Skylar (February 9, 2012- November 5, 2024)
In May 2014, my 83rd foster dog arrived, a 2-year-old named Buddy, from a family whose children had treated him badly. He was NVSR’s 16th Buddy, a beautiful small merle, in fact, the prettiest merle I have ever seen. A few of my lucky foster dogs heard me say, “I’m keeping this one,” and Buddy got lucky. I gave him his new name, Skylar, in memory of Skye, one of my departed Shelties.
Skylar settled right in. First, there were no scary children here, and he remained very afraid of children. And, there were lots of other dogs – resident as well as foster – to keep him company and show him how dog life was lived in our home.
When Max arrived in November 2015 and needed a friend, Skylar was right there for him, and remained by his side for the next 10 years. The two of them were inseparable on walks, visiting our friend’s farm, sharing treats and exploring the yard. Every place Skylar went, everyone commented on his beauty, and he was a particularly striking Sheltie.
Even at 12 years old, Skylar was excited about our daily walks of at least two miles along the Shenandoah River. But, he was never interested in the rabbits and deer we frequently saw. I always thought he was attached to me by an invisible elastic band. As we turned home, his pace always got faster. He loved his home.
Skylar left us fairly suddenly at 12 years old. Max and I were not ready to say goodbye to him. However, he left us both with so many wonderful memories of this sweet little gentleman.
- Martha Heisel Sent to NVSR 7/4/25
- Martha Heisel Sent to NVSR 7/4/25
Holly and Her Hedge Hogs
At age 13, we had to say good bye to our special friend, Holly, a small, bi-black, rescue sheltie. It broke our hearts. She was a beautiful engaging creature who entertained us and elicited laughter with her antics and daily escapades. She kept track of us, would follow us, and could split the distance between us when we were not in the same room. She amused us by discovering her reflection in the glass ceiling. She was rarely without stuffed animals which she retrieved from a basket of toys. Hedgies (hedgehogs) were her favs. She played fetch with them and arranged them as chin pillows.
She kept watch by the window and liked to shake her lambie through muffled barks when she spied an intruder (fox, deer, raccoon) in her dogdom. In the yard, she would give chase but never caught anything. She had unique, insistent, successful ways of telling time, prompting us with stares, body language, and barks. She taught us how to schedule each day: when to rise, eat, walk, retire, play fetch, get a tummy rub, earn a treat. On walks, she insisted on smelling everything, and as she aged, she decided how long the walks would be and what direction they would take. She gave a vocal greeting to others on the trial. Each time she cajoled us, we smiled. She never over ate and maintained her 20 lb. weight. She was slowing down, but so are we. We have photos, memories, and a painting of Holly, done during COVID by watercolorist Carol Carter 😊, but we will always miss her. We wish they could live longer lives than they do
Bentley (aka Jet) 2009-2025
Jeter is doing great! It was funny how I thought I wanted another small female but once I got to know this goofy boy, I knew, he was the right boy for us. He has such an even, low-key, happy temperament. He enjoys traveling and being with us. He has such a tender heart that even our cat Molly MuMu likes him and she thinks smacking dogs is a great pastime.
It is so funny to see Jeter run across the yard. He hops like a bunny! He loves barking at neighboring dogs and totally ignores the squirrels! In fact, the squirrels no longer run when he comes out. The other day Jeter went hopping across the yard and stepped on a squirrel. To say they were both surprised is an understatement! They looked at each other and then Jeter continued on his way without looking back.
Our other Sheltie is Pepper Man. We adopted him about 10 years ago, and he is 14. Pepper is funny because typically all he tolerates are fetches and pets! We have had many Sheltie fosters and my dear late Sheltie, Jilly, but Pepper really never engaged with any of them unless his fetch toy was intercepted. He did use Jilly as a pillow and occasionally would play with our Lab mix, Bubba (he passed 2 years ago), but other than that, other animals did not even exist.
Pepper and Jeter have bonded. My sister-in-law even calls them the twins. I just call them double trouble! They play, bark (outdoors only!) and sleep together. If one goes out before the other is ready, he waits and occasionally barks "hurry up." They chase around the yard like crazy pups but Jeter never takes Pepper's toy when playing fetch. He will sometimes point guard him (puts his chin on Pepper's shoulder) while waiting for the throw and pretend like he is going for it, but never does. They are so good for each other. They have both been such a joy to us.
Lily
Lily came to NVSR in late 2021 from an abusive, neglectful owner in West Virginia. She was very dirty and very shy. Soon after I got her as a foster, I realized that she was also deaf. Since her rescue happened fairly quickly, NVSR asked me to have my vet do her dental work, within days of her arrival. Upon picking her up from that procedure late that evening, the vet tech brought her out, looking worried. Lily was lying completely limp in her arms. I was advised that because her vitals checked out as normal, she was released to me with the proviso that if she did not perk up within the hour, to take her to the emergency vet. So we placed her in the crate and off I went to home.
When I pulled into the driveway and lifted the car hatch, there was Lily, standing up in the crate, as if to say, "I'm home!" That was it for me - I became another foster failure. Ever since that day, Lily was my little shadow. Always quiet and shy, she never was overly enthusiastic about anything except mealtime. Then, she actually did her version of her little happy dance with a bit of a tail wag, too.
