Michigan Sheltie Rescue

25/07/2024

Today we are asking for prayers for one of our newest intakes. A sad story but there is hope. She came from a shelter as an unclaimed stray. Unknown how long she had wandered in the high heat. Very dehydrated. When she arrived at my home her undercoat was tightly matted to her skin all over her body, nails were curled under her paws, her entire mouth and teeth were covered in tartar (the worst I have seen in 40 years!), nose was scaling off and dripping, coughing, was not eating but drank water. She is old and deaf. Possibly some vision loss.

It was a weekend, which I spent trying to save her coat rather than shaving her. Medication on the top of her nose. Her nails were trimmed. I named her Dee Dee. Finally on Sunday, she ate/lapped some shredded chicken. She was taken to a vet for a blood panel and exam. The vet kept her overnight for a possible emergency surgery on her mouth. Blood work came back the following day and showed she was in kidney failure. A decision had to be made that morning. She could not live with the condition of her mouth. Do we chance surgery on this old girl, despite the blood results, to try to give her a couple of decent weeks or months or euthanize? I opted to spend the money from the rescue account to try for a chance that she might be out of pain, clean, comfortable in her fluffy dog bed, feel love and care for whatever time she might have left if she survived the surgery.

During the surgery it was discovered the bacteria had made a hole in the top of her mouth into the nasal area. She survived surgery and is still at the vet office receiving fluids to flush the anesthetic from the kidneys and pain medication. All teeth were removed except the four K9's. I visited her today and she ate the shredded, wet chicken I brought for her. They will offer more tonight. Vet will check her kidney values again tomorrow. We are fighting so hard to bring her back here for more aftercare.

The decisions we make in rescue are not always "cut and dried" or even the most practical. Each dog is an individual case. Yes, I can be rightly criticized for spending this much on a very old dog who, in all probability, won't live very long but isn't this what rescue is all about? She was only at my home for three days. I saw a sweet, gentle, old lady who wanted any attention she could get. She deserved some love and care which she obviously had not received in many years. Isn't that what we all hope for at the end?

Please send good thoughts for little Dee Dee.

18/07/2024

A BIG welcome to our newest addition to the Michigan Sheltie Rescue. A lovely, blue merle gal. She won't be available for a couple of weeks. I will post more information at that time.

29/06/2024

UPDATE:
Sarge left for his new home this afternoon June 29th. "On to new adventures, Sarge. I know you will fill a space for him that has been empty since his last sheltie died." Sarge warmed up to him quickly and was excited to leap into his vehicle when they left.

26/06/2024

We can finally announce our newest arrival, Sarge, is available for adoption. He has completed all medical including a complete blood panel, thyroid test, urinalysis, dental cleaning and removal of a benign growth on his rear leg. Sarge is a sweet, sable and white, 11-year-old gentleman, whose owner could no longer care for him due to her own medical issues. He does well with other dogs, likes his walks on a lead, is gentle and affectionate with people but likes his food and treats a bit too much. Sarge is a few pounds over his ideal weight by about 4/5 lbs. This is a nearly perfect dog waiting for a quiet household who may want a walking companion and friend. and willing to give him a retirement home for his last years. An application can be found on our website www.michigansheltierescue.net

Sarge has been adopted. See the updated post above.

19/01/2024

Something to think about. We are getting applications for the puppy, Nicki, and his very young mother, Wendy. Some would be good homes for a middle-aged adult but not appropriate for a puppy. Please think ahead. A sheltie's average life span is 12-14 years. Will someone in their middle 70's now be able to care for a senior dog, who sometimes needs more care, when they themselves are in their late 80's? Also, a puppy cannot be confined in a crate or left alone all day while their owners work 8-9 hours a day. We do require a "visible, fenced yard" for our dogs for their safety. It doesn't matter if you have 3 or 40 acres for the dog to run on. Will the dog know where your property lines end or the danger from other animals? Most people, after having the dog for a few years, will not consistently go out EVERY time with their dog. Especially in blizzard weather when the dog wants to roll around in and play in the new snow or a downpour rain as you stand there encouraging him to go potty. They tell us, "He was trained not to leave the yard", "He never left the yard before". We hear this way too often as we pull out live traps or pick up their dog from the side of the road. All it takes is just ONE time. Please, please think ahead.

04/01/2024

This is one of the reasons why we do not like invisible fences for our adoptions:

This little guy got out of his invisible fence...no doubt chasing a squirrel that was outside the boundary. He managed to fight off the coyotes that tried to kill him.
The shock collar around his neck had prevented his return to his home and yard, so he went back into the woods to lay down to die. His owner was determined to find him. When he was found he was pretty torn up with a temp of 94°F.
Invisible fencing is Not going to keep animals, or other threats out of your yard.
If your dog runs through the barrier in pursuit of a critter, he's going to get corrected by that collar if he tries to get back home.... Please reconsider invisible fencing. People may say that they have been using them for years without issue.
However, it only takes once

17/12/2023

UPDATE: Puppies are growing, playing with toys, running thru tunnels and enjoying the backyard when the weather cooperates. They will receive their vet checks and vaccines on the 21st and shortly afterwards be ready for their new homes. Three new owners are eagerly awaiting their arrival after Christmas. The two boys are still available. One is a beautiful, blue merle and the other is a very handsome tri-color. Their mother, Wendy, will be available after her spay in January. She has already passed her blood panel, urinalysis, heartworm check, etc. An application can be found on our website at www,michigansheltierescue.net A visible, securely fenced yard is required.

