HSS is a 501(c)(3) Charity
Organized Nov. 4, 1998

Number of Shelties Rescued by HSS since 1998:
 924 total / 10 in 2010 / 160 in 2005, our record year
due to intakes from Hurricanes Katrina & Rita

Ways to Help HSS Fund Raising

Please mail your tax-deductible check or money order to the address in the sidebar. Encourage your friends, families, and co-workers to make us one of their charities. We will send a note and tax receipt for donors' records. 

Have your Randall's Card programmed to our charity number 8533. 

HSS has been approved for Kroger's new share program.  Go to:  www.krogerneighbortoneighbor.com and click on "Find Your Organization."  Type in Houston Sheltie Sanctuary, print out the letter with our barcode and present to the checker, along with your Kroger Plus card.  HSS will then be linked to your Kroger card. 

Additionally, when you shop on line through IGive, a percentage of your purchase is paid directly to Houston Sheltie Sanctuary. Click on the graphic below and look for your favorite merchants; then click through to them from IGive, and you will automatically be helping our Shelties while you enjoy your shopping.

 

 
  Houston Sheltie Sanctuary, Inc.
PO Box 840235
Houston, TX 77284-0235
 

Updated
 03/07/10 08:07 AM

"The one absolutely unselfish friend that man can have in this selfish world, the one that never deserts him, the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous, is his dog . . . . He will kiss the hand that has no food to offer; he will lick the wounds and sores that come in encounter with the roughness of the world . . . . When all other friends desert, he remains."  ~ George G. Vest

Additional HSS Adoption Events are being Coordinated for this year -- Watch for new announcements coming soon!
 

Our Shelties
Available for Adoption
Or Going Through Rehabilitation

Page 1

To completely understand how HSS works, be sure
 to carefully read about our rescue Program

 Before you make an adoption decision, please read
 Connie's brief article about special needs Shelties
 and Joan's article about senior Shelties.

[Sheltie Standard from the AKC Page]

The Shetland Sheepdog

Coats

One of the most beautiful, intelligent, active dogs in the canine world, Shelties can have "coats of many colors" and thicknesses, though the AKC Standard is double-coated, dense, and flowing.  The coat needs thorough brushing at least once a week.  Due to their thick double coats, our Shelties must live indoors in Houston's hot, humid climate.  Color Codes:  S/W (sable [tan] and white; usually just called a sable; there are many variations such as mahogany sable and white, shaded sable and white, golden sable and white, etc.; this is the color most people regard as 'like Lassie'; the shaded and mahogany sables are not Tri's); TRI (black, white, and sable; many people confuse this color; the dog is mostly black and white with a bit of tan, usually on the face and forelegs); BI-BLACK (black with white markings; there is no sable in a bi-black); BLUE MERLE (usually called a 'merle': 'blue'/silvering pattern on tri or bi-black genes, some tan; often with blue eyes or one blue and one brown eye); SABLE MERLE (mostly sable with merling effect); DOUBLE MERLE (two merling genes; lots of white with the rest of the colors diluted); BI-BLUE (no tan); WHITE FACTORING (more than 50% white); CHW (COLOR-HEADED WHITE) (body is white-factored; head is 'colored').  See Athro Limited for explanations of genetics and examples; Kyleah's Sheltie Coat Page and  Dogpatch's The Sheltie Photo Album for more variations, information, and beautiful full-color examples. 

Size

As one of our veterinarians once remarked, Shelties can be "gazelles or tanks."  These differences are not necessarily because of breeding but of genetics: the Collie, Sheltie, Border Collie, and Australian Sheepdog all descend from the same working dog in the Shetland Isles; then there were many breeding experiments to produce the breeds we see today.  The AKC Standard for American Shetland Sheepdogs is 13-16" tall at the top of the shoulder. The correct way to judge the height is with a wicket.  The AKC does not specify weight, but most in-size Shelties are 15-30#, though we've seen them as small as 8-12# and as much as 40+#.   Most Shelties fall in the taller range, though some are certainly smaller.  The smaller Shelties, though adorable, are under-sized.  There is no such dog as a 'miniature' , 'mini', or 'pocket' Sheltie.  Any breeder claiming to breed 'miniature' or 'pocket' Shelties would not be recognized by the AKC or ASSA and is undoubtedly contributing to genetic and health problems in this kind of breeding.  Over-size means the Sheltie grew out taller than 16"; and some Shelties do approach the size of a small Collie, but Shelties are not 'miniature Collies.'  The best way to tell the difference is to note that the Sheltie's head is more wedged-shaped, the muzzle is shorter, the stop (point where the muzzle meets the crown of the head) is more pronounced, the body is more compact, the legs shorter.  

