Adoptions Gallery

[These are the stories of our adopted Shelties in their new homes.
See additional portraits in the Forever Home Album and the Before and After page.]

[Search Archives by Dogs' Names]

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"My goal in life is to become as wonderful as my dog thinks I am."
~ Toby & Eileen Green

DAISY -- Summer 2001. Found abandoned in Galveston: 5-6yo S/W female. Daisy was heartworm positive but sailed through treatment with no problems. She also had surgery for bladder stones; she is on a special diet to prevent future stones and must have periodic urinalyses to check her levels. Daisy is super sweet and loving; enjoyed the recent dog show and greeting all the visitors. She gets along beautifully with other pets and loves people, especially kids. She discovered the joys of rope and squeaky toys and has her own 'baby'--a treasured raccoon. She loves to go for car rides and walks and enjoyed going with her foster mom on therapy dog trips to nursing homes.  Daisy has been adopted by a family who adore her. She now has her own parents and older Sheltie brother, Buster. She bonded with her new family immediately and has already been on trips to see the rest of the family. Her parents recently had twins, and Daisy has a new photo on the Forever Home Album above.
DAISY 2 -- Fall 2001. Owner relinquishment from Austin. 3.5yo Shaded Sable/White female; partial collar, no blaze. Sweet personality, loves to cuddle and go for walks; with other pets.  Daisy has been joyfully adopted and now has mom, dad, and two Doxie siblings. The furkids have their own recliner, and Daisy just moved right in, found her spot, and relaxed from the beginning.
DAISY 3 -- Fall 2004. Daisy is an adorable, devoted little 7yo S/W. She was surrendered to HSS so that she could get the care she needed for her severe hip dysplasia. She needed to lose weight in her foster home prior to having surgery on both hips, several weeks apart. She has recovered beautifully and has been joyously adopted into her forever home. Daisy has an adorable spirit: she loves to play chase and does Sheltie spins--much easier for her now that she has had the surgeries. She gives numerous kisses to share her happiness. Daisy went on a camping trip with her foster family and had a fabulous time, totally in her element. This precious girl is now adopted into her forever home and is adored as she deserves.

