All my friends knew I was looking for a new dog. Not just any dog but a special new member of my dog family. I already had two unique dogs an all-American corgi/beagle, the original party animal full of fun, vim, vigor and vitality and a small sweet mischievous Jack Russell terrier. I met several dogs rescue shelties etc. and talked with several breeders of a variety of breeds. None of these felt quite right.

In late May I heard via the grape vine and then in a phone call from Teresa Cotton of Indiana Sheltie Rescue that a new sheltie had just entered rescue. Found wandering in a small town, he ended up in their animal shelter whose manager called Sheltie Rescue asking them to pick up this scraggily little guy.

Luckily for me he was picked up in that small town by a friend of mine Jan Padget whose rescue sheltie, Kasey, I loved and had said I want one like her dog. Jan realized that this new rescue not only looked like her sheltie but also was outgoing, fun loving and confidant-the perfect dog for me. The next thing I knew I was in Teresa's yard playing with this new little guy. He was cheerful, playful and just plain delightful to be with. How could I resist. And I didn't! All due to friends Teresa and Jan!

Since then this new sheltie rescue, Bravo to me has endured several minor surgeries, several weeks cone confinement, bandages and limited exercise-not that any of these slowed him down much. He is now the newest member of my dog family. He is enjoying learning competition obedience and agility since to him these are both just games we play with mom. He is a guest at agility trials, spending time playing, practicing all his tricks in these new places and visiting with my friends. Plus he is being recruited as a therapy dog for Methodist/Clarian. He would be using one of his best talents-sitting quietly on laps being petted while patients wait for radiation therapy.

As I am writing these paragraphs, Bravo is helping; he is exploring the floor for a toy, chew bone, or just anything he can find to chew, barking demanding I play with him, jumping up in my lap to give me kisses, or tormenting his new JRT sister-all of which are now a normal part of my life. Bravo has his "forever" home.