Available Shelties

Margo is a beautiful, small, 3yr (DOB 11/4/2022) bi-blue female with some piercing, crystal blue eyes. Even though she is small, there is a lot of personality packed into this little frame.

Margo was an owner relinquishment after her extremely high herding instincts got her in trouble with some smaller animals. Her energy is high, and that is another reason she came to HSS. For the last year, she spent all her time outside, so she does have some sunburned hair on her back. Because of this, she currently has some interesting colors on her coat. Over time, the black will come back, as it already is.

Margo has been living inside (of course) and with several other shelties and collies in her foster home. She walked in, got along with all of the dogs in the home and fit in immediately. She really loves to play and is so energetic. However, don’t let her energy fool you because she will quickly be lazy with you and lie around right next to your side.

Margo is just as much of a people dog as she is a dog’s dog. She aims to please and really loves affection. After only a couple of nights in her foster home, she found her way onto the bed. She loves to cuddle and sleep close to her foster mom. She stays put all night. In the morning, she is so full of energy and ready to play, but only when you are. She doesn’t wake you up. She waits for you to get up, and then she is ready to go!

When playing with other dogs, her favorite pastime is chase and zoomies. This is when her herding instincts can really be seen. However, she does like being chased just as much as she likes being the chaser. She will run non-stop with other dogs if you let her.  She is good with all the dogs when playing; however, she does have a strong drive to play, so it could be too much for some dogs. She is not the alpha dog, but she tries to be when playing. Overall, though, she just goes with the flow. When she is playing and running at full speed, if any of them, or anything, ever gets in her way when she is running, she will fly over them in a single leap. If anyone was ever looking for an agility dog, she would be excellent. Her recall is pretty good, and her commands are not too shabby. She would fly through a course! She is also pretty good on a leash and not reactive to other dogs, people, cars or noises.

Feeding time is a breeze with her. She waits for her food and does not go after the other dog’s food if her bowl isn’t filled first. However, if she finishes first, she may attempt to “share” another dog’s food, but she is not food aggressive. In all aspects, she really is a sweet, gentle girl.

She does have issues with you touching her feet or picking her up. We are working on that, but she does yelp, spring into the air suddenly, sometimes, alligator roll and even nip at you, but she doesn’t actually hurt you. We were warned of this when she came to HSS, and it has been seen several times. Toenail trims are not easy with her. It currently requires two people. She can be picked up, but it takes her trusting you and very slow movements. She will actually climb into your lap, and sometimes from there, that is the easiest way to pick her up. She does love belly rubs, so it isn’t a matter of her not liking her belly touched. She is just very reactive to being picked up. As long as you are aware of this, it can be worked on, and it won’t be a big issue.

Margo is now looking for her furever home. A home without cats, or other small animals (i.e., rabbits), but with another energetic dog, no matter the size, is a must! Her personality changes, and she gets a little sad when she doesn’t have another dog that will play with her and try to match her energy. This little girl will bring so much joy to her new family. Will that family be yours?

Marty is a 10-year-old Bi-Blue male that was part of an owner relinquishment. He is neutered, HW negative and overall healthy. Unfortunately, Marty is very shy and a bit shut down and reserved. He has spent some time at his foster home, working on his nervousness and quirks, but while they are improving, it is at a slow pace. His foster mom can see a big difference, but to anyone who meets him for the first time, they may only notice his nervousness.

Marty’s foster home has several other shelties, both girls and boys, old and young, and he has been great with all of them. He really likes other dogs. When no one is looking, he will even try to play with them if they are willing. He loves the outside and often finds himself cool spots of dirt to relax in.

He likes people, but he is still very cautious and reserved. He is very sweet and you can do almost anything to him (bath, brush, nail trim, love on him) but that is only if you go get him. He doesn’t voluntarily come to you. There was a day that the only way to get him inside was to walk out to him, put the leash on, and walk him in.  Now, he comes in on his own, most of the time.

Marty does have storm anxiety when a heavy storm hits (i.e., when the rain blows sideways into the windows and house). If someone is home, he is good and just stays close. If no one is home, he gets very anxious. A thundershirt and CBD work well, but sometimes additional medications are needed.

Marty has started to become more affectionate as of late and very quietly comes close, waiting to be loved on. He will gently tap his nose on you for attention. In the mornings, he will, very gently, put his front two paws on the bed and ask to be petted. While he walks on a leash fairly well, he often tries to bolt. He may even run into a wall or a glass door. Therefore, we didn’t take him on a walk much until recently. He surprises does really well, as long as another dog is with him.

Due to him being more comfortable with dogs than people, it would be best for him to be in a home with at least one other dog. One that will be good with him, following them around and learning the ropes. One that might even play with him, once he gets comfortable.

Marty may always be a flight risk, so a secure yard is best. He is also so nervous (at times) that walking him or traveling with him, early on, would most likely not be something he would do well with. At least not until he is more comfortable with his new family. Also, he will be best in an overall quiet home; otherwise, he may startle and not feel comfortable. Sudden movement or loud noises will startle him.

While Marty has some quirks, he really is a sweet boy. He needs patience, understanding and time, and he will come out of his shell. There is a family out there for him.  The question is, is that your family?

Riley, along with Casey, is an OR due to his owner’s illness. He is 3 years old (DOB 5/5/22), 29 pounds (ideal weight 22-24 pounds), UTD, neutered, fecal negative. Riley has been treated for heartworms and is now, along with Casey, available for adoption.

From Riley’s foster dad: Casey and Riley are two very active dogs. They like to bark back to the dogs in the neighborhood. They like barking at the neighbor’s cats on one side and a very large dog on the other. I have since toned that back quite a bit, some barking is okay but not a lot. I started crating them at night a few days ago and they responded wonderfully: no accidents. Both boys willingly enter their crates with no problem. Their new owners must have a crate for each of them. Casey even naps in his crate when the back door is open.

They do not play fetch; just like to run around the yard chasing and wrestling each other. My boy also joins in. Casey is more of a house dog and stays near me more so than Riley. They are angels in the house. They need someone who will give them long walks. They have a bundle of energy that needs to be drained every day, and they respond well to that.

Casey, along with Riley, is an OR due to his owner’s illness.  He is 6 years old (DOB 4/20/19), 38 pounds (ideal weight 35 pounds), UTD, neutered, HW/fecal negative.

From Casey’s foster dad: Casey and Riley are two very active dogs.  They like to bark back to the dogs in the neighborhood.  They like barking at the neighbor’s cats on one side and a very large dog on the other.  I have since toned that back quite a bit, some barking is okay but not a lot.  I started crating them at night a few days ago and they responded wonderfully: no accidents.  Both boys willingly enter their crates with no problem.  Their new owners must have a crate for each of them.  Casey even naps in his crate when the back door is open.

They do not play fetch; just like to run around the yard chasing and wrestling each other.  My boy also joins in.  Casey is more of a house dog and stays near me more so than Riley.  They are angels in the house.  They need someone who will give them long walks.  They have a bundle of energy that needs to be drained every day, and they respond well to that.

Neither dog gets on the furniture. I have been off all week, and they have been my constant companions running back and forth.    They come to me when called.  They love when people come over and are super friendly.  Their new parents must provide plenty of hooves and rawhide knuckle bones to satisfy their chewing habits.

At this moment the back door is open and both dogs are lying next to me.  They are super great with my chickens and get along well with my resident dog.  They are not for an inexperienced owner; they crave leadership.