Greetings!

After our beloved sheltie of 11 years passed away, I wondered if we would ever have another pet to fill that void.  Once I started seriously thinking about it, I found that everyone in the family had a prerequisite: the dog had to be from a shelter, not from a breeder as our Chelsea had been, it had to be a Shetland sheepdog, preferably older, and my children felt that we just had to get two so that they would have each other for company when we weren't home.  After checking out numerous shelter and rescue organizations, I began to think that we had better revise our expectations when suddenly the perfect combination showed up on the SPCA of Western Quebec site: two shelties 3-1/2 yrs old, together since birth and needing a home with older children for both of them to go to.   After consultations with the great shelter staff, I brought two of my children along with me on the long drive to Ottawa, where we stayed overnight then the next morning took the quick trip across the border to Aylmer to meet the dogs.  It was love at first sight!  We took a walk around the neighbourhood to get to know each other, and I couldn't believe how well-behaved they were.  The whole process of adoption was so seamless and easy, I can't thank all of you enough.  And despite the distance, I really think that the 6-3/4 hr drive home helped with the bonding process because Shauna spent most of the trip perched between the front and back seats, looking over my shoulder as I drove.  Every time I spoke she would stare intently at my lips as if trying to read them!  Sunny sat quietly but comfortably in the back with my daughter, and only came up to check out my driving once.  Each time we stopped for breaks, the dogs would bark excitedly until they were back in the car.  After we got home and were introduced to my husband and oldest child, they had a great time rushing down our yard to announce their arrival to the neighbour's boxer.

I can hardly believe that it's been nine months since Shauna and Sunny joined our clan.  They go with us everywhere, including the big family get-togethers and cottage vacation.  Sunny is quite the lap dog, using his Scooby-Doo inquisitive little voice to ask to be picked up.  He is all bravado on our walks, and learned the hard way that skunks do not like a good chase.  Shauna is my faithful shadow, following me wherever I go.  She has the cutest sigh and hums like a cat purring when her ears are stroked, and she talks up a storm when outside.  They were initially afraid of my husband, but now eagerly await his arrival from work knowing that he'll take them for another walk.  They are exuberant, joyful little animals, and I can't imagine life without them.  Your organization does wonderful work in matching families with faithful friends.  We thank our lucky stars that Shauna and Sunny came up for adoption.

Joyce, Tony, Catherine, Rosie, Theresa, Shauna & Sunny

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