NEWS! WHAT NEWS!!
(Rescued brothers – Brody and River)
DID YOU HEAR????
2025 CALENDARS FOR SALE!!
Maine Sheltie Rescue Calendars are for sale NOW! Be the first to order one! The calendar features all the beautiful Shelties MSR has fostered in 2024. Feel free to buy for your family and friends. They are lovely Christmas presents! To see the front and back and to order, click HERE!
FUREVER FOSTER CASSIE CROSSED THE RAINBOW BRIDGE…
With a heavy heart we share that our forever foster Cassie past away Sunday, Novermber 17.
She came our way the first of January weighing only 10 pounds. With the help of her loving foster family, she put on enough weight to have a dental this summer. Cassie really blossomed because of the love and care from her foster family. She was doing really well until last weekend when she took a turn for the worse.
We are grateful to Chris & Rich for all they did for sweet Cassie. We’re keeping them in our thoughts during this sad time.
See her on our Remembrance Page HERE
BRODY ADOPTED!
When Brody came our way in August we had an approved home waiting. He was and is exactly what they wanted, and he moved right in like he’s been there all along. They’ve had so much fun with him. He loves going on their long walks, playing ball, plus he makes them laugh. What a wonderful placement
We finally got a family photo. Brody in the arms of his Mom, Kathy. His Dad, Don, with his new sister Molly. And their gentle giant, a Great Dane mix, Lincoln. May they have many years of love and laughter together!
To see Brody with his new family, click HERE and HERE!
BALLIE ADOPTED!
Our sweet girl Ballie recently found her forever home, but her journey wasn’t without challenges. Ballie came to us when her former owner, who could no longer care for her and Ginger, entrusted them to the rescue. They were not a bonded pair and Ginger found a loving home last month. Now Ballie has found her perfect match, too!
When Ballie entered foster care, she needed some extra attention. She was a bit overweight. With love and care, Ballie began to thrive. She started shedding some of that extra weight, bringing her closer to a healthier self.
As her foster Family got to know Ballie, her sweet, loyal personality truly shone through. She’s a bit clingy and loves to be close to her people, following them around the house and happily curling up on the couch by their side. Though she can be a bit anxious when left alone, Ballie’s foster family gave her the support she needed to feel secure. She also enjoyed playtime, showing off her love for toys with tug-of-war and a few fun rounds of zoomies.
Then Ballie met Carl it was clear from the very beginning that these two shared something special. During their first introduction, Ballie and Carl seemed to connect instantly, and her gaze toward him was full of love and trust. Carl made it official, giving Ballie the forever home she deserves.
We’re thrilled to see Ballie start this new chapter with Carl. From a loving pet to a cherished rescue dog, and now a loyal companion, Ballie’s journey is one of resilience and joy. Here’s to endless cuddles, adventures and the beautiful friendship they’ll share.
HALLE ADOPTED!
On June 21st, Halle, a 10 lb. Sable Sheltie, came to Maine with three other Shelties from an Amish farm in Missouri. As with any puppy mill female dog, there is always a possibility of pregnancy. So, on the following Tuesday she was vetted, and we were told she had two puppies that would be born very soon. And sure enough, on June 30, she delivered 2 sweet Sheltie girls. (See their adoption info below.)
Halle was a very good Sheltie Mama. Not only did she teach those little puppies appropriate Sheltie behavior, buts she nudged us in the direction of how to be Sheltie-puppy parents.
At 10 lbs. she was the smallest Sheltie we’d ever seen. Though small, she was a true Sheltie force: very playful especially with her babies and a bit barky, being a mighty fine guard dog. A fenced yard was not her friend: as time went on, she would spend her time trying to escape, wanting to locate our resident chipmunks and squirrels, but she loved her walks! On top of that, she’s the sweetest little cuddle bunny, keeping us company while watching tv or at the table working.