01/12/2023

Pictures of puppies at five weeks.

28/11/2023

Please help us!!!! We depend on your donations to do all we do.

26/11/2023

NEW ARRIVALS! We have taken in a new mom and her five puppies. Mom will be two years old next month. Pups are only four weeks old. There are two tri color and three blue merles. All need care and mom will need all vet work completed later. In the meantime, they are safe, fed, warm and comfortable in their bed with some baby toys.

If interested in adopting, please submit an application from our website at www.michigansheltierescue.net

15/10/2023

06/10/2023

The Story of the Missouri Puppy Mill Dogs Puppy Mill: A puppy mill, also known as a puppy farm, is a commercial dog breeding facility characterized by quick breeding and poor conditions.[1] Although no standardized legal definition for “puppy mill” exists, a definition was established in Avenson...

06/10/2023

Please read the article. Lots of educational information. Thanks to the coordination with our sister rescues across the country, these dogs are now safe. A story of just one of many seizures National Sheltie Rescue Association, of which I am a Board member, has helped with.

The Story of the Missouri Puppy Mill Dogs Puppy Mill: A puppy mill, also known as a puppy farm, is a commercial dog breeding facility characterized by quick breeding and poor conditions.[1] Although no standardized legal definition for “puppy mill” exists, a definition was established in Avenson...

28/05/2023

MORE GOOD NEWS: Last July we placed an eight-year-old girl named Sue into her new home. She came to rescue due to her owner dying. In less than a year she received her Canine Good Citizenship title from AKC and then began classes to become a certified therapy dog. Before the classes were even finished, she completed all three of her required outside tests for official certification. Today was her last one! This senior dog has brought so much joy to her new home (He claims she rescued him). She is now giving comfort and smiles to innumerable people. All this in less than a year and from a senior dog. Don't ever discount the senior or handicapped dogs! Huge Congratulations to Sue and Bob. Will try to post a picture when I receive one.

03/03/2023

UPDATE: Great news! Hattie has left for her new home with a lovely, retired couple. She will also have a senior Papillon to keep her company in a large, fenced yard and beautiful home. In very short order, she has found her nighttime bed in a chair in the bedroom and staked out her new mom's lap. Am very happy for Hattie as she begins her new life in her now forever home.

25/01/2023

WELCOME to Hattie!!! She is a large, beautiful, bi-black, female about 7 years old. A bit overweight at 38 lbs. and has begun her diet. Hattie is a love. Wants to sit on your lap and very willing to lay on the couch with you to take a nap. Haven't tried her with fetching toys yet. We are beginning her medical and scheduled her for a dental cleaning in February. If interested in Hattie please submit an application from our website at michigansheltierescue.net

21/01/2023

Our sweet, old Scottie in MI. Sheltie Rescue left for the Bridge on Monday, Jan. 16th, 2023. When he arrived in August 2020 his body was covered in a staph infection, with no hair, fleas, terrible ear infections (which left him deaf) rotting teeth, and weighing over 64 lbs. All his joints were swollen, and he could hardly walk due to years of excessive weight on them. However, his beautiful soul shined thru it all. I was determined to make this dog comfortable for whatever short time he had left. Scottie tolerated all that needed to be done. He greeted every new person and new rescue dog with acceptance and a wagging tail as if they had come just to see him. Loved everyone and, despite his appearance, he radiated the beauty within him. I know he enjoyed life here pain-free and well-loved. Toward the end, he needed to be helped to stand, and carried outside and to his soft bed at night. No longer trying to run in the yard or keep up with the other dogs. It was time to set him free. Scottie was one of the throwaway dogs that come into rescue. His heart was huge, along with his determination. This dog was so very special and, yes, I miss his loving soul. My prayer is that GOD has restored his body and I will see him again someday.

02/01/2023

This is so true.

💜🐾I am your dog, and I have a little something I'd like to whisper in your ear; I know that you humans lead busy lives. Some have to work, some have children to raise. It always seems like you are running here and there, often much too fast, often never noticing the truly grand things in life.

Look down at me now, while you sit there at your computer. See the way my dark brown eyes look at yours? They are slightly cloudy now. That comes with age. The grey hairs are beginning to ring my soft muzzle. You smile at me; I see love in your eyes. What do you see in mine? Do you see a spirit? A soul inside, who loves you as no other could in the world? A spirit that would forgive all trespasses of prior wrong doing for just a simple moment of your time?

