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.]

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"No one appreciates the very special genius of your conversation as the dog does."
~ Christopher Morley

PAPPY -- Winter 2006 -- OR into the program from Shreveport, LA; very painful decision for the former owner as her life situation changed, and she had to give up her beloved dogs, Sunny and Pappy. Pappy is a 5.5yo neutered mahogany S/W, 14", 20#, UTD, and HW-. Here is his HSS trainer's assessment of Pappy: "His small 20 lb frame needs to lose some weight. He has a beautiful, soft, full coat. Some fear aggression was noted during transport and at the Vets but after being observed in a home environment he is absolutely adorable. He loves to cuddle, be petted and receive any attention you will dish out. He runs right up to you, sits and bows his head for petting.  He absolutely loves toys. He will fetch, return and play tug. He is active & playful but also has the mild mannered, well behaved temperament. He is okay with my cat and romps around with other dogs. He willingly goes in and out of his crate and so far no barking. He is the cutest little guy with lots of love to give. You just can't imagine what a jewel this little guy is." Pappy is now happily adopted and lives in the Austin area.
PATCH (Formerly Gracie) -- Summer 1999. Adopted four years ago to one of our first HSS families.
PATRICK -- Summer 2004. From Austin, Patrick is a 1yo double merle, shaved so his skin and coat can come back into condition--he had apparently spent his earlier life outside--but his coat is already growing nicely. Patrick is small, weighing only 11.5#, very sweet, affectionate, and cute, but as is the case with most double merles, he is deaf, though, fortunately, his vision is good. He responds well to hand commands. Patrick loves other dogs and people, and is very active: prancing, floor patting, and freely giving kisses. He will crate up nicely and sleep straight through the night. He's a talker who likes to let people know what he's thinking; loves toys and carries his favorite around with him. He came to the spring picnic and had a ball. Patrick's foster mom and dad, who have an affinity for special needs dogs, have adopted him, and he now has Sheltie and kitty siblings in addition to a loving home.
PATTY -- Fall 2001. Adorable 1yo sable and white, Patty came into the program from Texas City Shelter.  At that time, she was 6-9mo, underweight, and a bit skittish. She had a red collar, so we held her in the program for a while to make sure she didn't belong to someone who was looking for her. However, after several weeks of care, it became apparent she was not going to be claimed. Patty was fostered by Connie and then been adopted by HSS members. She has gained needed weight and is living in luxury with her adoring family who happily call this sweet girl, Pitty-Patty. She loves her big brother Sheltie and all her family. This girl who found herself in a shelter and abandoned is happily in her forever home where she is treasured as she deserves..
PAYTON -- Fall 2001. Beautiful 2yo small Tri from Montgomery County Service Ctr.  Payton is very sweet, funny, extremely active, frisky and playful. Payton gets along well with other dogs, loves to play herding games around the coffee table, and will herd the table by himself if everyone else is tuckered out.  Payton enjoys going for walks and car rides; chasing squirrels in the back yard; cuddling plush toys which he enjoys very much; playing with older children.  Payton knows he's a pip and prances happily to everyone's enjoyment.  Payton has been adopted by long-time HSS members.  He now has mom, dad, and two doggy siblings, including Charley, also adopted by the family.  He loves playing with his pals and cuddling with his adoring mom and dad. 
PEACHES (Formerly Ladybug) -- Fall 2001. 5yo OR. Ladybug is a gorgeous S/W, with a very thick coat, nice full collar, blaze, and tipped ears.  Unfortunately, she tested HW+, but she handled the treatments beautifully. She is such a super sweet and affectionate girl, freely giving Sheltie kisses, that everyone who meets her falls in instant love with her, and we frequently use her photos with children on the web site. She is so loving, her foster family called her "Cuddlebug." She and her foster Sheltie sibling helped foster mom decorate the house for Christmas, which Peaches thoroughly enjoyed, giving her foster mom lots of helpful advice. Ladybug has been happily adopted and re-named Peaches. Her family monitored her progress on the web site, claimed her as soon as she was well, and are totally in love with her. Gentle Peaches now has mom, dad, and Sheltie sister, Ruby, to spend the rest of her life with. Peaches loves to chase squirrels in the back yard, and the activity level also helped her lose weight. Her mom reports the girls are totally bonded and play non-stop; they love to wrestle with tug-toys and are devoted to one another, enchanting their mom and dad with their play. 