Needless to say, I fell in love with Lily from the very first. It made me joyful to see her lying on her back on the sofa with paws up, looking blissful. She also enjoyed being picked up, placed on her back, getting her tummy rubbed while in my reading chair. She also liked going strolling in her carriage on the local trail and became a favorite of her many doggie and human friends.
At the end, Lily was not fearful. I think she knew it was time. I held her head in my hands as she drifted away, and I knew she was at peace. It was her last gift to me. Rest well, little angel. Always in my heart.
- Sandy Kemp
- Sandy Kemp
Duke
Duke was with us for only a short time. He passed away suddenly in August 2022 from multiple organ failure. NVSR said he must have been more ill than anyone realized when he first came into care. His passing was devastating because he was the sweetest, most gentle boy and did not seem sick except for the occasional tender tummy. He was so happy to get any attention and had the endearing habit of placing his paw on me to keep being petted. He soon began following me everywhere and would even politely wait for me before he went outside or came back in.
He loved being outside in the yard and on the deck. When I said, "Do you want to go outside?", he would do his happy dance. He loved to cuddle, once he got used to being picked up. He was afraid of thunder, but snuggle time on the sofa would quickly calm him down and he would stop trembling. It touched my heart that he felt safe with me.
Every night when I was on the computer, he would lie in the dog bed on the floor behind me. It was a comfort to know he was there, safe and warm. Although our time together was brief, we made a connection, and I like to think that he went to the great beyond knowing that he was loved.
Fly free, sweet boy. You are sorely missed.
- Sandy Kemp
- Sandy Kemp
Mick
My wonderful Mick passed away January 2022 at age 15. He was part of our family for a year and a half, coming to us at age 13 from another foster home. His foster mom told me she felt very protective of him as he had come into NVSR's care in horrible condition after prolonged neglect and not expected to live very long after rescue. With her good care and attention he not only made it back to health but thrived in his last years because of his strong will to live. He had severe arthritis and it was only when his body became too weak that he gave in.
It was my privilege to come to know and care for this very sweet and loving dog. He never turned a wrong paw and was grateful for everything that came his way. He was very popular at the local walk trail, riding in his blue buggy, and made lots of friends there. He is very much missed by them, his vet and especially me. Although his original name was Mickey, I changed it to Mick (for my favorite Rolling Stone, Mick Jagger) because of his longevity and resilience. It seemed to fit him and loved him so dearly. He truly was a wonder dog. Rest well, little friend.
- Sandy Kemp
- Sandy Kemp
Louie
Louie was one of those "extra-special" rescued Shelties that NVSR was privileged to find that special home for. Although he suffered from DM (dermatomyositis), he had a wonderful temperament and attitude toward life. We loved him dearly and miss him very much.
Sadie
Sadie (a/k/a "The Fluff") had more of a role in my life than just a companion ... she was a social media "presence" to my friends and family. Here is a story about some of the many conversations I had with her. Miss her every day! - Laura Biesiadecki
Blaze
Our family adopted Blaze on December 22, 2014. We had six wonderful years with him. Looking back, I remember the first time Blaze visited our home, he walked right in and jumped up on our couch, as if to say he was home, and he was ...
We knew from the very beginning that he was a truly special little guy and how very fortunate we were to have him as a part of our lives. Blaze had the most loving heart and brought us so much joy and happiness. We would always say, he’s not like a dog at all, instead we felt like he was our angel. Our hearts are broken without him. Thank you for entrusting us with such a beautiful soul.
- The Flynn Family, February 2021
- The Flynn Family, February 2021
Millie
On December 7, 2020, we euthanized our beloved Sheltie, Millie (nee Sophie), who had cancer. She was only 9.5 years old, and we had her for only a year a half. Nevertheless, she was dearly loved by our family for her unique character. We nicknamed her "Sweet Pea"
(she weighed only 18 pounds) and "Angel from Heaven," because she was such a sweet girl. Above all else, Millie loved to eat and to take walks with the family and our other Sheltie, Trevor. She also loved to chase squirrels, but never caught one. -- Lisa and Jared Jobe
Here's a card that NVSR received with wonderful artwork of Millie.
With his buddy Skylar at an NVSR picnic
Skip
Skip was a youngster when he was found stuck in a briar patch in Shenandoah National Park, obviously lost. No one came looking for him at the shelter, so he came into NVSR’s hands and I adopted him soon after, with his scratched up face and a ton of energy. Right from the start, I knew he was a terrific dog and for the next 13 years that I was fortunate to share his life, he brought fun and adventure to our home.
Skip was the epitome of a “good dog,” always willing to go anywhere, confident, friendly, smart, playful, athletic, and a good leader for my other dogs. Barky? One of the best! He never met a stranger, and I often thought he’d go home with anyone. BUT Skip always came home with me.
I miss his wonderful temperament and feel so lucky to have known such a "good dog" for so long.
- Martha Heisel, July 2020
- Martha Heisel, July 2020
Molly (Shorty Beans) 2/13/2003 - 10/10/2020
The human vocabulary does not hold enough beautiful words to pay tribute to this sweet soul. 3 months shy of 18 years old, and 8 wonderful years together. She has gone from one coast to another with me, and back again, with countless adventures in between. Her tender heart took on every animal I brought home, cried with me every time I did, and watched vigil through every sickness.