Temperament

Shelties are sweet, gentle, alert, extremely intelligent, loyal, eager to learn and please; they are also very comical: enjoying fun times and jokes, followed by their famous "Sheltie Spins and Smiles," floor pats, leaps, and requests for tummy rubs.  They can also be shy with people they do not know and should never be forced as they will warm up in their own time. If they don't to a particular person, then there may very well be a good reason!  Most Shelties adore children and get along well with other pets; sometimes they delight in herding family members and cats, but it's all in fun, as one sees in the bright eyes and famous grin.  Some descriptions of our breed claim they are not 'guard dogs,' but many Shelties are extremely protective of their families and terrific 'alerters' to anything they don't feel should be in their territory.  This is why they are frequently regarded as 'barkers,' but they were originally bred as herding dogs: hence the barking and protection instinct, which we in our program regard as pluses in their behavior.  Most Shelties can be trained to quiet on command after being praised for alerting the family.

NB: Prospective adoptive homes, please remember that the nature of Shelties is to be shy with people they don't know; most warm up quickly, but adoptive homes should be aware this can take 2-3 weeks, especially with rescued Shelties, many of whom have been through abuse, neglect, trauma, and medical problems.  Owner relinquishments can also be vulnerable to shyness because they are going through enormous changes in their lives; they do not understand why they have lost their homes and often need special understanding.  We always keep our Shelties in foster care for at least two weeks to assess their temperaments and behavior.  Because our Shelties are rescues needing special understanding and care, to protect both our dogs and very young children (the coordinators are parents as well as dog lovers), we do not adopt to homes with children under age five.  After adoption, patience and TLC will bring your Sheltie out, and you will be rewarded with a wonderful companion dog.  Also, a lot of applicants want youngsters and the newest dogs as soon as they come in.  Please remember that all our dogs, including the delightful seniors and special needs Shelties, are wonderful and need loving homes.

If you are unfamiliar with Shelties or would just like to learn more about the breed, see The American Shetland Sheepdog Association, The American Kennel Club, Commonly Asked Questions about Shelties, and Beverly Miller's Sheltie FAQS.

Summer in Texas: Please read about Leaving Dogs Alone in Cars

PET THERAPY

Shelties makes great Therapy dogs! Pet Therapy is a wonderful volunteer program training owners and their dogs to work in hospitals and assisted living environments to bring a little sunshine to the lives of patients and senior residents. This one offers free CGC [Caninc Good Citizen]  training classes to prepare them to take the test required for Pet Therapy.  

Faithful Paws Pet Therapy Group [Church's Web Page]
http://www.umtv.org/archives/faithful_paws.htm
Vickey Willard's webpage for the group [Vickey is an HSS volunteer and trainer]
http://www.geocities.com/vwillard61/FaithfulPaws_Pet_Therapy.html
Paws4Love/hphp
www.paws4lovehphp.com

[See the side bar of the main page for more links to boarders, groomers, trainers, etc.]
 

Prospective adopters  must carefully read about our program,  have the application completed, and the home visit done.  For the reasons we explain in the program description, we do not adopt out of state.

Codes Below: OR (Owner Relinquishment to our program); OTI (Owner Turn In to area shelter); Vetting/Clinicals (dog is in one of our clinics for work-ups); UTD (dog is Up to Date on vaccinations and heartworm preventive); HW+ (dog tested positive for heartworm disease and is going through treatments; should have a re-check 4-6 months after adoption); HW- (dog tested negative for heartworm disease and is on preventative; should have a re-check 4-6 months after adoption); Split Treatment (HW treatment injections are being split over a month in a severe case of the disease--a bit easier on the dog who is 'loaded' with heartworms or otherwise medically compromised); URI (Upper Respiratory Infection); UTI (Urinary Tract Infection); Hooks and Whips (worm infestations); PB (the Sheltie is a purebred; all our Shelties are PB unless otherwise indicated); Sheltie X (the Sheltie is a Mix, which we determine as best we can with our veterinarians); yo (year old; example: 3yo); mo (month old; example: 6mo). 