After receiving numerous adoption inquiries, we decided Randy, Chanda, and their little Annabell, a toy Aussi-doodle about Halle’s size, would make a lovely home for Halle. With their open-concept living space making a safe area for Halle and Annebelle to play, and their quiet neighborhood for walking, Randy and Chanda, a Sheltie knowledgeable couple, had the patience and expertise to give Halle a loving, safe and happy home.
We are so pleased for Halle and her new family. We know she will make a great companion for Annabell!
To see Halle with his new family, click HERE and HERE!
SULLY ADOPTED!
Sully’s former family had a lot on their plate and felt that Sully would benefit from a family that could give him the time & love he deserved.
His foster Mom gave him a much needed bath and watched him blossom in her care. She learned that Sully is a very loyal friend who loves to be near his person. He’s smart and is great at playing fetch.
Brad & Carol contacted us. They were an approved home through Collie Rescue. They saw Sully’s write-up and felt they would be a good match for him. We checked with the Collie Rescue League of New England who had really nice things to say about them. Everything lined up beautifully.
On adoption day they said, “We consider him to be the star that has brightened our world in so many ways.” Sometimes it takes a village.
We’re all very happy how this turned out for Sully and his new family. To see Sully with his new family, click HERE and HERE!
GRACIE ADOPTED!
A note from Gracie’s Foster Mom:
Grace now named Gracie was surrendered to Maine Sheltie Rescue at 12 ½ years because her owner had to go back to their country for healthcare. Her first two days in the hands of MSR consisted of travel and handoffs with MSR volunteers to get her to our home for fostering.
Once settled, her true personality started to shine and let me tell you what a sweet girl! She adjusted quickly to our home and our two shelties.
Because of her age, we quickly got her vetted and posted Gracie so that she could be on the lookout for her forever home. Within no time the first application came in, it was perfect.
I spoke with Claire and Rich on the phone and it seemed like all the stars were aligned. We made plans for the very next week to adopt.
I drove her down to Connecticut to meet her new family. Claire, Rich and Ellie were so kind, we even stayed for lunch and enjoyed watching Gracie settling in her new home.
Thank you to Claire, Rich and Ellie for making sweet Gracie part of your family.
To see Gracie with her new family, click HERE and HERE!
JOY ADOPTED!
Ginger came into Maine Sheltie Rescue with her sister, Baillee.
Ginger was a first foster for our volunteer, Shirley, who really enjoyed the time she took caring for her. She said that Ginger really didn’t respond to her name, but after a bath, a vet check, she was ready for her forever home.
A nice application came in. They’re Sheltie experienced, an active home, with another Sheltie named Hope. It was a perfect match.
A new sweet home, brings a new name – Joy! We couldn’t be happier for Kathy, Jim, Hope & Joy and how this all fell into place!
To see Joy with her new family, click HERE and HERE!
IZZY & RIPPLE ADOPTED!
On June 21st, a little 10 lb., sable Sheltie that MSR named Halle came to Maine from an Amish farm in Missouri. Then on June 30, she delivered 2 sweet Sheltie girls who MSR named Dixie and Piper.
Halle’s MSR foster home quickly worked to meet the needs of this little girl with her pups. Fortunately, MSR has a member-family who is experienced in breeding & raising pups that were very helpful in directing Halle’s foster parents in what needed to be done.
Dixie and Piper’s foster parents were in awe, watching the pups turn from mouse sized babies to exuberant, fun-loving puppies almost as large as their mom. Dixie and Piper are smart, robust, happy puppies.
Two families have adopted these 3-month-old, precious, now vetted, girls. Linsy adopted Piper whose new name is Ripple! Kate & Mark adopted Dixie now known as Izzy! We at MSR are very happy for these families and for the sweet puppies now actively finding their way in the world in the safety of these two wonderful Sheltie homes.
To see Izzy & Ripple with their new families, click HERE and HERE and HERE!
PEPPER ADOPTED!
Pepper has now been adopted!! Carl is a long time Sheltie owner. He and his wife, Barb, are the perfect fit for Pepper. It was worth waiting for and we couldn’t be happier for this outcome.