Her own pain became more than medicine could help, and she was eased gently across the rainbow bridge. My heart is forever altered, and my definition of love forever changed. Molly, I'll hold you in my sweetest memories until we meet again on the other side, my baby dog. Thank you for our love story, NVSR.
- Jennifer Culbreath, October 2020
- Jennifer Culbreath, October 2020
Brodie
Our dear Brodie completed our family. We adopted this sweet and tender soul May 31, 2014 when he was 8 years old, and he passed at age 14.75 on Oct. 17, 2020. We will always cherish those 6 ½ years with this most special Sheltie.
When we adopted Brodie, our mission was to make him feel like the most special boy in the world. And he was. Brodie loved his family as much as we loved him. He was sensitive, intuitive, and quite a gentleman. He enjoyed all people including babies and young children. He loved to be held, cuddled, and sung to. A comfy boy who liked wearing his ‘ninja’ socks (silent walker), his winter coats, and being covered in a nest of blankets after many goodnight kisses, he also enjoyed his toys – so many toys! He was so sweet and affectionate even towards his stuffed animals.Brodie was a prankster. Playfully nudging Daddy at the computer with a twinkle in his eyes, Brodie would flop over on his back and stretch out a leg for a scratch. Taking pleasure in teasing Mommy when she had pizza dough all over her hands, he would watch her working at the kitchen island, and then sneak off to ring his bells that hung on the side door as if he needed to be let out. She would stop and wash all that sticky dough off her hands, only to have Brodie bark at her (glint in his eyes!) as she opened the door and he refused to go outside. He just wanted her attention and kisses! This was the routine, and he got so tickled with himself each time! (As did Mommy, who always fell for it!)
Brodie helped Mommy oversee things at home. Resting strategically where he could keep track of three doors and two levels, he sounded the Sheltie alarm and ran with a toy in his mouth, shaking it while barking (muffled barks!) and spinning to entice his human(s) to stay home. Our guests always got a chuckle; as you see, they too had become a part of the herd and were treated to such a display! Brodie would also nap on police gear by the front door so that he knew when his eldest brother left for shifts, and he brought toys to middle brother when his telework day ended, ready for play.
A suburban pup, he also loved his family’s rural property with farm animals, woodland hikes, and zoomies in his field. Brodie’s biggest feat occurred this past summer when his brother was across the field in the backhoe. Brodie kept barking from the house, so he (on leash) and Mommy hiked across the field, where Brodie proceeded to herd the backhoe back across the field towards the garage. He was SO PROUD of himself -- once the backhoe was on the driveway, he immediately ceased barking, shivered with excitement, and trotted with his head held high, following the backhoe the last 100 feet to its parking spot.
Brodie also enjoyed being a much loved grandpuppy to his Mimi and Deda, who would visit regularly with their special four-legged grandson. They agreed that Brodie was part human, being so smart and having such a personality. How blessed we were to be his family. NVSR, thank you so much for trusting us with this most precious boy. We love you always, our sweet little Brodie-bear. -- Janet, Chuck, David and Andrew Lynch, Mimi & Deda
Sir Harley
All of my NVSR Shelties have been special and so unique. Sir Harley, our sweet, sweet boy was 16.5 years old and he never lost his trot! About a year ago, Harley accompanied our family on a mid-week trip to St Augustine, Florida. St. Augustine is a very dog-friendly town, so he joined us for walks and meals. One couple insisted that he must be a Westminster Dog!
Sir Harley helped us say goodbye to my Dad, Jim who was 94. When it was his turn to go to the bridge, Mom (Rose, 97), my brother, Louis, and I were all with him. Here are some of my favorite pictures of Sir Harley doing what he did best -- being a wonderful Sheltie. -- Anne Pearo, August 2020
Bandit
As Bandit aged and declined, we thought a lot about how our life with Bandit began. Leaving his foster home where we adopted him, I got in the car first and his foster mom, Jane, lifted Bandit up into my lap. Looking right at Bandit, knowing what our family was going through, she said to him: “You have some big shoes to fill, but you’re up to the task.” Her words meant so much then - and now. I did not expect Bandit’s passing to thrust me back to the trauma of that time in 2011.
Bandit was up to the task. We loved him and loved him. He traveled with us, went to the beach, slept in hotels, the first dog allowed on the furniture. On his first day he selected a spot on the couch and hopped up. Instead "no,"’ we said "oh, isn’t that just so cute…" That was my daughter’s spot. Home from college, we asked her to move. That was now Bandit’s spot, remaining that for his whole time with us.
Bandit had a beautiful life with us, and he also had a beautiful death, calm and peaceful - just old age, so deeply treasured until his last breath.
When Bandit was approaching 11, we contacted NVSR again… and in August 2016 adopted Tia. Tia and Bandit were a difficult match. They fought for the past 3 1/2 years. Once in a while they played. Life was quite difficult in our house. Tia was pretty much feral and needed much more work than I ever thought I could manage, while at the same time ensuring that Bandit was never neglected! We managed, and Tia will now fill those big shoes, and thank god for her. She is my constant companion.