PECOS -- Summer 2002.1 1/2yo, itty-bitty S/W; OR.  He is a very healthy boy. Pecos is super sweet; follows his family around; great with children, other dogs and kitties. Because he had been crated most of his life, he's learning the ropes of more freedom and how to walk on leash, but he's having no problems adjusting to his new freedom and is extremely happy. His mom says he is awesome: he is a bit shy and skittish with adults but warms up quickly. He loves children and will happily go up to any child; this active, adorable little guy is still very much a puppy and is grateful for a home that will give him the love and attention he responds so joyfully to. Pecos has been happily adopted by HSS members, who earlier adopted Boston. The family has attended the reunion picnics and are having a wonderful time bonding.
PEPPER -- Sp 2004. An 8yo bi-blue merle OR from Brenham, Pepper is a very sweet girl: she has one blue eye, one brown; beautiful collar and blaze. But she had whips, UTI, and was HW+. Although she had to be hospitalized through part of her illness, she is now recovered and doing beautifully. Pepper is very playful, happy, and smart--a quick study who knows sit, down, stay, and shake. She is so well crate-trained, that her mom only has to motion, and Pepper happily crates up. She came to the spring picnic and the dog show, acquitting herself beautifully with a lot of other Shelties and lots of people to adore her. Some people mistakenly think the gentle Sheltie is not a guard dog. But Shelties are herding dogs, bred to protect, so it is no surprise to Sheltie lovers that their dogs are faithful guard dogs, as Pepper's mom discovered. She was awakened by a noise at 5:00am; Pepper heard it too and raced to the front of the house, barking and charging the door and window. An intruder was attempting to remove the screen from the window, and Pepper scared him off, possibly saving her mom's life.This loving, valiant girl earned her forever home: her foster mom--long-time HSS volunteer, Darlene--adopted Pepper, and the family has moved to Louisiana, where Darlene will continue rescue work after they have time to settle in.
PEPSI -- Summer 2005. From MCAC, 3yo Pepsi was found and turned into the shelter after the owner could not be found. He is an adorable S/W; about 14", 16.8#; now UTD, but unfortunately had kennel cough and is high positive for HW disease. He has recovered from the cough and had his HW treatment which he handled well. Pepsi is such a sweet and intelligent boy; loves everyone and soaks up attention; gets along fine with children and resident pets. Please check back for updates on his progress. One of our volunteers noted his sweet expression and that a horse belonging to a friend is also nicknamed Pepsi, registered name "Cool Right One Baby."  We thought that was just perfect for our own Pepsi. His foster mom writes, "He is one of the sweetest Shelties we've seen and really loves to snuggle. He sometimes plunges head first to get into a good snuggling position which results in his rear end being up in the air, twisted, backwards, rear legs on the back of the sofa -- it's hard to describe, but very comical. He is very attentive and quick to learn. He picked up house training very quickly. He learned to sit for treats and before eating. He is not food aggressive. He gets along very well with other dogs. One of the unusual things about him is his bark. He has a deep, booming, big dog bark! You hear the bark and look at this little, scrawny Sheltie -- it just doesn't seem to go together! Pepsi is a joy to foster." Pepsi is now recovered from his illnesses, neutered, and was adopted into his forever home where he enjoys the life he always deserved.
PETEY (formerly Peanut) -- Fall 2001. 5yo Shaded SW OR, Petey came into the program in good health but shaved for the summer. His coat came in gloriously.  Sweet, cuddly, and active, he loves car rides and enjoys other dogs and playing in the yard with them on nice days. Petey now has mom and Sheltie sister, Sally (in the photo, Sally is in Mom's lap; Petey beside them).  He enjoys his cuddles and long evening walks.  His mom says he is very loving and is sleeping cozily with her now. 
PEYTON (formerly Nicki) -- Born 12/1/03. Nicki is a very happy boy, full of puppy kisses, doing well with his house and crate training. He has learned to sit and walk on leash. He loves his toys and chews, car rides, cuddling in his humans' arms, and being carried around like a baby. He enjoys the resident Shelties and gets along beautifully with everyone. His foster family say whoever is blessed by him is going to enjoy this precious boy and his sweet disposition. Nicki came to the spring picnic and charmed everyone. Both Chris and his sibling Nicki (now Peyton) were adopted together and live near Austin with mom, dad, and two brothers for lots of love and play time. Their new home pronounces them adorable pups who have obviously been loved all their lives and have become wonderful companions for the family. The boys have such sweet, outgoing personalities that their family is having them trained and certified as service dogs to visit hospitals and nursing homes.
