Adopting OES and would welcome advice
I am looking for advice regarding adopting an OES. A bit of background may be helpful here...I am a police sergeant and one of my officers came across an abandoned (very hungry, thin and amazingly friendly OES in rural North Florida..apparently he was either lost or abandoned...no chip or collar was found at the animal control facility). I had her call the humane society and later the local animal control facility because I was afraid that the OES would succumb to local traffic with which the dog appeared happy to play amongst...kind of like lookng for a ride. At first glance, I thought that this dog resembled some sort of a high byrid cross between a Scottish Deerhound and Bedlington Terrier. It appeared to be short haired...had just been buzz clipped I now remember thinking in retrospect...(BTW I come from a dog background yet, we don't get many OES in FL and it was later research that led me to the conclusion that this was in fact a true OES). yet had protruding features which led my officer to believe that this was a sheepdog. I kept tabs on this animal as he really "touched my heart" and wanted to climb into the patrol car (in fact I had to pull him out...when I saw him he wandered up and started touching my driver's side window with his nose.....kind of like "get out of there and play with me!" and then proceeded to jump in the back seat when I opened the door to obtain some stuff to distribute to the officer). Flash forward to a week later. I had kept up with the dog (being good friends with the animal control people..who BTW hate to put down any animal...in fact both gals there have adopted at least 15 a piece!... dogs and cats that no one claimed or wanted) . I was on another case and pulled up to the driver's license office (adjacent to the animal control facility) and saw an amazing site! A beautiful grey and white OES... my how that coat had grown in a week! waiting at the external kennel exercise fence (in a beautifully groomed coat and black BOWTIE! that the contract groomer.....the director had fallen in love with the dog and had him groomed with the hopes of an adoption...had placed on him). Now, I grew up in the woods...Literally....where most people consider dogs as: like familiar livestock: Simply put, animals with a purpose. This however, was different. I had been toying with the idea of adopting him and this settled my mind....The dog remembered me and was so happy to see me: and me him. I am divorced, my kid is in college, I live alone and do not have sheep to heard.... nor "loneliness issues", nor a vacuum to fill...yet, out of kindheartdness have found a friend....and we played for a quite a while today. I have a big enclosed yard and garage (for when I am on duty and it is either to cold or hot for the outdoors) and would like advice on suitable accomodations for my soon to be adopted friend. From what we can deduce the OES is maybe 1-1.5 years old, is well trained, loves to frolic and is a "good boy". ?'s Should I build an internal fence and kennel/play area (beyond my substantial wooden cypress fence in my backyard? ) And, as I work 12 hour shifts 3 days a week how do I maintain a good environment for this OES while I may be out for at least 6 hours (will check on him during dinner break)? Thanks! Chris |
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| Hi Chris,
First off, WELCOME to the forum! I'd like to strongly recommend that you register to get the full benefits of the features of the forum software, and also you'll be able to upload pictures of your new friend for all of us to admire and give out opinions! (We have several police officers and other law enforcement personnel (civilian too) who are members and who would take pleasure in roughing me up a bit if I did anything untoward with their email address. So I walk a straight line, mostly out of abject fear.) How great is that story! I hope you have a great life together, sounds like you guys have really hit it off. Is your fence at least 6 feet tall? This breed can really jump high when young and if motivated, and especially if you have the support structures (cross pieces) of the fence on the inside. I'm sure many folks will jump in with their opinions, questions and suggestions, though traffic here can be a bit light on the weekends. I have to warn you though -- while you may have no vacuum to fill now, you sheepdog will fill it for you anyway, and you may never want to be without one again! Welcome to furry crack! Nice to see you here. |
| Welcome welcome! What a wonderful story! Please sign up the forum. You will love it and find it so helpful. Everyone is terrific on here. Although you don't think you're lonely or have a vacuum to fill, you won't be able to imagine what life was like without your furbaby.
I think a 5-6 ft fence is plenty for your new sheepie. Others on the forum have more experience with a younger dog so they will likely chime in soon with suggestiong for protecting him while you are at work. They are very accomodating dogs and he will be fine while you are at work for 6 hrs at a time. There are always other options too such as a friendly responsible neighbor or a dog walker. Welcome! |
| Hi Chris and welcome to the forum:
I have two sheepdogs (one from New England Old English Sheepdog Rescue) and one american eskimo. Although our dogs could easily jump over our four foot chain link fence, they don't. I don't leave them outside when we aren't home. Actually, I think they just curl up on the couch and sleep when we aren't home. Probably thinking of ways to make us feel guilty when we finally come home. If we plan to be gone for the full day, I arrange for a neighbor to come and let the dogs out. It sounds like a good match. Please let us know how it goes. And once you adopt the dog - we'd love to see some pictures. Jennifer, Baxter, Cassiopia and Sharkey |
Hi Chris, Our Panda is now almost 2 1/2. My husband is a firefighter and works 24 on and 48 off, I also work full time. Depending on how hot or cold it is here, Panda has the run of the yard and/or house. We have a 6 ft fence that she has never tried to jump. I would suggest during the hot months to keep the dog shaved down and let it grow during the cooler months. No matter what your work schedule is, your dog will always welcome you with a big wiggling bum  Panda has seemed to figure out our schedule and does just fine with it....if you are worried a bit, you can always have a friend or neighbor come over and play/feed him while you are gone. Once home though, dont expect this dog to leave your side.... |
| Thank you so much for bringing a sheepie in need into your life Your story was heartwarming. Sheepies are usually dogs that love their humans so you'll be amazed at what you've missed out on all these years. We got our first ever full-sheepies 2 years ago, then 2 more last year. They are generally a funny, loving, charming, occasionally obnoxious breed that is quite intelligent but also goofy.
