As you can see, Brad and I finally came to an agreement and added to our family this past Monday, August 14. I drove out to south Chicago with a friend to pick up this little guy after it was suggested by the Director of Central Illinois Sheltie Rescue that he was perfect for our family and lifestyle. She described Bailey as "the perfect little gentleman." There is no such thing as a "miniature Sheltie," but Bailey is definitely on the smaller size! Although he is 10 years old, he has been observed as acting more like a 5 year old (which, as the days go by, we are starting to see for ourselves)!
According to Bailey's foster mom of 10 days, he was surrendered by a family who was moving to Arizona. The disturbing part of the story is that they had two other bigger dogs they were taking with them! How could someone own a dog for 10 years and just leave it? Especially this little guy? I don't know, and neither did his foster mom, but if the family would have taken him, the Huntsman's would not have been able to adopt him!
I can't even begin to describe how I fell in love with Bailey when I first saw him! He ran right out to the driveway to meet me and my friend when we arrived. He has a cute little turned-up nose and long, black hair framing his face.
I didn't tell my parents any of the plans as they were evolving, but once I knew I would be driving to Chicago to get Bailey Monday night, I cordially invited my parents over for dinner on Tuesday. My mom asked, "is there a special occasion?" -- to which I replied, "no."
Needless to say, when my parents walked in Tuesday night they were pleasantly surprised. Bailey greeted my mom like a little gentleman, whereas he barked and barked at my dad (no one really knows why since Bailey really hadn't barked up until then). My dad is in love, and my mom just smiled and hugged both me and Brad and said to him, "you must really love my daughter."