Best wishes to Carl, Barb and Pepper. We all are are so happy for you!
To see Pepper with his new family, click HERE and HERE!
KITSUNE ADOPTED!
Kitsune, or Kit, as she’s lovingly called, is a 2 year old Shetland Sheepdog. Kit made her way to Maine Sheltie Rescue from a Missouri Amish farm this past June when her foster Mom flew out to bring her back. At first, Kit was insecure, cowering in her crate and not wanting to come out for any reason. Over time, with love, help and encouragement of another Sheltie at her foster home, she was soon venturing out to see what joys her new life had to offer. Her foster family could see just how smart and resilient she was.
It wasn’t long before she was enjoying new things like squeaky toys, cuddling and even sleeping in a bed. Kit has come out of her shell and is now a constant companion – always looking for love and a pat on the head. She is now brave when faced with things that once scared her, like rides in the car, playing with toys and meeting new friends.
Kitsune (Japanese for “fox”) has fit into her foster family’s home perfectly. So perfectly that they have officially adopted her and made her a permanent family member along with her sweet sister, Jenny.
HALEY ROSE AND BAILEY ADOPTED!
Haley and Foxy came to us as a “bonded pair” of littermates. As time went on, and the more we got to know them, we realized they needed their own separate families. They both competed for attention from each of us, demonstrating the desire to each have a human of their own. Therefore, we came to the conclusion of finding them each their own home. They each had their very own adoption day on Saturday, August 17th.
A former adopter and friend, Chris, had visited a few times and saw how special Haley Rose was. Chris was grieving the loss of his Gracie back in May. However, I couldn’t help feeling that Haley would be the perfect dog for him. We met a couple of times, did some walks and Chris fell in love with this classic beauty – I believe that they were meant for each other.
We had an application come in for the “bonded pair”. At that time we had already made the decision to separate them, though John and Judy were still very interested in Foxy. John, Judy, and their daughter Maureen, came to visit Foxy. Foxy was a little shy, but his sweetness shone through. By the end of the visit, John and Judy were ready to adopt. We knew they were the right family for Foxy. When we arrived on adoption day, the excited family was waiting outside to greet their new family member. Foxy’s new name is now officially “Bailey McArdle, III”. Congratulations to Haley and Foxy and their new forever families!
Congratulations to Haley and Bailey and their new forever families.
DUNKIN ADOPTED!
Dunkin, a 2-year-old Shetland Sheepdog, made an incredible journey from the Amish countryside in Missouri to the Sheltie Rescue of Maine this past June. Initially named Neo, Dunkin was timid and overwhelmed by the new experiences of living in a home. Everything being so new, he was understandably scared and unsure of his surroundings.
But with time, patience, and the companionship of his foster Sheltie family, Dunkin began to blossom. His playful side emerged, and he quickly became a fan of chasing and being chased by his furry friends. Fetch was a new concept for Dunkin, but he was slowly learning the ropes, even if the idea of bringing the ball back was still a work in progress!
Dunkin thrived in the company of other dogs, preferring to be around them rather than alone. So, it was a perfect match when a family, who had previously adopted another Sheltie, Chance, from our rescue, expressed interest in giving Dunkin a forever home.
When Dunkin and Chance first met, they had an amazing time playing together, running around and enjoying each other’s company. The second time they met, on the day Dunkin was adopted, he began to follow Chance around, finding comfort in his new brother. The two even cuddled together in the car on the way home. While they’re still building trust and working on becoming best friends, they’re off to a great start, enjoying playtime and the beginning of a strong bond. Dunkin has now happily settled into his new home, where he continues to learn, grow, and enjoy life with his new family and his new buddy, Chance.
To see Dunkin with his new family, click HERE and HERE!
NOAH ADOPTED!
Noah came our way from a Missouri puppy mill on September 20, 2023.