Shelter Abbreviations: HCAC (Harris County Animal Control--Houston), BARC (Bureau of Animal Regulation and Control--Houston), CAP (Citizens for Animal Protection--Houston), SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), MCAC (Montgomery County Animal Center--Conroe), VAP (Volunteers for Animal Protection--Kingwood), TF (Twyla's Friends--Kingwood), TLAC (Town Lake Animal Center--Austin)

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

Sometimes we have dogs that cannot be adopted due to major medical issues or advanced age complicated by medical issues. We keep them in permanent foster care as program dogs as long as they need us.  See Sheba's wonderful story of a shelter and volunteers who were determined to help her at http://www.houstonsheltiesanctuary.com/Program_Dogs.htm

Most of our rescued Shelties are older. Please read about the joys of adopting these wonderful dogs at http://www.houstonsheltiesanctuary.com/In_Praise_of_the_Older_Dog.htm and think about giving your home and heart to a senior dog who needs you and will give back so much.

We have a lot of males right now: even if you had always thought you wanted a girl, please consider one of these wonderful, affectionate boys as your companion dog. Visit them and talk with their foster homes.

Note about the popular small, young females: In the last few years, we've been taking in ~100 dogs/year.  Of these, about 40 will be female - we tend to get more males.  Of those 40, perhaps 12-15 will be 4 years old or younger - we tend to get older dogs.  Of those 12-15, perhaps 6-7 will be on the small side of standard, or smaller - Shelties are notorious for going oversized.  Of those, perhaps half will be temperamentally suited for a home not actively engaged in agility or a similar performance sport.  3-4 dogs out of 100, and "small young female" is our most often requested category of dog.  Please understand that the more narrow your requirements, the fewer dogs that you may have to choose from.  And there are so many males and older dogs of both sexes and all sizes who need loving homes.

Please Note:

We welcome loving, qualified new homes for our beloved Shelties and have successfully placed over 950 rescued Shelties.

 The primary goal of our program is to focus with absolute priority on the individual rescued Sheltie and his or her specific needs for a new forever home.

Therefore. . .  Applicants wanting to adopt one of our Shelties must submit an application linked in the sidebar. Applicants wanting to adopt again must submit a new application.

Due to time constraints, we will not answer questions, either by phone or email, about individual dogs without an application on file. Additionally, we do not have time to read or respond to letters.

We do not change our program requirements for individuals who want exceptions made, nor do we read or respond to complaints about our policies, as they are completely in line with the
National Sheltie Rescue Organization’s standards.

Our dogs are loved and cared for in private foster family homes: we do not have a central location or kennel for the public to visit.
 