DAISY aka GISELLE  -- Fall 2004. This sweet girl, also called Baby Girl by her foster parents, is a 7-8yo, 12-13", 17.8# S/W girl into our program from the SPCA. Unfortunately, she was HW+ and had to go through the treatments, but she handled them very well. Her coat is coming back in beautifully. She is now spayed and has lost a bit of weight she needed to. Giselle can be a bit shy at first, but she warms up very quickly: she grinned happily all the way to the rescuer's car, cozying up to her angel with complete trust on the ride to our clinic. Once she was in her foster home, she warmed up and came out of her shyness becoming quite alert and smiling happily. She gives wonderful doggie kisses and loves attention. She is a quiet girl who enjoys her naps on the rug in front of the sofa, close to her humans; she does not care for crates. Her favorite place is cuddling with her humans: she is a love sponge. Whenever her foster mom returns home, she barks with excitement and wants to play. Giselle is housetrained and just a joy to have around. She enjoys travel, and Giselle has been a fine road companion. She would probably like a quiet home with lots of love to give her from her very own mom or dad: she is waiting for them to claim her. Her foster parents write, "Daisy is doing great. We are doing wonderful and love her dearly.  Thanks again for all of the wonderful work your group does."
DAISY 4 -- Daisy is an OR along with her brother Max (they are not siblings). She is a 7yo S/W. She is hypothyroid and will be on daily medication, which is quite inexpensive, and will also help her with the weight problem. Both dogs had been shaved by previous owners. Daisy is adorable with a sweet face and gentle disposition; she is a delightful girl. Her vigilant foster mom recognized that Daisy was having some problems and got her immediately into our clinic. Daisy was loaded with bladder stones, but the surgery was successful. She will need re-checks along with the usual annual physicals and special diet, but she is already feeling so much better. Her foster mom says she is now lively, playful, and looking gorgeous; her foster mom writes, "Daisy loves, loves, loves to be petted and if you stop before she is ready, she will gently nudge your hand to remind you to continue. She is enjoying playing with toys (she will bring one to you if you ask her to) and gets along fine with the other Shelties, although I am her preferred company.  She has quite a fondness for women, but also loves the attention from kids and men. She goes well in her crate, when needed, and walks well on her leash.  She also seems to know basic obedience like sit, lay and stay. I have noticed that what she loves more than anything else is to EAT!  She will talk up a storm and let me know quickly that she has been patient enough and that she is ready for breakfast or dinner. Daisy also seems to be housebroken (she hasn't had any accidents since the surgery) and she quickly figured out the doggie door. I really can't say enough about Daisy, she is super sweet and just has a very easy going personality and by the way her coat is coming in beautifully." Daisy is now lovingly adopted into her forever home.
DAKOTA -- Winter 2001. (Formerly Colt)  From Alvin where he had been abandoned at an intersection on a rainy night, Dakota is a 3-4yo, Shaded Sable/Merle male with full collar. He is absolutely gorgeous, feisty, funny, and adorable. Dakota's family are long-time HSS members and volunteers, Melissa and Greg; they fell in love with him and wanted to help give him the home and training he deserves. His mom reports that he has gone from a homeless little boy to the beloved Napoleon of his family: she says he acts like he was born into the luxury of being an indoor dog rather than a rescued stray, and he has become their sweet baby.  
DAKOTA 2 -- Summer 2002. Beautiful, 6yo; shaded S/W Male OR; very sweet and happy to be in rescue. Dakota gets along fine with other dogs and with cats; he is gentle with all humans, including children. Dakota has been joyously adopted.  He is enjoying his walks with mom, playing ball with dad, and cozying up with his new kitty pal. Dakota is becoming one of the most popular dogs in the neighborhood because he is such a sweet gentleman. He has been taking obedience classes, and eventually, the family hopes to train Dakota in therapy work. At Christmas, he got to take a wonderful trip with mom and dad to see the rest of his family. This prince among Shelties is treasured as he has always deserved to be. He recently came with mom and dad to the dog show, and had a great time.  Mom and Dad are now volunteers for the program to help other rescued Shelties.
DALLAS -- Fall 2001. S/W 2-3yo male from Conroe shelter. He was found in the area and kept for a week with no inquiries about him; then turned in to the shelter. Dallas had HW disease but was successfully treated with no side effects. He is gentle and friendly, gets along with other dogs and with cats. Dallas has been joyously adopted by HSS volunteer, Debbie. He has been on walks and trips to PetSmart for new toys, and he particularly enjoys chasing the birds in his new back yard. Everyone who meets Dallas is amazed by his beauty, sweet disposition, and good manners. Two years later, Dallas now has his Canine Good Citizen Title and continues to be his family's joyous and devoted companion.
DANNY -- Winter 2003 Gorgeous 2yo Tri who had been running loose for several weeks south of Houston. Our volunteer there was finally able to entice him into sanctuary. He was shy at first, but so grateful for the rescue. We posted ads, but there were no responses, and no ads inquiring about him. He did not have a collar or tags. He came in matted, sick with hookworms, whip worms, and heartworms. He successfully completed all his treatments and is now well, though he has a kidney condition and must be kept on Science Diet C/D to prevent crystals forming that could lead to kidney stones. Danny is very sweet and gets along with everyone in the family and with other pets. He loves to play, cuddle, and sleep with his human friends. Danny and Dayton were in foster care together and to their joy were adopted together by their dad, whose co-workers threw a big welcome home party for the boys.
DANTE -- Spring 2001. From Sealy; 4yo S/W; full collar; blaze. Owner relinquishment along with his foster sister, Reba. Dante had an abdominal hernia which our veterinarian repaired, and he is now healthy. He is good with both dogs and cats, and with children; sweet and friendly; super cute and cuddly. Dante is petite and delicate looking but holds his own with other dogs when he wants his treats and loving. This gorgeous boy has joined Brodie and Chime in his forever home with an HSS member, who fell in love with him at one of the picnics. Dante has been a little sparkplug who has helped bring Brodie's personality out, and his mom is enjoying her mighty crew: AKA "Triple Trouble"! 
DAPHNE -- Summer 2005.  This precious 3yo Tri girl had been used in a breeding program. She came into the program with overgrown nails, flea allergies, and resultant infections that took weeks to heal. She was grateful to be rescued and slept in her rescuer's arms all the way to the clinic. In foster care, she did great, healed, and started growing her coat back. She has been joyously adopted by a family that will take proper care of her the rest of her life. We will upload new family picture when they have time, but this is what she looked like when she came into the program. Her family says her coat is coming in beautifully; that she is very content and happy with them. They love their precious girl.