That is all I ask; To slow down, if even for a few minutes to be with me. So many times you have been saddened by the words you read on that screen, of others of my kind, passing. Sometimes we die young and oh so quickly, sometimes so suddenly it wrenches your heart out of your throat. Sometimes, we age so slowly before your eyes that you may not even seem to know until the very end, when we look at you with grizzled muzzles and cataract clouded eyes. Still the love is always there, even when we must take that long sleep, to run free in a distant land.

I may not be here tomorrow; I may not be here next week. Someday you will shed the water from your eyes, that humans have when deep grief fills their souls, and you will be angry at yourself that you did not have just "One more day" with me.

Because I love you so, your sorrow touches my spirit and grieves me. We have NOW, together. So come, sit down here next to me on the floor, and look deep into my eyes. What do you see? If you look hard and deep enough we will talk, you and I, heart to heart. Come to me not as "alpha" or as "trainer" or even "Mom or Dad," come to me as a living soul and stroke my fur and let us look deep into one another’s eyes, and talk. I may tell you something about the fun of chasing a tennis ball, or I may tell you something profound about myself, or even life in general. You decided to have me in your life because you wanted a soul to share such things with. Someone very different from you, and here I am.

I am a dog, but I am alive. I feel emotion, I feel physical senses, and I can revel in the differences of our spirits and souls. I do not think of you as a "Dog on two feet" -- I know what you are. You are human, in all your quirkiness, and I love you still.

Now, come sit with me, on the floor. Enter my world, and let time slow down if only for 15 minutes. Look deep into my eyes, and whisper to my ears.

Speak with your heart, with your joy and I will know your true self. We may not have tomorrow, and life is oh so very short.

So please… come sit with me now and let us share the precious moments we have together.

Love,
Your Dog...
.Anonymous🐾💜

19/12/2022

There have been some posts on this page advertising merchandise bearing our name. We do NOT sell any merchandise. It is a scam. I have blocked that "person". Please do not reply to any posts of this kind.

19/12/2022

WEEKEND UPDATE:
One of the three from the kennel situation is now in her permanent home. Ellie has another sheltie to keep her company when her new "parents" might need to leave. Ellie was only eight years old and didn't need as much vet work as the other two older ones. She seems to be adjusting very well and has claimed a portion of the couch and their bed already. A truly happy beginning for a great dog and wonderful former adopters from Michigan Sheltie Rescue. A HUGE thank you goes out to Ellie's foster home, and everyone involved.

25/11/2022

25/11/2022

ANOTHER UPDATE: The little girl, Emma, had her dental this week. She lost 23 teeth. All of her molars. Imagine how long that infection and pain had been in her mouth. It will be soaked and mashed food for her from now on. No big deal. She'll be feeling much better soon and will be spayed on December 14th and blood work repeated at that time. Toby will also receive repeat blood work on that date. The other girl, Ellie, will be spayed on December 7th. They should all have a pain free Christmas this year while they await their new families.


Since Toby had his dental, in which he lost the remaining four teeth in his mouth, and had the large testicular mass removed during a neuter, he has just blossomed. With his short, fuzzy haircut, he looks like a puppy. A real bounce to his gait. Just "cute as a button". Seeks attention. Eating very well now and hope he gains a pound or two.

21/11/2022

UPDATE: Three weeks ago, I was called to take three shelties into our program. All had lived in a kennel situation. All arrived with no vet records other than a state mandated Rabies vaccine. Extremely matted (two needed to be shaved), scared, one female in season, a male with a large testicular mass, teeth in terrible condition, not housetrained of course, etc. From what we were told, their ages were 15 yrs., 11 yrs., and 8 yrs. old. As of today, Nov. 21st, all have had complete blood work, heartworm testing, the male has had surgery and neutered and lost ALL his remaining teeth, one female has had a dental and scheduled for spay, the other female will receive her dental this week and a spay in December. Repeat blood panel will be done in December on two. In the last three weeks these guys have adjusted quite well to living in a household and receiving human attention. Two will not walk on a lead and must be carried in and out. Glad they are very small shelties. About 12 lbs. and easy to just scoop up. Am very pleased with their progress so far and their improved physical condition. The male needs to gain weight and one female needs to lose a couple of pounds. She is on a prescription diet food and only tiny treats.

Two former adopters have expressed an interest in these seniors. The 11 yr. and 15 yr. must be kept together as they are very bonded with each other. The 8 yr. old would like another sheltie to play with in her new home. All three will be here until close to Christmas, however. The 15 yr. old boy is cute as button at about 10/11 lbs. They are not listed on our website.

18/11/2022

🦃 Thanksgiving is around the corner. If you're hosting the family gathering, be sure to have your Sheltie safely away from opening doors as guests arrive and leave. Having many people in their home may be out of their norm and they may want to find a way to get away from everyone.

🚪 Put them in their crate or behind a baby gate to keep them safe.
"an ounce of prevention" Never say never.