Noah spent a lot of time in his loving foster home until he was adopted by Terry in February, 2024. Terry, one of our former adopters, worked with Noah’s on his fear issues. During the five months that Noah was with Terry, he took Noah to classes, went on daily walks, and worked very hard to socialize him – all of this made such a positive impact on Noah. Unfortunately, due to a family health issue, Terry had to return Noah to Maine Sheltie Rescue. His foster family welcomed Noah back, and what an amazing difference they could see in him!
At the June MSR Bark BQ, Noah met Abby and Jesse, who had adopted Josie Fay (another Sheltie from the same Missouri Puppy Mill). Abby & Jessie wondered if Noah might be a good playmate for Josie Fay. They thought they’d like to give it a try. It went so well, they decided to adopt Noah. They said they loved him and had “seen positive changes”. Noah and Josie play great together! They even try to get their other dog, Coby, to play!
Congratulations Abby, Jessie, Coby and Josie Fay. We’re all so delighted for this positive and happy outcome for sweet Noah!
To see Noah with his new family, click HERE and HERE!
MAIZEY ADOPTED!
Gracie’s family went through difficult times. They realized what was best for Gracie and made the hard decision to surrender her to Maine Sheltie Rescue.
After she came into rescue, her foster Mom quickly got attached, but also knew of a perfect home. We reached out to one of our adopters, who was willing to give her a two week trial to see how she’d do with their cat, Gracie, and their Sheltie, Odie. Well, it only took a week! She unpacked her bags and settled right in! They had to change her name to Maizey because of their cat, Gracie. She caught on to it quickly!
We couldn’t be happier for Lori and Dennis. Now Odie has a little sister!
To see Maisey with her new family, click HERE and HERE!
BUDDY – OUR HERO!
Read our hero story HERE: Sheltie-Buddy with brother were on the alert when their Dad-Rich fell. Such good boys!
GABE ADOPTED!
When Gabe, a 7 month old mahogany sable, came our way he was quite skittish. Time in his foster home, and his foster’s young Shelties, really helped him come out of his shell. Gabe had a blast running with his new friends.
We felt a home with a Sheltie companion was important for him. At our annual Bark BQ, one of our former adopters really bonded with Gabe. It was a perfect match, Sue couldn’t stop thinking of him and how nice it would be for her Brody to have a friend. It all fell into place beautifully.
See Brody, Sue and Gabe on Adoption Day! We are very happy for how this all turned out!
To see Gabe with his new family, click HERE and HERE!
MISS MITZI MAE ADOPTED!
On April 15, a Blue Merle named Misty came into MSR as an owner-surrender. Sadly, her momma could no longer take care of her. A 25 lb. spay-female, Misty arrived with all her shots in place. She exhibited wonderful behavior and loved to snuggle. She got along very well with her foster mom’s Shelties and Collie so well that we at MSR expected this to be a foster-fail.
Her foster mom, however, had a full plate and needed to have Misty placed. MSR had another home waiting for Misty. Ginny & Denny wanted to have a sweet female Sheltie of similar age to and to be a companion for their feisty little Sheltie, Little Manny Boy. With her new situation, Misty’s name became Miss Mitzi Mae! Mitzi and Manny enjoy each other ‘s company, running together in their doggy yard and sharing the seat while riding in Ginny and Denny’s golf cart! Miss Kelly Barker, MSR’s Mascot ,who also lives with Ginny and Denny, thinks Mitzi is pretty cool too. It is quite the chorus when they all bark together!
Mitzi has settled into her new home and family beautifully. We are glad to see her so happy!
To see Mitzi with her new family, click HERE and HERE!
MAVERICK ADOPTED!
There was no question that Maverick, a young, handsome, oversized bi/blue, needed an active home with another Sheltie friend. We had an application on file that checked off all his needs. They even completed a fenced yard for him! We are so delighted for Abbie, Lee, Maverick and his new brother Juda! Best wishes to all!!
To see Maverick with his new family, click HERE and HERE!
