Shy Shannon, The Pet Store Inmate Takes the Prize
On August 1, 2009 Shannon arrived here as a hitchhiker with Flash Gordon. Her story about being a Pet Store Inmate can be read on this blog.
On November 11, 2009 I received an email from Sherry Lee expressing an interest in Shannon. Even though I clearly described Shannon as a high-drive herding dog, and indicated that Shannon was not considered a family pet, many families emailed me weekly wanting to adopt her. Those families were denied, and other dogs were offered in Shannon’s place. But this email was different. It read in part:
“Hi Gisele:
Saw your posting for Shannon, and am writing to inquire if she is still available. If so, I would be interested in learning more about her and possibly taking a look at her.
I am a retired veterinarian and have a 70 acre sheep farm. I have one Border Collie, a 3 yr old male who is well-trained and works with the sheep, and am interested in another working dog. I also have 2 Shelties and a young Akbash dog.
Please let me know about Shannon’s availability, and I can provide you more information about the home I would be able to provide for her.
Thanks, Sherry Lee”
My immediate response to Sherry’s email was that she had answered all of my prayers, and she had me at “hello!”
Yesterday, Sherry came to meet Shannon, and she brought her Border Collie Shane with her. Shannon of course was shy, and confused, but it didn’t take long for her to sit by Sherry’s side.
I have had Shannon for 167 days. She has been in my care as a foster longer than any other dog. There were times I felt that I would never find her the right home. I refused to try to make Shannon conform to being a housepet. Clearly, she has always been a herding dog, and this time, this very shy and misunderstood Border Collie, who nips at my children, and herds everything in a tight circle all day long, Takes the Prize.
Sherry and I agreed that she will work with Shannon for 2 months to see if Shannon has got the right stuff. If she doesn’t perform well as a sheepdog, she will be returned to me sometime in January. I’m confident that Shannon won’t be coming back. I hope to visit Sherry and Shannon in a few weeks and take some video of her training Shannon to share with everyone. I hope my dream for Shannon comes true.
Read about the Charges Filed Against Shannon’s Pet Store Owner
2 thoughts on “Shy Shannon, The Pet Store Inmate Takes the Prize”
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Hi Gisele,
Shannon is laying at my feet as I type this note to you. She has met all the dogs, and all is well. She has only been in the house and back yard so far, and I will take her to the barn when she is comfortable with her surroundings here. She is eating well, taking treats from my hand, and waiting patiently while all the dogs get their cookies. She is starting to come up to me to be petted – still a little skittish coming in and out of the house, but we are taking our time until she gets the hang of things in her new digs.
My 17 year old granddaughter Natalie was here today, and she spent some time with Shannon, so I snapped a couple of photos for you.
Thanks for sending the link to Shannon's story. Will keep you posted on our progress.
Sherry
Hi Gisele,
Here's a few photos for you of Shannon. She is doing very good, and getting more comfortable here every day. Today she wanted to herd the chickens!
I have started her training on sheep, and she is very intense and focused. I think she is going to make a very good herding dog – I'm looking forward to working with her and training her.
She has settled into the routine here pretty well, although she still doesn't like to be in small spaces. My 7 year old grandson is too busy for her – she hasn't warmed up to him yet, but has only been with him once.
I had to put another collar on her today – she has outgrown the other one and it was too tight. She now has a dark green collar.
I hope you enjoy the pictures.
Sherry