If you ever consider getting a Shetland Sheepdog and do any research, some of the things you learn may give you pause. One is the issue of grooming. The Sheltie coat is thick with quite an undercoat. The other drawback is that Shelties (as they are often called) are extremely high energy dogs. You can either have a well-exercised dog and enjoy the relationship, or a dog who doesn't get exercised and drives you absolutely bonkers.
Galen is a fairly typical Shetland Sheepdog. Very thick coat and, unfortunately, we are not responsible groomers. Shame on us. Fortunately, the grooming hassle with Shelties is offset, in my opinion, by the unusual habit they have of bathing themselves. As a result, they stay surprisingly clean. In the exercise department, however, there are no mitigating factors. Too many hours without some sort of play and this pup is a madman. Furthermore, like most dogs of his breed, he has a bark that will make your ears bleed. Believe me, when he gets nutty, there is no peace. With some exercise, he is extremely well-behaved. Without his workouts, there is misery afoot.
Galen has a good appetite; but, with a choice between eating and running, it's no contest. He is of the opinion that while food can always wait, one should never pass up an opportunity to get outside and run. We make it a point to see that our pup get gets some exercise every day. Although the Husband has carried the brunt of that workload for weeks, I am beginning to be able to pick up a bit of the slack. It is a joy to watch our energetic pup flying around his little domain.
It sounds like Galen will keep you young...or at least keep you moving! ~wink~
ReplyDeleteEarl - Gee, if I could keep up with this guy, I would expect to live forever! But, you are so right. I do think that loving a dog helps to keep us young—at least at heart.
ReplyDeleteThere are many of us who would be better off if we ran instead of eating or maybe if we ran and then ate. Notice I included myself. :-)
ReplyDeleteWhat a great story, Anita. Galen is a gem. I've heard that very energetic dogs can be an absolute nightmare of destruction if they are not properly exercised on a daily basis. Good that you have land for him to roam, run, and play. He would not be a happy camper in an apartment unless there was a park nearby. :) Go, Galen!!!
ReplyDeleteMonte - Thanks for the laugh—a great kick start for me.
ReplyDeletePaul - Trouble is Galen can't roam all our place. Though our house is set back a good distance, we are on a main road. Far too much traffic. All is not lost, however, the fenced yard gives him room to run. In addition, The Husband takes him for long walks on a 15' lead. I had a Sheltie who lived inside and, for a time, even in an apartment. He was a more mellow chap than our current dynamo.
ReplyDeleteMonte's post motivated me--I better go take a run!
ReplyDeleteMary Ann - Great, this post brought me another healthy chuckle. Thanks for adding to the cheer.
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