PHANTOM -- Fall 2000. Came to us as a 2 1/2yo OR from Humble. He is a gorgeous bi-black, perfectly healthy. Phantom is excellent with other pets and small children; very sweet and beautiful with full coat, but he was a bit shy and needed housetraining. He was fostered by one of our most experienced homes who quickly housetrained and socialized this sweet boy, then helped us find his forever home. The family fell in love with Phantom and welcomed him into their home, where he has made friends with their Tri Sheltie, Shooter, and is enjoying an active, love-filled new life. His family says Phantom has warmed up and seems very happy in his forever home. 
PHOENIX -- Winter 2001. 2-3yo S/W male from Cleveland. He has a lovely coat, full collar, tipped ears, very expressive eyes. Wants to play but had been kept outside without much attention paid to him, so he needed to be socialized in the early weeks. He gets along fine with other dogs and with cats; is very playful and sweet. He came to the spring picnic and was a huge hit with everyone because he is so sweet and beautiful. Phoenix's family report that he loves his walks and play time; and they are totally in love with their gorgeous boy. Jane says they are having the absolute best time with Phoenix and couldn't ask for a better dog. The family picture is their Christmas portrait.   
PIERCE -- Fall 2002. Beautiful 7-8yo red sable with gorgeous collar, from Texas City Shelter. Perfectly housetrained; very sweet and trusting with high energy level and outgoing personality; wriggly with happiness and shadows his human with complete devotion. Freely gives kisses and his paw.  He had a lot of mats we had to shave his rear for, and we gave him soothing baths and gentle grooming, as his beautiful coat was not well cared for in his previous life. Pierce has low thyroid and has been placed on medication. Like humans, many dogs in their middle years are on thyroid medication and flourish the rest of their lives. He had a bad toe amputated and went through some healing while having to wear an e-collar, but he is totally well now. His foster mom reports he is a joy: well-mannered; fine with both dogs and cats; loves people, esp. children. Pierce is a happy boy who bounces and spins with joy. This brave, beautiful boy was adopted by his new mom who feels she is as lucky as he is in their happy family. They are now living in New York, where Pierce and mom have begun a new life and career together.

PORTER -- Spring 2005 is an OTI to local shelter due to death in family; we were able to bring him into the program. Porter is a beautiful 9yo Golden S/W with a nice coat; 12-13", 14#. He is now UTD, neutered, and tested HW-. He was in our clinic several days for treatment of a sore throat; he's recovered and now in foster care. Porter is a very happy, prancey, lively boy who behaves much younger than his age. Here is his delighted foster mom's update: Porter - I can wiggle my way into your heart! Porter is an incredibly loving boy (don't call him a dog because he doesn't know he is one).  He is 200% devoted to his humans.  He wants to stay close and LOVES attention; he will give you lots of hugs and little kisses all along the way. When petting him, he will hold your arm with his front two paws as if to say he appreciates the time you spend with him. Always wagging his tail when you talk to him, he will look you directly in the eye as if he knows exactly what you are saying.  When he is not getting attention from his humans, chasing a ball, playing tug-of-war or wrestling with other resident sheltie babies, he will politely "entertain" himself by gathering a few toys and playing with each one for short periods of time.  Acting as if he is just a pup, this precious baby is full of energy - but with some manners! And he pours his heart into his humans. This precious little boy deserves a loving family that has lots of time to play with him or have other playmates that will keep this active boy busy.  A charmer ... Porter would love to be someone's little snuggle bug. He came to the dog show but was not too happy with all the noise level; however, his feet never touched the ground, as he was always cuddled in somebody's lap. Porter was adopted by the perfect family for him who are both charmed and delighted as we knew the right home for him would be. His delighted new mom writes, "We love Porter so very much and as we get to know him, we love him even more, if that is even possible. When I get home from work, he is so excited to see me that I think his little bum will fall off from waggin. He loves to go for rides in the car, so now errands after work are errands after I go home and pick up Porter first. He loves drive-up windows; bank, KFC and leans his head up high out the window while standing in my lap, ears pinned back and tail just a waggin. I get up extra early just to be with him and we play babies. He now fetches the baby (woolie boolie squeaky toy) and lays it in my lap every time. He never wears out, unless I do. Friday afternoon is nap time for me--I get off at noon on Fridays, and he immediately lays down next to me, head on my pillow and crashes out. Porter has helped us so much, and I cannot not imagine not having him. We wouldn't give him up for a million dollars!Who wouldn't want to get their next sheltie from HSS, where Porter's little personality is exactly how Kim Muckelroy described him--I copied his website description and photos for my sheltie album, and I read it often. Thank you for Porter and for the rewarding work that you all do! You are wonderful! Love, Joannie (& Philip & Porter, too!)