We are so very grateful for the work that NVSR does and how it affected our lives. -- Jinny and Brett Isserow, December 2019
Boo
In "To Kill a Mockingbird," Boo Radley is the hero to Jem and Scout. My dog Boo lived up to his namesake. Yesterday, we had a wonderful day, not realizing it was our last one together. It was a double-header of a day with a trip to both the dog park and a wagon walk. His big grin and wagging tail showed me how excited he was. Last night, I got concerned about his breathing since it was very labored and shallow. So I took him in to the vet for reassurance it's just old age, not expecting it to lead to the final sequence of events for Boo's time with us. As the vet and I evaluated his x-rays, I could only see how big his heart was relative to his size. It made sense how he had so much unconditional love, gratitude, and joy. That brought me so much delight that it distracted me from focusing on the swollen lymph nodes obstructing his airway. After a grand, joyful day that we had together, I was at peace letting him go riding this high of one of his best days. Love you, Boo. -- Catharine McNally, February 2020
Waylon
Waylon came in to NVSR in December of 2005 with two other dogs, Justin (Robby) & Sebastian (Shadow) from a backyard breeder. Dave and the other foster parents met the transport people at a spot along the highway to take possession of the dogs that we were to foster. Waylon would be our 2nd foster so we were pretty green lol! He wouldn’t come out of the transport crate, so Dave reached in and of course he bit Dave. Putting the doors of the crates together, they basically poured Waylon into our crate. I was at work and really appreciated Dave taking time off to pick up Waylon … so was a bit horrified about the bite. When Dave got him home he worked at making friends with Waylon but Way would have none of it. Dave let him wander around our finished basement in hopes that it would make him feel at home, and of course Waylon hiked his leg on all the bookshelves that lined the walls in the basement LOL! I can laugh now, but boy oh boy I was not laughing then. So we learned a lot from our Way Way, Sir Freckles, Way Bear.
Our Kelpie Jasmine took him under her wing and taught him proper people manners, house manners, how to play, how to walk on a leash, etc. She was amazing with him and he adored her for it. He was hitched to her side from the moment they were introduced. So Waylon stayed with us and we were glad to have this shy little guy as part of our family.
Jasmine left us in September 2017 at age 17, and Waylon had a difficult time after having loved her for so long. Now Waylon is reunited with his lovely dog mom – we find some comfort in knowing that she was there to greet him and kiss him and take back the job of loving him so well. She will hold him close until we arrive. Deago, Waylon’s running buddy, will be there to run circles around all the rest of the dogs and play their favorite game of chase. I know that Waylon missed that when Deago went to the Bridge in March 2017. They were the three amigos and if I listen really hard, I can hear them tearing across the field together .
Rest in peace, sweet boy, and thank you for 14 years of loving us so much.
- Donna and Dave Martin, January 2020
- Donna and Dave Martin, January 2020
Lucky Cloud
We had Lucky for over 7 years, and he turned 16 last August 22nd. Although a senior, people always thought he was a puppy. Blind in one eye and deaf, we didn't board him when we traveled, but always stayed at pet friendly hotels. Lucky traveled extremely well in his crate. He has been on many vacations: Ocean City MD, Hyannis and Nantucket MA, Bar Harbor ME, Ohio and North Carolina. We attended many of the NVSR picnics, too. Chuck bought a stroller for Lucky for our trip to New England last year. People looked in the stroller and were surprised to see a dog, not a baby.
Lucky was perfect for us, an older retired couple who could be with him all day to attend to his needs. He never got excited except when he would come in from outside, dancing in circles. He and Missy, his 14 year old kitty friend, got along very well. Missy lay by his crate and even herded him, which she had learned from our last Sheltie. They were rarely out of each others' sight.
We could not even imagine how much joy a little dog like Lucky Cloud would bring us. The thought of adopting an older dog with challenges was a little intimidating at first, but Lucky was so smart he got into a routine very quickly. When we first got him, he wouldn't go through the front door or up and down the stairs, but I taught him and he did very well. Lucky Cloud enriched our lives and we hope we did the same for him! -- Paula and Chuck Roberts, January 2020
Jilly
Hello to all of you who have worked so hard to save so many Shelties. This is my last note to all of you. You made a difference in this girl's life.
Being a smart Sheltie that I am, I have been trying to tell my mom that it is all right, that I am ready. I would wander off to the farthest corner of the yard where there is a statue of an angel. I would then just stand there and call Mom to rescue me again. I even did it once at two o'clock in the morning and it was really cold. She always came and got me, she loved that much. She finally got my message.
I am now with my beloved friend, pointer Jessie. I know Mom appreciated all of your kind words. I appreciated NVSR for rescuing me and Mom Tuck for fostering me. Most of all I am grateful you found me a home where I was so very loved. -- Jilly Roo Jackson, April 2019
Princess
Jeter is doing great! It was funny how I thought I wanted another small female but once I got to know this goofy boy, I knew, he was the right boy for us. He has such an even, low-key, happy temperament. He enjoys traveling and being with us. He has such a tender heart that even our cat Molly MuMu likes him and she thinks smacking dogs is a great pastime.
