Oreo's Tale

In early January, NVSR took in Oreo from a family who could not tolerate his inability to be housetrained.  Very soon we discovered that Oreo had serious mobility problems and could not control his defecation.  His four legs often went in four different directions, he dragged one hind paw, and could not lift one front leg.

But, what a beautiful and sweet Sheltie boy!!  Oreo very quickly won the hearts of everyone who met him. 

Oreo was examined by a specialist ($$) and had an MRI (more $$).  A cyst was pushing on his spinal cord, preventing his four legs from working together and blocking the defecation urge.  After surgery (even more $$) to remove the cyst, Oreo is now in rehabilitation (and more $$) and making wonderful progress, including controlling his pooping!  His foster mom built him a "Cadillac" ramp to get up and down to the yard, but soon he may not need that. 

Oreo is a cheerful, happy fellow who loves his walks.  In fact, he sits down and refuses to go back home if he wants more.  We are so very pleased that his surgery was successful and that he will lead a more normal life.  There will be another update on Oreo in our Spring

Sheltie Spin.  If you'd like to help out with Oreo's expenses, we would appreciate your donation.  We always spend more on our Shelties than we receive in adoption fees, and the expenses for one or two Oreos really strain the bank account. 

We Need Your Input for the Spring 2011 Sheltie Spin!

Our April "hard copy" Sheltie Spin will feature all kinds of activites, organized - and not so organized - that we can do with our Shelties.   We want to hear from YOU, our adopters, about things you're doing with your Sheltie(s).  Agility? Rally?  Flyball?  Herding?  Frisbee?  Freestyle? Do you go hiking, boating, running with your Sheltie?  How about taking your Sheltie to nursing homes or other therapy places? In a Paws for Reading Program?

 

We want to hear from you!  Send your news, photos, YouTube links (please - we love photos and videos!) to sheltiespin@nvsr.org.  The deadline is April 6th.  We know - that's pretty soon, but we need some time to plow through all the responses and put together another terrific hard copy edition of the Sheltie Spin.  

May 8 "Fun-Raiser" at Barrel Oak Winery

Welcome Spring with Flowers!!

got Sheltie photos?

Lassie Still Has Not Come Home

Two months ago, Lassie escaped from her foster home near Grottoes VA.  We have used every method we know - and then some - to recover her, without success.  We have had many sightings of her, but she will not be captured.  We're trying to use a trap with very smelly cat food to lure her in. 

Lassie never bonded to humans and was a stray for a long time before she was captured the first time and taken to a shelter.  Even in a loving foster home, Lassie wanted to get away.  When she got a tiny opportunity, she took it.  We will continue to monitor her movements and do our best to get her back into our care.  Send your positive thoughts and prayers out for Lassie so that she can come in to safety and learn about love. 

Sad News about Our Hospice Dogs

We are very sad to announce that all three of our hospice dogs passed away recently.  Each of them lived a lot longer than we had expected, based on their serious health issues.  Their passings were peaceful.  Each of these beautiful dogs was very much loved at NVSR, and their time with us was happy and as healthy as possible.  Rest in peace, Cody, Farrah, and Rosie.

 Interesting Videos and Website 

Here are two very interesting videos.

Severely anxious Sheltie responds to behavior modification using clicker training.  Note how long it takes to get the dog to go outdoors on its own - many, many months of patient training and behavior modification.  The clicker is used to mark the desired behavior, along with the word "Yes!" 

Don't Jump, It Won't Work.  Clicker training to teach a dog with a jumping problem to sit.

Welfare in Dog Training.  A very interesting site dedicated to explaining canine behavior and best ways to train using the dog's instinctual behavior.

Check our Website for more info about these beautiful dogs.  We'll post them as soon as we know them better.

Mariah, F, 6 yo

Foxy, F, 2 yo

Jazz, M, 6-7 yo 

Kiwi, F, 10 yo 

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