	Sensational Special Needs Senior! Bert Bert was found as a stray in Pearland.  He is ~10 years old, 14 inches, 23 pounds, neutered, HW and fecal negative.  Bert came into the program with a severe cough and has been diagnosed with chronic airway disease.  This condition could have been caused by chronic, untreated allergies or by living with a smoker.  Our clinic has prescribed some medications which help with the cough, but his symptoms appear to always be subject to seasonal flare ups.   An update from Bert's foster mom:   Bert is housetrained and crate trained (but prefers not to be crated!) He will sometimes whine for petting or attention. He likes to be petted, and is content to sit at your feet. He likes his food, and will bark to advise us that it is time to be fed. He is good with the kitty-cats, curious, but doesn't chase them. Bert gets along with our resident Shelties, Jake and Max, as long as they don't get close to his food or toys when playing. He doesn't mind if I put my hand in his food bowl, however. Bert will play tug with toys with me, but is still learning to "drop it" or "bring me the toy". He wants to play with Jake and Max, but is not quite sure how to get them to play. He was probably an only dog, focusing all of his attention on his people.  He loves  men. He is very obedient, knows "sit" and "shake". Bert will bark at us if he wants to go outside or to let you know that he is ready to go back inside! He will come when called and he follows us around in the yard or sits next to us on the patio. He is a very sweet little guy who deserves a loving home.   Please check back for further updates.  Prospective adopters must carefully read about our program, have the application completed, and the home visit done. Due to time constraints, we cannot answer questions about individual dogs without an application on file.
Rescue Day: In Foster Care:	Ready for Adoption! Codie Codie is an OR to CAP.  He is 3 years old, 16 inches, 29 pounds, is now UTD, dewormed, and neutered.   From his foster mom:  He is starting to vocalize when he wants to go out, looking to one of us for attention and following us around the house.  I believe he is for the most part house broken.  He has learned how to come into the house through the dog door but can't figure that the thing works both ways.  All my girls seem to get along just fine with him, but he doesn't seem interested in playing just yet.  He is a sweet, quiet boy and seems to want the attention but isn't quite sure about getting it, shrinking back a little when we move his way.  We are working on recalls with treats and he likes the two on one activity that gets him.  He is content to lie on the sofa next to someone, just knowing that someone will let him be there and occasionally rub his belly (his biggest pleasure in life right now)!  He's a beautiful boy and with a little patience, will be a great addition to a loving family. Please check back for further updates. Prospective adopters must carefully read about our program, have the application completed, and the home visit done. Due to time constraints, we cannot answer questions about individual dogs without an application on file.
After the rescue: May 2009:	Sensational Senior! Andy2 Andy was returned to HSS when his owner passed away. He is 9-10 years old, 17-18 inches, 45 pounds, UTD, neutered, HW and fecal -. Andy was a devoted companion to his elderly owner, and the feeling was mutual. He is a complete love sponge, and responds to a slow, gentle touch and a soothing voice. He never wants to be far away from his human, even preferring that he/she accompany him outside for potty breaks, and would do best where someone is home much of the time, as in his previous setting. Andy's foster home writes: Andy would make a very loyal and loving companion. He is easy to get along with, is very low key and adapts quickly to different environments.  He has never had an accident in the house.  He is a cat chaser, so he will need a home without cats.  He loves walks and loves to be a part of whatever I am doing. He will devote himself to whoever chooses this wonderful man. He is very gentle and will make you his number one in a heartbeat. If you are looking for a dog that will show as much appreciation for you as you do for him he is your guy! If you're ready for a dog who wants to make you the center of his universe, Andy is ready for you. Please check back for further updates. Prospective adopters must carefully read about our program, have the application completed, and the home visit done. Due to time constraints, we cannot answer questions about individual dogs without an application on file.
Rescue Day: In Foster Care:	Trace4 Trace is an OR for personal reasons.  He is ~3 years old, 14-15 inches, 21 pounds, is now UTD and neutered.  Trace will begin HW treatment on 2/5 and be available for adoption ~4/2.   From his foster mom: Trace is a true diamond in the rough.  Although it's clear he hasn't been living as a family member, he's learning fast.  Initially wary, he warms up nicely.  He's highly food motivated, so training is easy.  He already has learned to bark to go out, and engages in play with the resident dogs.  A leash was new to him, and he still bucks when he feels a "tug" from it, but he's getting better.  He's going to be a wonderful dog!   Please check back for further updates. Prospective adopters must carefully read about our program, have the application completed, and the home visit done. Due to time constraints, we cannot answer questions about individual dogs without an application on file.
