I have had dogs in my home since I was a child, but my real care experience started in high school when my late mother and I rescued two shelties as companions for our seven year old Kayla. Baxter was rescued from a puppy mill, and Lexie was surrendered to the org after a nasty divorce. Both dogs were extremely anxious and often hid for the first year, but became sweet, cuddly and playful over time. Lexie unfortunately developed aggressive allergies as she aged and had a restrictive diet and required weekly shots, but was an excellent patient. She lived to 15! Baxter developed a heart condition late in his life, but getting him another companion after his bonded adoptive sister passed allowed him a couple more years; he lived to 14. Fly and Scout, our current dogs, are now almost 10. Scout is a goofy, loving lab/goldie/collie mix who is living his best life. He hates taking his monthly preventative, but who can blame him? Fly has had multiple health issues since she was a puppy, including enzyme deficiency and diabetes due to an underdeveloped pancreas. She has been dependent on Vetsulin injections twice a day and Panakare powder on her food since we've had her, but has always behaved like a typical mischievous aussie/border collie. Within this past year she has also developed hypothyroidism, high blood pressure, and idiopathic epilepsy, but our vet has been extremely happy with how well we manage all of her conditions! No seizures since we started Keppra treatments, normal BP and good thyroid levels after her last exam! She takes shots and medicines like a champ; doesn't even think twice about what's in her food bowl and while she pauses to let us administer her Vetsulin, she has never flinched or given it notice. If you have any pups with special needs, I'm here to help!