DAKOTA ADOPTED!
Maine Sheltie Rescue’s Cynthia, happily accepted Dakota, a 10 year old sable girl, from a retired breeder, into foster care. Some dogs are so easy, Dakota is one of them! She comfortably moved in with Cynthia’s senior pack.
It was clear that Dakota was happy with Cynthia and her lovely Shelties however, Cynthia discovered Dakota’s an intolerance / allergy to poultry. That is not uncommon and can happen in older dogs. A shift in diet solved that problem.
Dakota also came with a persistent limp and muscle atrophy in a rear leg. Cynthia took her to a holistic vet for a check-up and some chiropractic care. With time and special care, Cynthia soon reported Dakota became almost limp free!
It became clear that Dakota was really content with Cynthia; and cuddle-bug Dakota having such a sweet personality and being playful for her age, well, of course Cynthia had to adopt her (her first foster-failure!)!!
We at MSR are grateful to our breeder friend for letting us help sweet Dakota, for we are truly happy for Cynthia, her pack and most of all for Dakota!
To see Dakota with her new family, click HERE and HERE!
BUDDY ADOPTED!
Our foster home, Chris & Rich, took in Nicky, 15 & Cassie, 11, Jan. 3rd, without hesitation. We lost Nicky a few weeks later to poor health and old age. With the loss, Cassie’s health was a concern. But with time, love and perseverance from Chris & Rich, Cassie slowly improved.
Then, we found out that the couple who adopted Buddy back in 2020 was going to Portugal for over a month and were looking for someone who could take care of Buddy while they were away. We mentioned Chris & Rich and they were happy to help! Little did they know that Buddy would be such a huge help to Cassie. She started eating again and seemed happy to have the companionship.
Rich really took to Buddy and Chris sent daily updates to his owner. When Buddy’s owner returned, they announced that they were going to move to Portugal, they gave it a lot of thought and felt it wasn’t in Buddy’s best interest to go on the long flight, then be in quarantine for months, especially because Buddy is a senior. They asked if Chris & Rich would consider adopting Buddy. Without hesitation they said YES!
On April 28th, at our annual board meeting they made it official. We all are delighted how this all fell into place!
To see Buddy with his new family, click HERE and HERE!
SADIE ADOPTED!
Sandy’s owner passed and the family was unable to keep her. She spent time in her foster home where she really blossomed. Her foster Mom was quite fond of her and was delighted when the right home, a former adopter, was interested in meeting her. Everything fell into place beautifully.
Sandy, with a new home and new name – Sadie is doing wonderfully. She is having so much fun with her new brother, Cooper!
To see Sadie with his new family, click HERE and HERE!
BAILEY ADOPTED!
Like Baileys sister Posey, Bailey hit the jackpot finding his furever home.
It was almost like Bailey has always belonged in this household. Last week, when we arrived at Jeff and Sarah’s for a meet and greet, we walked in the house and Bailey immediately started playing with their two kiddos. In that moment, I believed it was meant to be.
This fun sweet happy boy found his match with his fun sweet happy new family. We couldn’t be happier for Bailey.
Thank you Jeff, Sarah, Maddox and Parker for giving Bailey exactly what he was looking for.
To see Bailey with his new family, click HERE and HERE!
PIPPIN ADOPTED!
Pippin, a 5-year-old Tri, came into Rescue on January 3rd from a family who recognized that their home was not a good match for him. They asked MSR to place him in a more appropriate home. His MSR foster mom recognized quickly that Pippin had been well trained with his sits, stays, etc. and was a delight in so many ways. Pippin is a very active dog with a bark his 2 foster Sheltie-sibs loved. Other than bringing his meds up to date, he was ready and eager for placement.
Then MSR placed Pippin in a wonderful home that unfortunately did not work out. Finding him a match that was truly perfect was our top priority. Pippin’s needs included a fenced yard, a calm sibling dog and a human that really could deal with his barky nature. We had a lot of interest in Pippin, but one really stood out that met everything that we wanted for him.