PRECIOUS -- Summer 2004. This sweet girl was an OR to the SPCA because supposedly kids made her "nervous," which we found to be just the opposite. She is 3yo; came into the program overweight, infested with fleas and so badly matted that her coat and skin were in bad condition, the hair coming out in clumps when her rescuer brushed her, and the bath running red from filth and blood due to the flea bites. She will need time for the beautiful coat to thicken and the skin to heal: the damage was so bad she was on antibiotics for two weeks. Precious enjoys other dogs, loves people--especially kids. She rode all the way home from the shelter in her rescuer's 9yo son's lap and couldn't give him enough kisses. Precious is now smiling, happy, and absolutely adorable; very gentle and totally bonded to her humans. She had a wonderful time at the spring picnic. This 'precious' girl has been adopted by her foster home and now has Basil, also adopted from our program, as her Sheltie sibling.
PRESLEY (formerly Tristan 2) -- Summer 2002. Gorgeous 5-6yo Mahogany S/W neutered male turned in to our volunteer by the finders who had him for two weeks with no inquiries about him. Tristan is very sweet, house trained, gets along with other dogs, easy-going with cats, good with children. He came into the program in excellent health and settled right into foster care. He was quickly adopted by his family who fell in love with this beauty and have given him his adoring forever home. His mom reports, "I have always had Shelties but never one that was a lap dog. I never sit alone!"
PRINCE -- Fall 2004.  This charming boy is from Bastrop. He was taken in by a kind neighbor when he was abandoned by his previous family, who had kept him tied outside to a tree. When the neighbor decided she could not keep Prince, she wanted the best for him and relinquished Prince to our program. He was transported to us by our Austin Sheltie rescue partners. Prince is a 4-5yo S/W with a docked tail (leaving about 4"). Unfortunately, he tested HW+ and had to go through the treatment, which he handled without complications. He is sweet with a darling smile. He attended the Channel 11 show where he was beautifully behaved, very sweet and calm even in a strange environment. His foster family says of Prince: "Prince is a very vibrant boy. He loves to play, whether it is with another dog or with his humans. He especially loves to be outside where he can valiantly protect his humans from the wild critters (sparrows, finches, crows); however, he does not bother the little birds that live in a cage inside. He enjoys chasing after sticks and balls that are thrown for him and playing tug-of-war. He also warns his humans of any danger that may be lurking in the woods that you may or may not be able to see. Prince loves massages and will beg for more when you stop. He is a delightful, good-natured boy." Everybody who meets Prince falls in love with him: and this proved especially true when his new forever home was instantly taken with him and also adopted Kelsey. The two of them now have one another to play with and mom, dad, and sister to love and care for them the rest of their lives.
PRISSY -- Spring 2002. Tiny, adorable, 7yo Tri OR from Huffman. Her former owner passed away after a long illness, and Prissy had overlong nails and some mats and mild skin allergy; she also needed to lose weight because she had too many treats. She has a few missing teeth, which can happen when dogs are not fed properly, but this never detracts from a Sheltie's charm. Prissy was a little depressed because she missed her mom, but she is a love sponge who is used to being indoors and pampered; she will pat her caretaker for attention and loves to cuddle either in her caretaker's lap or on her human's feet while enjoying TV or snoozes: she is a complete cuddle bunny who attracted a lot of attention at the recent Highland Games where she spent hours cuddled in one lap after another. Like so many of our rescues, Prissy knew she was home on adoption day: when Jeany set her down in the front yard, Prissy literally ran to meet her new mom, who was waiting at the door. When dad came into the room, Prissy went straight to him and patted his outstretched hand; he lay on the carpet beside her, stroking her lovingly as she gazed into his eyes: it was all over. There were smiles all around; and a happy little girl who had lost her mom found both new mom and dad in her forever home. 
QUEENIE -- Spring 2002. 2-3yo 27# blue merle female from Bastrop shelter. She came into the program perfectly healthy and was adopted by our HSS volunteers in Austin, Cassie and Rocky, who also adopted Reveille. Queenie is a gorgeous girl who gets along with other dogs and cats. She now has mom, dad, and two Sheltie siblings in her loving forever home.

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