It is so funny to see Jeter run across the yard. He hops like a bunny! He loves barking at neighboring dogs and totally ignores the squirrels! In fact, the squirrels no longer run when he comes out. The other day Jeter went hopping across the yard and stepped on a squirrel. To say they were both surprised is an understatement! They looked at each other and then Jeter continued on his way without looking back.
Our other Sheltie is Pepper Man. We adopted him about 10 years ago, and he is 14. Pepper is funny because typically all he tolerates are fetches and pets! We have had many Sheltie fosters and my dear late Sheltie, Jilly, but Pepper really never engaged with any of them unless his fetch toy was intercepted. He did use Jilly as a pillow and occasionally would play with our Lab mix, Bubba (he passed 2 years ago), but other than that, other animals did not even exist.
Pepper and Jeter have bonded. My sister-in-law even calls them the twins. I just call them double trouble! They play, bark (outdoors only!) and sleep together. If one goes out before the other is ready, he waits and occasionally barks "hurry up." They chase around the yard like crazy pups but Jeter never takes Pepper's toy when playing fetch. He will sometimes point guard him (puts his chin on Pepper's shoulder) while waiting for the throw and pretend like he is going for it, but never does. They are so good for each other. They have both been such a joy to us.
Bandit
As Bandit aged and declined, we thought a lot about how our life with Bandit began. Leaving his foster home where we adopted him, I got in the car first and his foster mom, Jane, lifted Bandit up into my lap. Looking right at Bandit, knowing what our family was going through, she said to him: “You have some big shoes to fill, but you’re up to the task.” Her words meant so much then - and now. I did not expect Bandit’s passing to thrust me back to the trauma of that time in 2011.
Bandit was up to the task. We loved him and loved him. He traveled with us, went to the beach, slept in hotels, the first dog allowed on the furniture. On his first day he selected a spot on the couch and hopped up. Instead "no,"’ we said "oh, isn’t that just so cute…" That was my daughter’s spot. Home from college, we asked her to move. That was now Bandit’s spot, remaining that for his whole time with us.
Bandit had a beautiful life with us, and he also had a beautiful death, calm and peaceful - just old age, so deeply treasured until his last breath.
When Bandit was approaching 11, we contacted NVSR again… and in August 2016 adopted Tia. Tia and Bandit were a difficult match. They fought for the past 3 1/2 years. Once in a while they played. Life was quite difficult in our house. Tia was pretty much feral and needed much more work than I ever thought I could manage, while at the same time ensuring that Bandit was never neglected! We managed, and Tia will now fill those big shoes, and thank god for her. She is my constant companion.
We are so very grateful for the work that NVSR does and how it affected our lives. -- Jinny and Brett Isserow, December 2019
Jeter
Jeter is doing great! It was funny how I thought I wanted another small female but once I got to know this goofy boy, I knew, he was the right boy for us. He has such an even, low-key, happy temperament. He enjoys traveling and being with us. He has such a tender heart that even our cat Molly MuMu likes him and she thinks smacking dogs is a great pastime.
It is so funny to see Jeter run across the yard. He hops like a bunny! He loves barking at neighboring dogs and totally ignores the squirrels! In fact, the squirrels no longer run when he comes out. The other day Jeter went hopping across the yard and stepped on a squirrel. To say they were both surprised is an understatement! They looked at each other and then Jeter continued on his way without looking back.
Our other Sheltie is Pepper Man. We adopted him about 10 years ago, and he is 14. Pepper is funny because typically all he tolerates are fetches and pets! We have had many Sheltie fosters and my dear late Sheltie, Jilly, but Pepper really never engaged with any of them unless his fetch toy was intercepted. He did use Jilly as a pillow and occasionally would play with our Lab mix, Bubba (he passed 2 years ago), but other than that, other animals did not even exist.
Pepper and Jeter have bonded. My sister-in-law even calls them the twins. I just call them double trouble! They play, bark (outdoors only!) and sleep together. If one goes out before the other is ready, he waits and occasionally barks "hurry up." They chase around the yard like crazy pups but Jeter never takes Pepper's toy when playing fetch. He will sometimes point guard him (puts his chin on Pepper's shoulder) while waiting for the throw and pretend like he is going for it, but never does. They are so good for each other. They have both been such a joy to us.
Bandit
As Bandit aged and declined, we thought a lot about how our life with Bandit began. Leaving his foster home where we adopted him, I got in the car first and his foster mom, Jane, lifted Bandit up into my lap. Looking right at Bandit, knowing what our family was going through, she said to him: “You have some big shoes to fill, but you’re up to the task.” Her words meant so much then - and now. I did not expect Bandit’s passing to thrust me back to the trauma of that time in 2011.
Bandit was up to the task. We loved him and loved him. He traveled with us, went to the beach, slept in hotels, the first dog allowed on the furniture. On his first day he selected a spot on the couch and hopped up. Instead "no,"’ we said "oh, isn’t that just so cute…" That was my daughter’s spot. Home from college, we asked her to move. That was now Bandit’s spot, remaining that for his whole time with us.
Bandit had a beautiful life with us, and he also had a beautiful death, calm and peaceful - just old age, so deeply treasured until his last breath.
