ADOPTED

Shelby

Shelby came to us from a family who really loved her, but found that they just didn’t have enough time to give her all the attention she needed. When she came to our home, she was a bit scared about the change and wasn’t sure of this new house and the three active kiddos we have. Her former owner had told us she was an escape artist, and sure enough, as soon as she went into the backyard she scoped out all of the potential escape routes! At that time, we also had Jed, another GRR dog -- a 10-year-old boy with severe allergies and, as we later found out, a brain tumor.  Jed had been pretty lethargic and the vet was not giving us a very bright outlook for him at the time.  Once Shelby showed up, old Jed took on new life!  He was acting like a real young buck (even though he had been neutered years ago and Shelby was spayed the day after intake).  At first, Shelby didn’t like his undivided attention and did not want anything to do with poor old Jed—but Jed was persistent, and Shelby finally warmed up to him after about two weeks.  At the end of three weeks, they were inseparable!  She would pick on him and that would lead to a “follow the Shelby” chase through the house and end with them rolling around on the floor playing.  This also would happen when they went outside together.  Shelby would tear around the yard at lightning speed and Jed would try to catch her.  Since Jed was slower than she was, she would turn and cut back close to Jed so that he had a shot of catching her..LOL!  Jed's activity level more than doubled, and they really loved each other.

Now on the other side of all of this, our 5-year-old girl decided that Shelby was her new best friend and would take her out in the backyard for hours, playing in the sandbox and chasing anything that flew by (birds, butterflies, wasps, bubbles).

At this point Shelby had also warmed mine and Donna’s hearts (even more than the usual foster dogs) and we pretty well knew that we could never let her go.

Now she plays nerf football with our two boys and is a regular at soccer practice (although dogs are not allowed at the games).  She goes on walks and is a healthy, happy dog.   She has a quirky little habit when you get out treats: she will instantly sit and then will raise one or both paws and almost wave at you.  It is sooo cute.

Jed passed on in September of this year. He was like a furry child to us and a constant companion for Donna (a stay-home mom).  We really miss watching Jed and Shelby play, but we are so happy and grateful that we have Shelby to help ease the pain and bring that Golden spirit to our home!