	Sensational Senior! Chrissy Chrissy is a 17 inch Tri sheltie, D.O.B. 4-11-98.  Originally coming into the program at 49# (!), she's now down to a gorgeous and svelte 29 pounds!    Chrissy's owner passed away and family members asked HSS to find her a loving home.  Chrissy has been an indoor dog and well cared for her entire life.  She has been fully vetted, is HW & fecal negative and we've had her teeth cleaned.  Chrissy does well with other dogs and cats. She is completely housetrained and crate trained, although she certainly doesn't need to be crated.  Chrissy rides well in the car and enjoys short walks.      From her foster mom: As Chrissy has lost weight, she's gotten more active, with sheltie spins and happy barks when you arrive home, and running and playing with the rest of the gang.  She loves petting, hugs, brushing and just about any time spent with humans.  She loves to roll over on her back and kick her legs in the air for belly rubs.  It is really cute to see this happy old girl in such a display!  Chrissy loves to go for walks; she knows the route by heart now and it tickles me as she makes the correct turns at the right time and then that gallop when she sees we are getting close to the house! She is really one of the sweetest fosters we've ever had! Please check back for further updates. Prospective adopters must carefully read about our program, have the application completed, and the home visit done. Due to time constraints, we cannot answer questions about individual dogs without an application on file.
	Baby2 Baby is an OR to MCAC.  He is 7 years old, 17 inches, 76 pounds (needs to lose at least 40 pounds), neutered, HW+, has hookworms.  We are currently treating Baby for a severe infection in his mouth.  Baby will start HW treatment on 3/1 and be available for adoption ~5/1. Please check back for further updates.   Prospective adopters must carefully read about our program, have the application completed, and the home visit done. Due to time constraints, we cannot answer questions about individual dogs without an application on file.
Rescue Day:	Special Needs Rory At 2 years old, Rory is the youngest of the Shelties taken from an Arkansas puppy mill last year: http://www.hsus.org/press_and_publications/press_releases/arkansas_puppy_mill_rescue_032309.html   14" and 21#, he is now up to date on vaccinations and has been neutered.   Rory is the most withdrawn of the Arkansas Shelties, and exhibits many of the characteristics associated with unsocialized puppy mill dogs. When stressed, he turns his back on the activities around him, and pretends it's just not there. In foster care, he has shown hints of coming out of his shell, but a prospective owner should know that progress in this kind of dog is measured in months, if not years. . An update from Rory's foster mom: Rory is making progress but it is slow. He has started to cautiously take treats from our hands. He still does not engage/interact with our resident Sheltie. He knows his name and will come out from his hidey-hole when called but does not come up to us. He will allow us to scratch his ears and under his chin. He will allow us to brush him but seems indifferent to being brushed. Loud noises and sudden movements still frighten him. He still has not shown any aggressiveness while in our home. Rory will need a kind and patient home willing to bring out his best. Please check back for further updates. Prospective adopters must carefully read about our program, have the application completed, and the home visit done. Due to time constraints, we cannot answer questions about individual dogs without an application on file.
Rescue Day: In Foster Care:	Sensational Senior! Zack Zack is an OR due to family circumstances. He is 9 years old (DOB 3/17/00), is 16 inches, 32#, UTD, neutered, HW and fecal -. He gets along with the resident dogs, but doesn't interact much with them. While in foster care, his foster parents noted that he wasn't moving comfortably and was protective of his right side. A trip to the vet revealed arthritis. With weight loss and meds, he is a much happier boy, and now zooms around with ease. He loves to go for walks, now that it doesn't hurt. He has some trust and fear issues which his foster parents are working on.   Zack's foster mom has been working on basic obedience skills with him, and he now knows sit, down, come, sit in front, heel ... what a smart boy!    From his foster mom:  Zack has a gorgeous, thick soft coat that is a pleasure to pet. He comes up for loving, sticking his head under my hand for caresses. He is a chow hound and would happily eat all that you care to give him - hence his weight problem. You can't give in to his big brown eyes which beg for more - but his food motivation has helped him learn all his new skills!  Zack needs a patient, (adult only) family, where he will learn that he will be safe, loved and not hurt. Zack is going to the Sheltie Nationals in March in Tucson, AZ!  He will be competing in Rally Novice, and participating in the Parade of Rescued Shelties who have gone on to compete in performance events.  His new "registered" name is Arctic Tri N 2B Good of HSS.  Way To Go, Zack! And many thanks to Eileen, his foster mom, who has truly turned his life around!  Please check back for further updates. Prospective adopters must carefully read about our program, have the application completed, and the home visit done. Due to time constraints, we cannot answer questions about individual dogs without an application on file.
	More Shelties on Page 2 More Shelties on Page 3 More Shelties on Page 4

HSS Coordinators

Houston Sheltie Sanctuary, Inc.
PO Box 840235
Houston, TX 77284-0235
SHELTIE LINE & FAX: (281)-859-0146
E-Mail: Connie / Linda / Joan