When Bandit was approaching 11, we contacted NVSR again… and in August 2016 adopted Tia. Tia and Bandit were a difficult match. They fought for the past 3 1/2 years. Once in a while they played. Life was quite difficult in our house. Tia was pretty much feral and needed much more work than I ever thought I could manage, while at the same time ensuring that Bandit was never neglected! We managed, and Tia will now fill those big shoes, and thank god for her. She is my constant companion.
We are so very grateful for the work that NVSR does and how it affected our lives. -- Jinny and Brett Isserow, December 2019
Jeter
Jeter is doing great! It was funny how I thought I wanted another small female but once I got to know this goofy boy, I knew, he was the right boy for us. He has such an even, low-key, happy temperament. He enjoys traveling and being with us. He has such a tender heart that even our cat Molly MuMu likes him and she thinks smacking dogs is a great pastime.
It is so funny to see Jeter run across the yard. He hops like a bunny! He loves barking at neighboring dogs and totally ignores the squirrels! In fact, the squirrels no longer run when he comes out. The other day Jeter went hopping across the yard and stepped on a squirrel. To say they were both surprised is an understatement! They looked at each other and then Jeter continued on his way without looking back.
Our other Sheltie is Pepper Man. We adopted him about 10 years ago, and he is 14. Pepper is funny because typically all he tolerates are fetches and pets! We have had many Sheltie fosters and my dear late Sheltie, Jilly, but Pepper really never engaged with any of them unless his fetch toy was intercepted. He did use Jilly as a pillow and occasionally would play with our Lab mix, Bubba (he passed 2 years ago), but other than that, other animals did not even exist.
Pepper and Jeter have bonded. My sister-in-law even calls them the twins. I just call them double trouble! They play, bark (outdoors only!) and sleep together. If one goes out before the other is ready, he waits and occasionally barks "hurry up." They chase around the yard like crazy pups but Jeter never takes Pepper's toy when playing fetch. He will sometimes point guard him (puts his chin on Pepper's shoulder) while waiting for the throw and pretend like he is going for it, but never does. They are so good for each other. They have both been such a joy to us.
Bandit
As Bandit aged and declined, we thought a lot about how our life with Bandit began. Leaving his foster home where we adopted him, I got in the car first and his foster mom, Jane, lifted Bandit up into my lap. Looking right at Bandit, knowing what our family was going through, she said to him: “You have some big shoes to fill, but you’re up to the task.” Her words meant so much then - and now. I did not expect Bandit’s passing to thrust me back to the trauma of that time in 2011.
Bandit was up to the task. We loved him and loved him. He traveled with us, went to the beach, slept in hotels, the first dog allowed on the furniture. On his first day he selected a spot on the couch and hopped up. Instead "no,"’ we said "oh, isn’t that just so cute…" That was my daughter’s spot. Home from college, we asked her to move. That was now Bandit’s spot, remaining that for his whole time with us.
Bandit had a beautiful life with us, and he also had a beautiful death, calm and peaceful - just old age, so deeply treasured until his last breath.
When Bandit was approaching 11, we contacted NVSR again… and in August 2016 adopted Tia. Tia and Bandit were a difficult match. They fought for the past 3 1/2 years. Once in a while they played. Life was quite difficult in our house. Tia was pretty much feral and needed much more work than I ever thought I could manage, while at the same time ensuring that Bandit was never neglected! We managed, and Tia will now fill those big shoes, and thank god for her. She is my constant companion.
We are so very grateful for the work that NVSR does and how it affected our lives. -- Jinny and Brett Isserow, December 2019
Jeter
Jeter is doing great! It was funny how I thought I wanted another small female but once I got to know this goofy boy, I knew, he was the right boy for us. He has such an even, low-key, happy temperament. He enjoys traveling and being with us. He has such a tender heart that even our cat Molly MuMu likes him and she thinks smacking dogs is a great pastime.
It is so funny to see Jeter run across the yard. He hops like a bunny! He loves barking at neighboring dogs and totally ignores the squirrels! In fact, the squirrels no longer run when he comes out. The other day Jeter went hopping across the yard and stepped on a squirrel. To say they were both surprised is an understatement! They looked at each other and then Jeter continued on his way without looking back.
Our other Sheltie is Pepper Man. We adopted him about 10 years ago, and he is 14. Pepper is funny because typically all he tolerates are fetches and pets! We have had many Sheltie fosters and my dear late Sheltie, Jilly, but Pepper really never engaged with any of them unless his fetch toy was intercepted. He did use Jilly as a pillow and occasionally would play with our Lab mix, Bubba (he passed 2 years ago), but other than that, other animals did not even exist.
Pepper and Jeter have bonded. My sister-in-law even calls them the twins. I just call them double trouble! They play, bark (outdoors only!) and sleep together. If one goes out before the other is ready, he waits and occasionally barks "hurry up." They chase around the yard like crazy pups but Jeter never takes Pepper's toy when playing fetch. He will sometimes point guard him (puts his chin on Pepper's shoulder) while waiting for the throw and pretend like he is going for it, but never does. They are so good for each other. They have both been such a joy to us.
