Trish and I went to visit a dog breeder (Les Bergers Blancs Suisse et des Shetland  du Paradis Boupi)  that breeds two types of dogs; Canadian/Swiss Shepherds (like Beemer) and the other dog which we wanted to replace Lipstick; a  Shetland Shepherd, also known as a Sheltie.

The breeder lives in Lower Normandy, and they had just started a breeding program for Shelties. They have 2 young dogs that would start breeding around the June/July time frame, meaning we could have our own Sheltie puppy around October.

So we went down there to see the prospective parents, and of course see the Canadian Shepherds. We brought Beemer along to play with the other dogs.

When we arrived there were some 12 dogs running around, in a variety of size and ages, something that Beemer is not used to at all, so she chickened out... and did not want to play.

While we were talking with the nice couple who run the place, they said that they had one extra Sheltie which had be bought as their prime stud dog, but had a medical problem that would prevent it from reproducing. The dog is 15 months old, and wouldn't you know it... Trish fell in love.

So, instead of putting a down payment for a future puppy, we drive home with a new family member; Benji, a 15 month old Shetland Shepherd.

He'll be spending a few sleepless nights before he'll get used to her new home, but already he has started to try to play with Beemer. Here are some quick photos I took with a small camera, not the best results, but it'll give you an idea...