I agree completely with Darcy... keep him clipped shorter. Grooming for this breed can be time consuming but if you keep him in a short cut he'll be cooler and also easiest to maintain. If you have time for weekly grooming sessions, you will be rewarded with a gorgeous boy that people will probably stop you on the streets to admire. I'm up in Michigan and we've had a mild winter so I just clipped my 3 big girls down to 3/4" and they love it. You can either have a groomer do this or buy a pair of good electric clippers and clip him ever 3-4 months or as needed. They dry faster this way too. Mine love to play in a kiddie pool in the summer so the short cuts are just more practical for us and with 4, there just isn't enough time to devote to that many hours of brushing. 
As others have said, a fenced yard is a must... if the fence you have is at least 6' tall, it may be fine. But you will need to determine if he's a digger or jumper to make sure he will be safe left outdoors during your shift. And if he is to wear a collar, be sure there isn't anything that he could hang himself on... there was a sad post on this board a while back about a choking death. We're all so excited for you and hope you will post pictures soon. Please keep us posted! Have you chosen a name yet?? |
| I just loved this story!
It looks like YOU have been chosen to be owned by a sheepie! 
Please do register and keep us updated on your story! |
| I am on my 3rd rescued OESD and the only problem I have encountered is seperation anxiety issues. The dogs I have had were adopted at 2-3 years old. They are great dogs and I will get another when the time comes. |
| welcome to the forum!!
I have had 2 oes resuces and had one pup. ( Fergie, we lost her at 6 months) you will ajust to him they just want LOVE bless you for your caring and love for the OES. |
| Hi Chris, and welcome to the forum! I just loved your story, and I thank you so much for considering rescuing a sheepie in need! We are on our third rescued sheepie and have loved every minute of it.
Deana was right was she said all they want is love. And Colleen was right when she said it looks like YOU have been chosen to be owned by a sheepie. You will NEVER regret this decision. Please keep us posted, and please post pictures when you can! We live and breathe by pictures! (another) Chris |
| Hi Chris
I live in St. Augustine and have a 2 year old OES. I haven't found our warm weather to be a problem for her. During the summer I do have her trimmed down. You will want to spend time brushing him or else you have a messy, matted dog on your hands! Like someone else suggested I would recommend that you find out the personality of your dog before you let it stay outdoors while your gone. I've had a few episodes where Patches has done a Houdini act and escaped from the yard while I'm gone. Be prepared for lots of attention with an OES, they're a real traffic stopper in FL!! Enjoy the new member of your family. |
| Welcome and we hope you come back and share lots more storeis about your newly adopted family member. |
| Hi,
I enjoyed reading your story and it does sound as if you knew instantly this boy and you belonged together. It happens as simply as that sometimes, some just touch our hearts in particular ways. You sound like you'll be a good dad. The only concern I'd have is your long hours away from home on the days you are working. That's gonna be tough and I'd consider getting a dog walker or friendly neighbor to check up on your boy in your absence. They call sheepies..."Velcro dogs" as they always want to be close to their humans. Lovable goofly clowns that will have you laughing at their antics. It's easy to see why once you get one you'll forever be a fan of the breed. You may even think about getting him a pal (doesn't have to be a big dog) but even a little friend to keep him company on the days you work those long hours. Can't wait to hear more adventures of you and your boy. Best wishes to you and welcome! Marianne and the boys |
| Welcome Cris. The only word I might add to the others is that in general, herding dogs, if left alone will tend to be barkers; if your community has laws or ordinances against nuisance barking, then leaving him out all day may become a problem. After several complaints from my neighbors, my dogs stay inside while I'm at work. The have the run of the country kitchen area, but sleep most of the time. I am a cashier at a supermarket and my 8 hr shifts vary from day to day. The don't seem to mind the variety. One I raised as a pup, the other is a rescue. |
| Hi Chris, welcome!
I think it sounds like this dog would be a good match for you. I don't see any problem with your 12 hour shifts 3 days a week. I am gone for work Monday-Friday 8ish to 6:30ish, sometimes being able to come home for lunch, sometimes not. Barney is totally fine with it. He just sleeps. Actually, the other day I came home for lunch for the first time in a long time and he barely even looked up at me and gave me the look as to say, why are you interupting my beauty sleep? As long as you pay attention to him while you're home, I don't see any problem with leaving them all day long. But I do have to agree that I would be a little wary of leaving him outside for that time. We leave Barney in the kitchen... |
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