Bandit
As Bandit aged and declined, we thought a lot about how our life with Bandit began. Leaving his foster home where we adopted him, I got in the car first and his foster mom, Jane, lifted Bandit up into my lap. Looking right at Bandit, knowing what our family was going through, she said to him: “You have some big shoes to fill, but you’re up to the task.” Her words meant so much then - and now. I did not expect Bandit’s passing to thrust me back to the trauma of that time in 2011.
Bandit was up to the task. We loved him and loved him. He traveled with us, went to the beach, slept in hotels, the first dog allowed on the furniture. On his first day he selected a spot on the couch and hopped up. Instead "no,"’ we said "oh, isn’t that just so cute…" That was my daughter’s spot. Home from college, we asked her to move. That was now Bandit’s spot, remaining that for his whole time with us.
Bandit had a beautiful life with us, and he also had a beautiful death, calm and peaceful - just old age, so deeply treasured until his last breath.
When Bandit was approaching 11, we contacted NVSR again… and in August 2016 adopted Tia. Tia and Bandit were a difficult match. They fought for the past 3 1/2 years. Once in a while they played. Life was quite difficult in our house. Tia was pretty much feral and needed much more work than I ever thought I could manage, while at the same time ensuring that Bandit was never neglected! We managed, and Tia will now fill those big shoes, and thank god for her. She is my constant companion.
We are so very grateful for the work that NVSR does and how it affected our lives. -- Jinny and Brett Isserow, December 2019
Jeter
Jeter is doing great! It was funny how I thought I wanted another small female but once I got to know this goofy boy, I knew, he was the right boy for us. He has such an even, low-key, happy temperament. He enjoys traveling and being with us. He has such a tender heart that even our cat Molly MuMu likes him and she thinks smacking dogs is a great pastime.
It is so funny to see Jeter run across the yard. He hops like a bunny! He loves barking at neighboring dogs and totally ignores the squirrels! In fact, the squirrels no longer run when he comes out. The other day Jeter went hopping across the yard and stepped on a squirrel. To say they were both surprised is an understatement! They looked at each other and then Jeter continued on his way without looking back.
Our other Sheltie is Pepper Man. We adopted him about 10 years ago, and he is 14. Pepper is funny because typically all he tolerates are fetches and pets! We have had many Sheltie fosters and my dear late Sheltie, Jilly, but Pepper really never engaged with any of them unless his fetch toy was intercepted. He did use Jilly as a pillow and occasionally would play with our Lab mix, Bubba (he passed 2 years ago), but other than that, other animals did not even exist.
Pepper and Jeter have bonded. My sister-in-law even calls them the twins. I just call them double trouble! They play, bark (outdoors only!) and sleep together. If one goes out before the other is ready, he waits and occasionally barks "hurry up." They chase around the yard like crazy pups but Jeter never takes Pepper's toy when playing fetch. He will sometimes point guard him (puts his chin on Pepper's shoulder) while waiting for the throw and pretend like he is going for it, but never does. They are so good for each other. They have both been such a joy to us.
Bandit
As Bandit aged and declined, we thought a lot about how our life with Bandit began. Leaving his foster home where we adopted him, I got in the car first and his foster mom, Jane, lifted Bandit up into my lap. Looking right at Bandit, knowing what our family was going through, she said to him: “You have some big shoes to fill, but you’re up to the task.” Her words meant so much then - and now. I did not expect Bandit’s passing to thrust me back to the trauma of that time in 2011.
Bandit was up to the task. We loved him and loved him. He traveled with us, went to the beach, slept in hotels, the first dog allowed on the furniture. On his first day he selected a spot on the couch and hopped up. Instead "no,"’ we said "oh, isn’t that just so cute…" That was my daughter’s spot. Home from college, we asked her to move. That was now Bandit’s spot, remaining that for his whole time with us.
Bandit had a beautiful life with us, and he also had a beautiful death, calm and peaceful - just old age, so deeply treasured until his last breath.
When Bandit was approaching 11, we contacted NVSR again… and in August 2016 adopted Tia. Tia and Bandit were a difficult match. They fought for the past 3 1/2 years. Once in a while they played. Life was quite difficult in our house. Tia was pretty much feral and needed much more work than I ever thought I could manage, while at the same time ensuring that Bandit was never neglected! We managed, and Tia will now fill those big shoes, and thank god for her. She is my constant companion.
We are so very grateful for the work that NVSR does and how it affected our lives. -- Jinny and Brett Isserow, December 2019
Jeter
Jeter is doing great! It was funny how I thought I wanted another small female but once I got to know this goofy boy, I knew, he was the right boy for us. He has such an even, low-key, happy temperament. He enjoys traveling and being with us. He has such a tender heart that even our cat Molly MuMu likes him and she thinks smacking dogs is a great pastime.
It is so funny to see Jeter run across the yard. He hops like a bunny! He loves barking at neighboring dogs and totally ignores the squirrels! In fact, the squirrels no longer run when he comes out. The other day Jeter went hopping across the yard and stepped on a squirrel. To say they were both surprised is an understatement! They looked at each other and then Jeter continued on his way without looking back.
