meet shelby 16 comments
Let me introduce you to Shelby, the most recent addition to my little family. Since Sabrina’s death on May 29 last year, I’ve been casually watching for a suitable companion for Sage. I was hoping to find a young adult collie with a calm temperament much like Sabrina’s. I began watching kijiji ads a couple of months ago, but there were few large Rough Collies, and those were either pups, or older dogs. A couple of days before leaving to spend some time working on the old house at Round Hill, I noticed an ad for a 4-year-old tricolor collie – the same colour as Sabrina. At first, I thought of not inquiring about the dog as I was so rushed trying to finish up trip preparations. However, then I decided that this might be the one I’d been looking for these past few weeks.
As it turned out, it seems that Shelby is just the type of dog I was hoping to find. She is a large, gentle dog with a calm and loving temperament. She’s well trained and kind. Really, she is everything I would expect from a Rough Collie. I feel fortunate to have found her, and appreciative of the care and love that her previous owner had provided in raising such a wonderful dog. So, Shelby joined our tribe less than 24 hours before we set out for the old house. I was a little concerned about how she would handle all the strangeness – new owner, new canine companion, being on the road, staying at a motel, arriving at a new house. She turned out to be a real trooper – no problems whatsoever with so many changes.
And what about Sage? It’s been amusing to watch her reaction to the newcomer. At first, she was cordial, as she is with all visiting dogs. Then around dinner time of the first day, she began to look puzzled, or possibly even alarmed that this dog hadn’t gone home to wherever it belonged. It was even eating a bowl of food! There were a couple of semi-hostile moments, but actually fewer than might be expected. As I watch the two dogs, I realize that Sage has never really had much chance for playful interaction. Sage joined us when Sabrina was about ten years old. Now she and Shelby can race around together, running and play-fighting over the front and back gardens like a couple of young pups. When they’ve both had enough of the craziness, they sit or lie together like longtime friends. It’s nice to see.
16 Responses to 'meet shelby'
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love the photos! reminds me of how my pups used to play-fight – standing up in the air on 2 legs, nose to nose, “arms” wrapped around each other’s shoulders. they’d stand on 2 legs for a while and move their heads about, then drop back to 4 legs on the ground and gallop around playing chase. eventually they’d flop down, roll around, nuzzle and rest. so much fun! hope the summer is very productive and the pups enjoy exploring their new surroundings.
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Hi Bev
It was great you were able to find such a perfect dog. Shelby will have a great home with you and Sage. When we realized our dog Wendolene was failing we got a third younger dog Whateley as a companion for Shaun. Wendolene passed away about a month later while it took a while, Shaun and Whateley are now great playmates and also run around the yard and are often on the couch wrestling. On a trip to the vet we found Shaun had lost some weight and was actually much more muscular.
All the best.
Guy -
How beautiful and it warms my heart that she found such a good home. Beautiful dogs. We thought that way about getting a younger cat for Blackie to play with when we lost Persia but it took quite awhile to get the right cat. Now he gets to play also and that is such a joy to watch 🙂
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Beautiful Bev! More evidence that life is a dream 🙂
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Such wonderful good fortune to find Shelby. She’s a beauty and a perfect companion for Sage. They’re going to have so much fun together. A beautiful addition to your family, Bev!
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Shelby is such a lucky dog to be part of your family…..she doesn’t know, yet, of all the adventures she’ll be participating in! Enjoy! xo
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HOW seet you found the right companion for Sage, they look happy! My dogs are sisters so they are together constantly, I cant imagine having only one…Congrats!!
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Dear Bev, what a great addition into your life. I hope you will all enjoy eachothers company for many years to come. Loes
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In the final photo, Sage and Shelby look absolutely delighted with themselves and with you. Good to hear from you, now that you are back in Round Hill in that lovely northern spring light. I’ve been playing my dulcimers and ukulele every evening before bed. Music is such a joy, as are our animal friends.
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Hi everyone – Thanks for all the nice comments. Yes, I agree with everyone – Shelby is a great addition to our lives. Just over the past couple of days, I’ve noticed that Sage and Shelby are sticking together a lot – walking around and lying down and they look to each other to see what they think of this or that. Sabrina and Sage used to do that too.
am – I’m so glad that you’ve been playing music every evening. I find playing the various instruments to be an important part of my day. So relaxing. -
They are beautiful together! Congratulations on finding the perfect pup!
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That is so great. It really looks like you couldn’t have done better.
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hi Mark – Yes, I very much agree. Shelby seems like a perfect fit!
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Shelby is beautiful, and she and and Sage look so happy together (and full of high jinks). Good for all of you! Love the images…
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Hi Bev…
I originally found your block through Aleta Karstad’s blog…and then I lost your site. Obviously, I’ve found my way back, and have spent the last few days reviewing old posts.
I’m so glad that Shelby has come into your life. It appears as if she and Sage have formed a pack! We’ve never had just one dog.
I am also loving what you have done to your home.
Wishing you much happiness!
Wendy
that second photo is so great! Awesome. Congratulations.