The Rescue Story

"Every day, an old man walked the beach with a pail, picking up the starfish that had been washed in by the tide, and throwing them back into the sea. One day a young boy stopped the old man and asked, 'Why do you throw starfish back? It doesn't matter. They will only wash up on the shore again tomorrow.'  The old man picked a starfish out of his pail, threw it as far as he could into the sea, and replied, 'It mattered to that one.""

Sheltie fanciers frequently ask us why this beloved breed needs rescue and where our dogs come from. It may be difficult for dog lovers to understand, but there are rescue groups in every state for nearly every purebred dog breed, to say nothing of the mixed breeds: that is simply a sad reality in our culture, largely due to over breeding and human failure. In the case of our dogs, Shelties are a popular breed because of their beauty, size, sweetness, and intelligence. But not all owners understand the breed's characteristics or are able to care for their dogs. Our Shelties come into the program through shelters, found dog reports, and owner relinquishments. People give up their dogs to rescue programs for a variety of reasons: a new baby, the desire to have a puppy for the kids instead of the established dog, developed allergies to the dogs, divorce, family moves, owners going into nursing homes, or owners' deaths, with their family members unable to make room for another dog. Shelties are turned into area shelters for similar reasons and also alleged complaints about the dogs' behavior, which are usually unfounded in our care. Sometimes, like most rescued dogs, Shelties need rescue because their owners did not research the breed, purchased the dog as a cute little puppy for children who lost interest when the dog matured, someone in the family does not like the dog, or the family simply can no longer care for the dog as they would like to and sincerely want their Sheltie to have a new life. Sometimes, in abusive situations, the dog escapes, and the owner never attempts to find him; or owners move, leaving the dog behind to fend for herself. We also believe that occasionally something tragic happens to the owner who adored the dog, and an obviously well-cared-for Sheltie that is found wandering alone may have decided to seek help. Sadly, like other animals, some Shelties also fall into cruel hands and are neglected, physically abused, and then abandoned to the streets or escape the situation.

Fortunately, we have found that for every desperate situation or human failure affecting our own Shelties, there are also angels out there who want to help the Shelties into rescue and a new life. Sometimes they are our own alert volunteers, shelter workers, or rescuers in other breed programs who hear about or see the dog in shelters and want the dog to go into our program because they know breed rescue is a dog's best chance for a good home. Sometimes they are individuals who take in these dogs from parking lots at work, church, their children's schools, their neighborhoods, or even their own backyards where the Sheltie has sought refuge. And sometimes--at great risk to themselves--these folks pull dogs from swollen bayous or dash out to pull frightened dogs from busy intersections or freeways. Like most rescue groups, we are also ready during and after catastrophes: we rescued 10 Shelties from the ravages of hurricanes Katrina and Rita.  These wonderful rescue angels often start the dog's medical care in their own clinics, give baths and cuddles, then call us to take over because they know we can assist the dog on to his or her carefully chosen forever home. Additional wonderful stories involve families who rescue dogs, get in touch with us, and we are able to reunite these Shelties with their worried owners, which is another important part of our program that gives us particular joy.

The stories of rescue are countless and heroic. All of these people know exactly what they are doing: not only are their efforts a labor of love, but also, they recognize that the dogs they are helping are classy Shelties who respond with joy to being rescued. It is a touching experience to watch the shivering slowly subside and the frightened eyes soften in trust. Rescued dogs almost always understand that rescuers and foster homes have come into their lives to help them; they are extremely grateful to have loving homes at last and respond with a devotion that has to be experienced to be appreciated.  A major part of our mission is the forever homes we unite these dogs with: often the families need our dogs as much as the dogs need them. The rescue efforts come full circle in a blessing we have come to respect and feel honored to be a part of. We hope you will discover that for yourselves by adopting one of our beautiful dogs and joining our HSS family. Thank you for your interest in our rescue program.

If I can stop one Heart from breaking
I shall not live in vain
If I can ease one Life the Aching
Or cool one Pain
Or help one fainting Robin
Unto his Nest again
I shall not live in vain.

~ Emily Dickinson

The number one killer of our rescued Shelties is Heartworm Disease.
 Please educate yourself and others about  Canine Heartworm Disease.