Back to Happy Tails Index

More Pictures

Shep

Read a Letter from Shep

Shep is doing wonderfully. Shep recently made another move along with me, away from New Jersey. Shep is currently residing in my home set on a ranch in Missouri with my fiancé. Shep has been such an inspiration in my life - and he has always been my best friend for the years that I have had him. He helps me out greatly with the horses and farm work. He tags along to livestock auctions - and he LOVES watching all that goes along with the commotion. I have even better news - he has warmed up beautifully to meeting new people and is no longer timid in exciting and new situations. He is the friendliest and happiest sucker I have ever met - and he is a loyal, guarding companion that sticks to my side like a compadre. Every where he goes, he's followed by a string of compliments - "what a beautiful example of a Border Collie", "what a well mannered dog", and my favorite "he's so beautiful and smart".

We go for long walks in the morning and evening, he tags along while I exercise horses, and we play non stop. He is never out of ear shot and is always looking for his next command. I could not have asked for a better dog...

09/17/2006 Shep has always been my best friend - from day one. Over the last four years, we have been through a lot with one another. Shep has been my faithful riding buddy, accompanying me on many hours of trail rides or just observing during ringwork. Shep loves my horse, Justin, and Justin honestly does not seem to mind Shep at all. So, if there's one thing I can really say that Shep loves and lives for - it's to be out at the farm all day, at my side, helping me complete all the chores necessary. He's also always been a HUGE frisbee fan - or any type of toy at all. He's always ready for a second round of playtime - day or night. He likes long walks, meaty biscuits, loves his little sister Adria, digging holes, and following around the house cat. Shep, being very obedient and beautiful, always receives compliments from strangers - and that makes me real proud. We've had nonstop adventures together - moving from the East Coast to the Midwest as one of them...

As I said before, Shep's my best friend and each day I am always reminded of how wonderful he is by just letting him be himself. I have never met a more loyal friend then I have in Shep. I feel safe with him by my side, I feel loved and cherished when he gives me a kiss or places his paw on my arm, and I feel as if he has taught me what life's about - Stay young, stay foolish, have fun and keep going. He still wants to play, he still wants a job to do - sadly however we are facing a time in his life, at a young 7 years old, that he's facing quite a bit of challenges himself...

I have seen him grow over the years from a shy and abused dog to an accepting and outgoing individual. He still hates thunderstorms and loud noises, but he's great with children and strangers - and that's a big accomplishment. But, now, Shep is facing the hardships of PRA, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, which basically equals to him only having 10% of his vision left. He can no longer play frisbee and it's still hard to play ball - but Shep seems to cope well and does not seem to notice. He's still game, even if he thinks you haven't kicked the ball - although it's long since been by him. It has been difficult to watch his eye sight steadily get worse, head traumas are more frequent as he bumps into parked vehicles, walls, furniture, you name it. I think his eye sight loss is harder on myself, then it seems to be on him - I try not restrict him in his activities unless absolutely necessary, because he stills wants to do these things and he still tries with all of his heart.

We're facing a tough time right now, where his health is deteriorating, but his spirit has not dimmed any. When you look at Shep, there's this calm, peaceful, and wise expression that just radiates from his demeanor. Shep is by far the best dog I will ever have been blessed enough to have shared my life with - thank you, GLBCR, for helping Shep get a chance at a life with a family who loves and treasures him dearly. He truly is a remarkable dog.

All in all, I feel blessed to have my two rescued Border Collies. They are a daily enjoyment and indulgence - Shep and Adria themselves are inseparable. (Except when Adria's swimming, Shep will only wade along the shoreline where he can touch!!) They have brought humor, fun, and security into my household. Shep plays the role of the wise old man and Adria is our slightly naive but exuberant little girl - it balances out well.

Thank you very much for your services to this breed and rehoming these deserving dogs into loving forever homes. I hate to even think about the life Shep would have lived without the interception and assistance from GLBCR. You have done a great job with not only giving these abused and abandoned dogs a second chance, but having also enhanced the lives of many families.