Our other Sheltie is Pepper Man. We adopted him about 10 years ago, and he is 14. Pepper is funny because typically all he tolerates are fetches and pets! We have had many Sheltie fosters and my dear late Sheltie, Jilly, but Pepper really never engaged with any of them unless his fetch toy was intercepted. He did use Jilly as a pillow and occasionally would play with our Lab mix, Bubba (he passed 2 years ago), but other than that, other animals did not even exist.
Pepper and Jeter have bonded. My sister-in-law even calls them the twins. I just call them double trouble! They play, bark (outdoors only!) and sleep together. If one goes out before the other is ready, he waits and occasionally barks "hurry up." They chase around the yard like crazy pups but Jeter never takes Pepper's toy when playing fetch. He will sometimes point guard him (puts his chin on Pepper's shoulder) while waiting for the throw and pretend like he is going for it, but never does. They are so good for each other. They have both been such a joy to us.
Bandit
As Bandit aged and declined, we thought a lot about how our life with Bandit began. Leaving his foster home where we adopted him, I got in the car first and his foster mom, Jane, lifted Bandit up into my lap. Looking right at Bandit, knowing what our family was going through, she said to him: “You have some big shoes to fill, but you’re up to the task.” Her words meant so much then - and now. I did not expect Bandit’s passing to thrust me back to the trauma of that time in 2011.
Bandit was up to the task. We loved him and loved him. He traveled with us, went to the beach, slept in hotels, the first dog allowed on the furniture. On his first day he selected a spot on the couch and hopped up. Instead "no,"’ we said "oh, isn’t that just so cute…" That was my daughter’s spot. Home from college, we asked her to move. That was now Bandit’s spot, remaining that for his whole time with us.
Bandit had a beautiful life with us, and he also had a beautiful death, calm and peaceful - just old age, so deeply treasured until his last breath.
When Bandit was approaching 11, we contacted NVSR again… and in August 2016 adopted Tia. Tia and Bandit were a difficult match. They fought for the past 3 1/2 years. Once in a while they played. Life was quite difficult in our house. Tia was pretty much feral and needed much more work than I ever thought I could manage, while at the same time ensuring that Bandit was never neglected! We managed, and Tia will now fill those big shoes, and thank god for her. She is my constant companion.
We are so very grateful for the work that NVSR does and how it affected our lives. -- Jinny and Brett Isserow, December 2019
Jeter
Jeter is doing great! It was funny how I thought I wanted another small female but once I got to know this goofy boy, I knew, he was the right boy for us. He has such an even, low-key, happy temperament. He enjoys traveling and being with us. He has such a tender heart that even our cat Molly MuMu likes him and she thinks smacking dogs is a great pastime.
It is so funny to see Jeter run across the yard. He hops like a bunny! He loves barking at neighboring dogs and totally ignores the squirrels! In fact, the squirrels no longer run when he comes out. The other day Jeter went hopping across the yard and stepped on a squirrel. To say they were both surprised is an understatement! They looked at each other and then Jeter continued on his way without looking back.
Our other Sheltie is Pepper Man. We adopted him about 10 years ago, and he is 14. Pepper is funny because typically all he tolerates are fetches and pets! We have had many Sheltie fosters and my dear late Sheltie, Jilly, but Pepper really never engaged with any of them unless his fetch toy was intercepted. He did use Jilly as a pillow and occasionally would play with our Lab mix, Bubba (he passed 2 years ago), but other than that, other animals did not even exist.
Pepper and Jeter have bonded. My sister-in-law even calls them the twins. I just call them double trouble! They play, bark (outdoors only!) and sleep together. If one goes out before the other is ready, he waits and occasionally barks "hurry up." They chase around the yard like crazy pups but Jeter never takes Pepper's toy when playing fetch. He will sometimes point guard him (puts his chin on Pepper's shoulder) while waiting for the throw and pretend like he is going for it, but never does. They are so good for each other. They have both been such a joy to us.
Bandit
As Bandit aged and declined, we thought a lot about how our life with Bandit began. Leaving his foster home where we adopted him, I got in the car first and his foster mom, Jane, lifted Bandit up into my lap. Looking right at Bandit, knowing what our family was going through, she said to him: “You have some big shoes to fill, but you’re up to the task.” Her words meant so much then - and now. I did not expect Bandit’s passing to thrust me back to the trauma of that time in 2011.
Bandit was up to the task. We loved him and loved him. He traveled with us, went to the beach, slept in hotels, the first dog allowed on the furniture. On his first day he selected a spot on the couch and hopped up. Instead "no,"’ we said "oh, isn’t that just so cute…" That was my daughter’s spot. Home from college, we asked her to move. That was now Bandit’s spot, remaining that for his whole time with us.
Bandit had a beautiful life with us, and he also had a beautiful death, calm and peaceful - just old age, so deeply treasured until his last breath.
When Bandit was approaching 11, we contacted NVSR again… and in August 2016 adopted Tia. Tia and Bandit were a difficult match. They fought for the past 3 1/2 years. Once in a while they played. Life was quite difficult in our house. Tia was pretty much feral and needed much more work than I ever thought I could manage, while at the same time ensuring that Bandit was never neglected! We managed, and Tia will now fill those big shoes, and thank god for her. She is my constant companion.
We are so very grateful for the work that NVSR does and how it affected our lives. -- Jinny and Brett Isserow, December 2019