Shetland Sheepdog Breed Magazine - Showsight

is re fl ected in their desire to be what you need them to be at a speci fi c time. Th ey have been known to grieve for the passing of a loved one and, being pack oriented, will also grieve the loss of a kennel mate. Shelties are protectors and bark to alert when something appears awry. Being somewhat territorial, they have keen boundary awareness. Th eir uncanny sense of identifying problems is still engaged today and one can be well served to listen to what their sheltie has to say. Shelties are versatile. Th ey excel in agil- ity, obedience, rally, herding, tracking and in the conformation ring. Th e current stan- dard calls for the size of over 13"-16" at the shoulder. Dogs larger or smaller fall into a disquali fi cation regarding the UK and AKC conformation events; however inches have little to do with the size of their heart. Within a controlled area, they are an excellent farm dog. Loyal, playful and ded- icated to their owner, the most rewarding aspect of the breed is “they are ever youth- ful”! Most think they are a “little person in a fur coat” and admittedly, this has a cer- tain charm. Puppy pranks and antics are a part of old age and correction of younger kennel mates is their mission. Shelties passing the Good Citizenship Award work in therapy, nursing homes, hos- pitals, and adapt well with children. Some are used as “hearing ear” dogs, seizure dogs, and others fi ll the bill without training. Th eir beauty, compliance, and a ff ection- ate nature make them “crowd pleasers” and they have immense “curb appeal”. One very important sheltie is currently used in psychotherapy. “Jake”, as he is known, provides warmth and acceptance to patients who have been hurt by words or other humans. Jake is intuitive and dif- ferent with each patient and provides atten- tive eyes and non-judgmental ears. He can be quiet and compassionate or interactive as he has no vanity or ambition and he is

not concerned with role or status. Free of intellectual pretensions, Jake does not fear emotion. Th erefore, he serves as a bridge that connects his therapist with uncoopera- tive and uncommunicative persons. Upset adults and children change from tears to smiles when emotional defenses soften. Th is particular sheltie is so successful that other psychotherapy clinicians request him for their patients. Earning a dual descrip- tion, Jake is known as a “security blanket” and “ice breaker”. Other animals work in this fi eld, but shelties are described as awe- some with depressed and anxious individu- als. Th ey evoke loving feelings with their uncritical acceptance. Th e Shetland sheepdog is a joyful, captivating breed. Some shelties may be barkers. Th erefore, when buying a shel- tie, one should ask to see the parents and watch the interaction with both the owners and the kennel mates. Th ey eas- ily accept other breeds, but should not be put with aggressive working breeds. Having lived with this breed over fi fty years, and having owned a variety of other breeds, I must say the Shetland sheepdog breed owns my heart. Th eir beauty and antics fi ll my eye and lift my spirit. Th eir e ff ervescent personality is a fi t for anyone who wants a true companion. When it comes to the Shetland sheep- dog, my life would be dull without one by my side. For those who desire a small, dedi- cated, gentle, responsible pet, the Shetland sheepdog comes in a variety of colors. A ffi li- ation with the breed has introduced me to a wealth of friends and o ff ered many diverse opportunities. Th eir soft paw and gentle expression cannot be denied and their dog- gy snores bring comfort during the night. Th e bottom line is: when it comes to a Shet- land sheepdog, “What’s not to love?” For a deeper understanding of this delightful breed: Refer to: Sheltie Talk- Alpine Publications, Loveland, Colorado.

BIO

An AKC judge since 1977, I cur- rently judge Work- ing Group, Herd- ing Group, and a variety of Hounds and Toy breeds, as well as Junior Handling. Miscel- laneous, and Best in Show. A retired buyer of hydrau-

lics and electronics for Ingersoll Rand, my husband and I have bred dogs and horses since 1965, I’m a freelance writer for www. thedogplace.com, and was voted writer for MOST REQUESTED REPRINTS IN 2011. My monthly newspaper column “Dog Speak” educates the public regarding pet care and responsibility. I have judged numerous nationals and breed specialties. Our family’s participa- tion in Conformation and Performance in both dogs and horses solidi fi es the impor- tance of form and function as well as breed type. We still breed and show dogs on a limited basis. I enjoy mentoring and o ff er a Form and Function Program regarding Basic Dog 101. A member of the Mattoon Kennel Club, CADAC, ASSA, and breed speci fi c orga- nizations, I assist in public awareness and education. Involved in “Bite Prevention Programs” in lower grades, I participate in Puppy Socialization, Basic Obedience, and currently teach Conformation classes on a limited basis. I am current chair for “Know Your Breed” seminars at a local level. Married 56 years, we are retired and live on Indian Creek Farms near Lerna, IL. Paul is a hunter and fi sherman. When not judging, I am an avid reader, writer, painter, poet and active breeder. Austra- lian Cattle Dogs and Shetland Sheepdogs keep us active, busy and young.

234 • S HOW S IGHT M AGAZINE , M ARCH 2014

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