Pippin was adopted by Elaine and Lacey (Elaine’s 11-year-old Sheltie). Lacey has a nice fenced-yard that backs up on nature land. She is a calm Sheltie who will help Pippin to overcome his anxiety. Elaine is delighted with her new family member, looking forward to taking him on long walks, playing fetch with him and finding other ways to discharge his anxiety.
We are very excited for Pippin and his new furever family!
To see Pippin with his new family, click HEREand HERE!
MYA ADOPTED!
Mya is a sweet 14.5 year old sable that came into rescue because her owners were dealing with illness. Mya was well cared for by her owners and it showed in her sweet calm personality. Mya loves all people and animals and wants to be close and loves snuggles and attention.
Linda happened to reach out looking to adopt a senior. There was no doubt Linda would be the perfect fit! She has so much love and time to give to Mya! Mya is spreading smiles everywhere!
To see Mya with her new family, click HERE and HERE.
REMEMBERING NICKIE, IN FOSTER CARE
We have very sad news. Nickie, the sweet 15 year old, who was part of our fostered-bonded pair, has passed away. He was doing so well in his foster home, but then he went down hill. He was suffering. Sadly we had to let him go.
To learn more about Nickie and Cassie, click HERE and his rememberance click HERE.
JOSIE FAY ADOPTED!
A Missouri puppy mill dog, Josie Fay came into Rescue mid-September underweight at 21 lbs. With generous feedings, often three meals a day, she put on a few pounds. Being a high energy dog, she had a yen to bound around her foster parent’s woodsy dog-yard. Being inside was not her thing. During the time she was in foster care, her foster mom worked hard to get her accustomed to indoor living, learning simple commands and being comfortable around her foster family. She loved her walks and loved being with other dogs.
Because Josie Fay needed a calm home and a family that would continue her training, her foster mom with thrilled when MSR received the application from Abby, Jessie and their dog Coby. Because of her dog sitting service, Abby has a wonderful understanding of dogs and their needs. With positive reinforcement training and a gentle touch, Josie Fay would surely blossom in their care. The bonus for Josie would be the large, woodsy fenced yard and Coby, a gentle doggy mix, to help her find her confidence.
Josie spent Christmas and New Years weeks with this family to see if it were to be a good fit. It was! So now the adoption is complete, Josie Fay is right at home with this lovely family. Josie is in love with them and they with her. We are so happy for all!
To see Josie Fay with her new family, click HERE and HERE.
LILY ADOPTED!
When Lily came our way we knew an active home with another dog friend would be really nice for her. Cheryl applied saying she walk 3 to 4 miles a day with her mini Aussie. She’s always wanted a Sheltie and a friend for Curtis. Happy Adoption Day, Lily! We are so happy for you and your new family! 
To see Lily with her new family, click HERE and HERE.
POSEY ADOPTED!
We were asked if we could help with a year old Sheltie / Cavalier mix name Betsy. Betsy and her brother were adopted together as puppies. As they grew up they fought all the time. Their owners tried everything to help correct it. They decided that it was in Betsy’s best interest to separate her from her brother and to find another loving home.
We had a perfect home waiting, and they felt that she would be a lovely match for them. They decided to rename her Posey, so her foster family started calling her Betsy-Posey and she caught on to her new name quickly!
So Posey has been adopted! We couldn’t be happier how this all fell into place effortlessly!
To see Posey with her new family, click HERE and HERE.
CHANCE ADOPTED!
Chance was withdrawn and shut down when he first came our way. He was one of the four Missouri puppymill Shelties who came to Maine in September. With the time, patience, and love he received in his foster home, Chance really blossomed!
When Haley & Josh’s application came in, we knew it was the perfect match for Chance. Haley grew up with Shelties and Josh loves them. Their adoption day was full of joy. Chance is their first Sheltie together.
We wish Chance and his new sweet family all the best!