DARBY -- Winter 2005. is a beautiful 2yo S/W girl who was relinquished to the program because the owners wanted her to have a new home. Darby was at first a timid girl, but she loves to play with toys and fetch, and after her fears eased, she will gladly cuddle and loves to give kisses. She gets along fine with other dogs and signals to go out; perfectly house and crate trained. At bed time, she is already in her crate waiting for lights out. Both her rescuer and foster parents think she's a sweet, happy, playful girl. Her new mom says Darby settled right in and that it's like she has been with them for months instead of just a week. Their resident Sheltie Tucker had more adjustment to make. First he looked at them as if to ask why they let this strange dog in their home. Then it was, "well if I ignore her she'll disappear."  Now, they lie next to each other and are best friends. Darby has happily settled right into her forever home.
DAYTON -- Spring 2003. From TLAC in Austin.  Beautiful 1.5 to 2yo S/W male with full collar, pretty blaze, and tipped ears. Dayton was transported with Katie from Austin by our intrepid volunteers and then enjoyed a few weeks in foster care where he met and became best buds with Dayton and was adopted with him into his new home. Danny also loves children and is one of our sweetest Shelties.

DEJA -- Spring 2004. Gorgeous 4-5yo bi blue merle OTI due to owner's illness. Deja is super sweet and gentle; crate trained. She seems to enjoy her crate and willingly goes to her 'den' for private time. She was a bit traumatized at first because of the sudden changes in her life but quickly adjusted in her loving foster home's care. Her former owner can feel happy for her precious girl, because Deja was adopted by Sue and Pat, long-time volunteers and foster parents who fell in love with her and quickly brought her into their home where she will be cherished the rest of her life.

