I am excited!!(and had 2 POTS of coffee all by myself) I want to thank ALL
of you for helping me through this. Adopting a rescue sheltie, that is deaf and in her
*golden* years AND getting her from St. Louis to Atlanta--couldn't have done it without
you!!! So before I get so teary eyed that I can't see to type, (snorfle) I wish you all a
berry fluffy night. (sniff) Will send a final progress report later in the morning!!!
~Cindy B. (calmly waiting for her first kisses from Colleen)
Hello Everyone!!!
The moment I had been waiting for finally arrived early this morning!! Jeff and
Colleen pulled into the driveway around 2:30 am. I stood at the doorway and waited for
Jeff to bring her it. And guys...she is beautiful!!! Michelle did a fantastic job of
grooming her and the bow around the collar........Perfect Touch!!! I could tell she was a
bit nervous, so I restrained myself and didn't bombard her with hugs and kisses
immediately. Poor baby was shaking and stayed closed to her daddy. She finally started
checking out the place and after her initial inspection, decided it was time to check me
out!!! A few sniffs here and there and then it happened....A BIG WET KISS for her new
mommie!!! (needless to say, I was touched!!) It was now time to meet Comet & Dasher. I
held my breath as we allowed them into the den to meet their new sister. I was so proud of
my boys!!! They all were wagging their tails during the butt-sniffing initiation. Then
Comet & Dasher gave her a personal guided tour of the house........"Here'swhere
we eat and here's the basket of toys and this is where we sleep. Oh, and over here is
where mom keeps the treats...........all ya got to do is look cute and she'll give you
one!!"
During all this excitement, my 11 year old son, Kevin, woke up. Now remember. Colleen
has never been around kids, so I was really worried about this introduction. Kevin sat in
the middle of the living room floor and waited. Colleen immediately came over to
him...sniffed....and then covered him with KISSES. She would NOT stop!!! Kevin hugged and
petted her while I stood there teary eyed!!! We allowed the gang to romp in the backyard
for a while, then got ready for some much needed sleep. I got everyone off to bed, leaving
Colleen and myself alone. She came over to me and we exchanged massive hugs and
kisses....she then buried her sweet little face in my lap.........and although she
couldn't hear me, I talked to her, telling her how much I loved her, how very much she was
wanted and how very glad I was to have her home........... This is how we fell asleep
This morning, Colleen met Nathan, my 6 year old step-son (he would NOT wake up last
night!!) and she has decided that we can keep him. Nathan learned a lesson at breakfast
that we are calling the "Do Not Leave Your Bagel To Get A Glass Of Milk 'cause
Colleen Will Declare It Deserted and Claim It For Herself" Rule!!!!!!! And it appears
that for now, she is a "Daddy's Girl" (Oh Yes, I WILL change that!!!) Jeff is
still sleeping and she keeps going and checking on him then coming back to me with that
"I want my Daddy" look--In fact, I'm gonna get to work on that RIGHT NOW!!!
Thanks for Listening......you may go now........
~Cindy B. (Feeling VERY fluffy!!!)
February 12, 1997--I just HAD to tell you all about a berry special moment that
happened yesterday with Colleen. Comet & Dasher make a big deal out of "Mommie is
home from work!!". I am greeted with kisses, massive jumping, running hysteria and
more tail wagging than is deserved. Colleen, on the other hand, has been acting like
"What is all the fuss about? Don't we have better things to do??" Very
standoffish, which, needless to say, has hurt my feelings just a bit. (O.K., more than a
little bit!!) Now, as soon as all has settled down...Colleen will come to me for kisses
and a head scratching...no wagging tail though. And she loves to fall asleep ON my feet,
or in my lap. But yesterday....I open the door and Colleen is shoving Dasher & Comet
aside...so she can get to me first. Happy barks, jumping and (sniff) HER TAIL IS
WAGGING!!! I dropped my purse and briefcase and hung on to her for dear life. She rested
her head on my shoulder and KEPT wagging her tail. My son thought I had lost it cause he
came into the kitchen to find his mom crying, clutching Colleen and Comet & Dasher
with a head under each arm. It's a small, silly thing, but my heart now knows for certain
that she knows this is HOME and she is happy. Was this an accidental wagging??? I
think not, the same thing happened today and she is now constantly wagging that tail. I am
SOOOO proud!!
~Cindy B.
Nickie and Colleen, Jr.
To my sheltie rescue friends and the fluffy sheltie listers: "It was the best of
times; it was the worst of times. . . ." This has been an incredible experience, my
friends. And there are TWO rescue shelties to report on. Settle in, for it is a story of
two gentle, trusting girls who allowed me, a complete stranger, to help them, for which
I'm feeling very humble right now. It was a gorgeous day for a drive--blue skies, 65
degrees, light breeze. I left at 9:00 this morning; about an hour & a half later, I
arrived in Angleton (Brazoria County)--near Nolan Ryan country for you baseball fans. I
was getting so excited when I turned off 288 and onto the 2-mi. stretch leading to the
Brazoria Shelter. Just as I saw the sign and my heart ba-bumped, I also saw a woman and
her 4x4 on the side of the road--and a sheltie IN the highway. This is how I met Carole,
the shelter director and Nickie (NOT the furkid I originally left to rescue but a sheltie
that had been brought in this morning). The woman who dropped off this little girl also
left the gate open, and, realizing something was terribly amiss in her life, Nickie had
bolted right before I pulled up. The shelter is well back from the highway, but she is a
fast girl. What followed is one of those experiences that both confirm your doubts about
and re-new your hopes for man. Carole and I and another rescuer (cockers) stopped our
cars, and started calling to Nickie. She ran down the middle of the highway, and we called
and followed and called, terrified for her. Some drivers zoomed by w/o even slowing down
to avoid her--she was nearly hit so many times we thought we were going to witness a
tragedy; but others stopped to help. The good guys won out: eventually, we had the highway
blocked off w/ our cars and had Nickie blocked in: it looked like the wagons drawn up in a
circle in a bad western, but we didn't care. Other drivers waited patiently when they saw
what we were all trying to do. Nickie was so scared, and we were so scared for her, but
everyone kept trying and talking to her--it seemed forever but was probably about 20
minutes. Just when one of the drivers almost had her, she bolted again (she is MAYBE all
of 10 pounds--a pocket sheltie, but very quick). She took off for a pasture, slipped under
the barbed wire and ran and ran. We took off after. Now this is a rescue effort folks: we
have had so much rain I don't need to tell you what that pasture was like. And I don't
know how many of us had every navigated barbed wire before, but we helped each other
through and started closing in. Our plan worked: WE herded the herding dog in a tighter
and tighter circle, and when she bolted this time, it was right into my arms. I held her
tight and she collapsed against me: soaking wet, muddy, and adorable. We were all
exhausted, filthy, wet--and wearing huge grins. This little girl (maybe 3 or 4 yo) is
heartworm positive, which is why the owners dumped her on the shelter (I know, I know--why
didn't they treat her?). She's a light sable; tiny, tiny, tiny; has recently blown her
coat and looks more like a fox, but I can see from her feathering she should have a good
coat when it comes back in. She curled up in my lap and trembled all the way home. We
stopped at McDonald's to share a Big Mac--both she and the other I'll talk about in a
minute enjoyed that tremendously, and Nickie hasn't trembled since. She walked in when we
arrived, ate lunch, explored (found a lose board in the fence, which I had to nail back
first thing since I know THIS one's spirit of adventure by now!), touched noses w/ my two
girls, quietly accepted their dominance, and is now curled up on my bed, the little
stinker, which is what I just realized as I looked behind me from where I sit. She's had
her vitamins, coat supplement, Front Line treatment, a hearty meal, and now a much-needed
nap. Sweet, sweet child. Skittish, though, easily startled, afraid I might leave the
room--all of which should pass w/ love and encouragement. To think what she has been
through, right down to the highway adventure, and yet she trusts me. Teary-eyed I am. Now
about the "real" sheltie rescue I started after this morning. I'm calling her
Colleen for now in honor of Cindy's rescue sheltie (AKA Dancer). She is beautiful. Yes,
she has had a skin allergy, and yes it was allowed by whoever dumped her to get very bad.