 
DINAH -- Fall 2003. Adorable shaded S/W girl from our Austin rescue volunteers, Dinah is 9yo, and small at 13", with very nice temperament. She talked a lot to her caretakers as they cleaned her up (we had to do some shaving for mats), and she sticks like velcro to her humans. She gets along fine with other dogs, though she certainly prefers they not get in her face, thank you very much. She had been found abandoned and was in serious need of grooming and trimming for mats, and of course was confused by all the adventures in her life, but she is very sweet and grateful for the help she is getting now. She walks well on leash, rides well in the car, likes rawhide chews, freely gives kisses and is very affectionate. Dinah made the trip between volunteers from Austin to Houston just fine. She was a tired girl after a long day, so her foster sister, pronouncing her totally cute and adorable, promptly took her off to bed where she slept contentedly the rest of the night. Dinah was adopted by her foster mom who couldn't bear to part with her sweet girl.
DIXIE [Formerly Diamond/Miss D] -- Summer 2004. This beautiful S/W girl is a 6yo, spayed OR that family gave up due to move. Diamond was overweight by 20#; has some arthritis in one of her hips; and had a staph infection in her skin. She was placed on medication for both; the staph infection is healed, and the arthritis medication is working: she is much more comfortable now and can move easily, even going up and downstairs, which she could not do before. Her foster mom says she is very sweet and loving; enjoys belly rubs. She sits on command and is house trained; gets along well with other dogs (she likes to mother them) and is gentle with children. Two months later, through proper feeding and exercise, Diamond's foster mom has done a terrific job of getting the excess weight off, and this girl is her incredibly gorgeous self. With her slim new figure and the arthritis medication (which is working so well along with weight loss that we've been able to reduce the dosage), Diamond now has pep and energy. She loves her walks; thoroughly enjoys toys and chews, and is now a very happy girl in her loving forever home, which has re-named her Dixie. Dixie also now has a new brother adopted from the program: Weaver now named Mason.
DODGER -- Fall 2000. Very special story of the worst abuse case in our program history, but also of joyously happy adoption. Please see the web site.  Dodger recently got a new brother when his family also recently Asher.
DORIE -- Fall 2004. This cutie pie was found in southeast of Houston. Finder kept her two weeks and had fliers up. After no one claimed Dorie, the finder relinquished her to our program so she would have the best chance of getting a new home just right for her. Unfortunately, she tested HW+ and had to go through the treatment, which she handled with no side effects. Dorie is a sweet S/W; friendly, prancy, funny, and playful; she has a delightful personality and is a very happy girl. She loves everyone: other dogs, cats, adults, and children. She had a wonderful Christmas, and the foster family's holiday guests were very impressed with both her and Blake, her rescue sibling (now adopted). Quickly after her recovery, adorable Dorie was adopted into her forever home by her thrilled new family, who is also now fostering for our program.
DUCHESS -- Summer 1999. Adorable Duchess came to us as 2yo 'Sally,' a stray we rehabilitated because she was very shy at first but who learned to trust and was adopted into a loving home. Linda's fosters always love being photographed on her Amber's bed!  And the erstwhile Sally has certainly become a Duchess under the care of her adoptive home, safe from the streets and loved now for four years.
DUNCAN 2 (formerly Vito) --  Summer 2003. OR along with his sister, Bella, Duncan is a handsome 2yo White-Factored Tri.  At first he was missing his sister in foster care, but he is very people oriented and comforted himself with lots of cuddles and kisses. He likes adults and kids; gets along with other dogs; very adorable personality. His new family had lost their beloved Kisca, one of our adoptions, a few months earlier and had been waiting for the right Sheltie to bring into their family. Duncan is now happily cuddling with mom, dad, and kids, who all pronounced themselves totally swept away by their new baby. He has fallen so in love with his kids that he sleeps curled up close to them and spends almost all his time with them, walking them to school and waiting for them to come home at the end of the day. He has also gained a lot of confidence and enjoys his walks and camping trips with the family.
DUNCAN 3 -- Summer 2004. This beautiful boy was an OR who had been well cared for by the previous family but who felt he was too large for their youngsters. Duncan is a 1yo S/W who is sweet and friendly; house and obedience trained and likes to go for rides: the photo is from one of his trips to the lake in his foster home's (now his grandparents') RV. He has been adopted by his foster home's daughter and family: it was love at first sight for all of them, and Duncan now happily lives near Austin.
DUNCAN 4 -- Fall 2005. Duncan is a precious 6yo Golden S/W male OR. He was shaved about 3 months ago but otherwise usually has a gorgeous long, soft coat. Duncan has lived with cats for years but was relinquished because he was chasing the resident cats. Duncan is very shy at 1st but warms up pretty quickly. He plays very well with all dogs and is such a well- behaved cutie. Duncan is crate trained but absolutely does not need one as he is such a good boy. This gorgeous boy has been adopted into his loving forever home: when they came to visit him in his foster home, he jumped up on the sofa next to his new mom, and immediately won her heart.
DUSTY -- Spring 2001. 6-7yo S/W male with stunning collar and milk stain blaze. Dusty was left tied up to the gate at Special Pals shelter, where he spent the night confused and frightened. When the shelter workers found him the next morning, they called us, and we got him into the program immediately.  Fortunately he was relatively healthy and quick to trust. Dusty lives to play and is expert at fetch of anything his caretakers would like to toss for him. He is very friendly and sweet, gets along with other dogs and cats, is absolutely gorgeous with an adorable personality. Dusty has been adopted by a wonderful family and is gloriously happy with his ecstatic new family and Sheltie sister. His family report that he is doing beautifully and enjoying lots of Frisbee and ball chasing.
DYLAN -- Spring 2001.  4yo S/W with full collar; thick coat, classic Sheltie markings.  He was an OR turned into our program HW+.  Dylan had been kept in a garage without toys or attention his entire life.  Still, he is great with kids and other pets; a beautiful, charming, smart boy, whose foster family quickly housetrained him and labeled him "one cool dude."  We successfully treated him for the heartworms, and afterwards we discovered he loves to play fetch and tug-of-war. This adorable boy has become a delightful companion Sheltie. His new family had lost their beloved Sheltie a few months earlier and wanted very much to give our boy his forever home. He healed the ache in their hearts, and they have given him the love, attention, and playtime he had been missing all his life.
DYLAN 2-- Fall 2004. From LaPorte Animal Shelter, Dylan's time was up after three days, and we got him into the program immediately. He is a healthy, very handsome 6yo S/W boy. However, at 17" he weighed only 17.8# , but he gained the needed weight in foster care. Dylan had a very short coat as though he has spent most of his life outside, but over the winter with better care, his coat is coming back in and will become the luxurious male Sheltie coat it is meant to be. He does have a bit of grass allergy, so woodsy walks must be kept to a minimum. Dylan is a nice boy, with a gorgeous face and huge, sweet eyes. He is very playful and super smart. Dylan has been adopted into his loving forever home where he will have the devotion he deserves the rest of his life.

Before Adoption, all HSS Shelties are spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and treated for initial ailments as possible within the scope of our rescue program.