Carole said when she first arrived, she was "naked," and there are still places
that make you weep. However, the shelter has been treating her (I agree that it looks like
flea allergy): skin looks healthier now; coat is coming in. I'm not expert enough w/
color: she looks sable w/ merling (does that make any sense?). Once her coat comes
completely back, she will rival any sheltie's beauty. Her tummy and underside of her back
legs are flame-red w/ rash from the dermatitis and warm to the touch which I'll treat
gently for now until Dallas Rescue can help her better. Her eyes are weepy, so I treated
them; also gave her Linotone, vitamins, Front Line, and heartworm pill. Got back too late
to take her for her rabies shot, but my vet will handle Monday. (Nickie has had all her
shots, thank goodness.) I'm not a vet, but her vulva and teets seem to bear witness to her
having had puppies at some time. Colleen (also about 3-4) is very sweet, very obedient;
quite independent. She road on the back seat and napped all the way home. She, too, ate
well, drank lots of water, found a rawhide chew and sunny spot on the deck where she was
very happy as I sat outside w/ all the girls for a while. She's warned both my dogs off
from the rawhide, but nothing more than that. As she relaxes, I see that she has that
wonderful sheltie humor and has been asking for tummy rubs by being very silly on her back
beside my computer chair: wriggling, plumey tail waving, grinning at me. She is funny and
knows it. Both girls have been so trusting, but my heart aches so much for them. When I
look at my own girls, I see them positively glowing w/ health and self-confidence. The
rescue girls' coats are dull; their eyes wary; their body language a bit timid--all of
which I expect considering what they've been through. But the comparison still breaks my
heart. I want them to be united w/ families that truly want them, who will be loving and
patient. I *know* those families will be richly rewarded. In the meantime, I will shelter
them; also will take photos so we can add them to our rescue page. I'm off to cuddle and
await further instructions--take your time; we're doing just fine down her at Joan's
Sheltie Rescue Center! The first thing Carole said to me as we gazed desperately across
the highway at one another and Nickie this morning was, "Are you sheltie
rescue?!" Yes, I am. Part II To all my friends-- Colleen and Nickie are safely in
Becky Ramsey's home in Dallas tonight. Becky used to live here in The Woodlands and now
works w/ DFW Sheltie Rescue. We met in the lovely burgette of Buffalo, exactly half-way
between Dallas & Houston, for furkid exchange. It was icy cold, and I was starting to
tear up: Becky was wonderful--knew I needed to go cry. Neat lady: took to the girls right
away and assured me they will be so happy and loved--which I know from all of you. The
first half of the trip, Colleen watched me quietly from the back seat, and Nickie turned
her back on me completely in the seat next to me--would have nothing to do with me. In
fact, she had bolted out the front door this morning when I opened it to pick up the new
phone directory: led me a merry chase for quite a while, then leaped into a neighbor's
arms and looked as if she was scolding me. The 2nd hour of the trip, they both melted and
we had good talks and head scratchings. Before I gave them into Becky's loving arms, they
cuddled with me, and I told them how much I love them and how hopeful I am for their
bright futures. They finally melted, and I was able to cuddle them before I had to
eventually let go. This has been such a joyful, yet painful experience. I want to thank so
many people for helping save these girls: Carole at Brazoria County Shelter for refusing
to let Colleen be put down and putting out the call instead; also for helping save Nickie
from certain death on the highway--Dorothy is right about there being an angel there that
day; Joyce and Michelle for getting word to me; Dorothy, Sigrid, and David for making all
the right connections and then guiding me through the rescue; Becky for being my sheltie
special co-agent 007; Nancy for agreeing to take in and bring back to health still more
foster children (David tells me Nancy is a miracle worker); and last--but never least--my
Maggie May, whose passing last April led me in my grief to the sheltie folks around the
country. In a very real sense, she, too, played a role in the rescue of these two girls,
and I know she is smiling down on us all from the Rainbow Bridge. I took pictures of the
girls for our rescue page and for Dorothy's article; later we hope to see the exciting
pictures of these girls in their new homes and brought back to renewed health. And
now--I'm going to go be alone for a while. Love, Joan (Jan. 1997)
Why Rescue? HERE'S Why
This morning Karen and I found a 3 year old sheltie female trapped in a concrete
drainage culvert about a mile from our house. She was muddy, hungry, and very frightened.
The walls of the ditch were too steep for her to climb. She'd probably been there since
Sunday. (4 days)
How did we find this little girl? Tuesday night the director of Dallas Sheltie Rescue
e-mailed me that a sheltie had got loose in my area. She told me the location, the owner's
phone number, and gave a description of the dog. She said the family was very distraught
and losing hope that they would find Smokey. So we changed our morning routine and started
taking our morning walks in the area where Smokey was lost, just in case we got lucky and
spotted her. We got lucky.
I wish you guys could have seen the look on Smokey's owner's face when she arrived to
help get the dog out of the culvert. I'll never forget it. Smokey is home now and checked
out fine with the vet. I'm glad she's not still in that ditch with the storms rolling in
tonight. Without that e-mail, we never would have walked that area. We never would have
looked in that ditch. Maybe no one would have. That's why Sheltie Rescue.
Jeff
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