Katie here. I know you haven’t heard from me much since I crossed the bridge.

But that doesn’t mean I haven’t been working. Mama asked me awhile back if I’d help her and daddy find a little sheltie girl. She said they had been real lonely without me and she knows shelties are a working breed, so she thought maybe I’d work at finding the perfect little girl for them.
And guess what? My half sister Payton’s human mom knew a breeder who knew a breeder, and last night mama and daddy picked up my little sister! Meet Penny!

She’s nine weeks old and just the cutest little thing! And you know what? I’m not even jealous like I used to be when mama or daddy paid attention to anyone else but me. Living here across the bridge teaches us lots of lessons, and one of those is that our folks’ hearts are expandable and there’s always plenty of love for every doggie.

I’m really happy for mama and daddy….and I promise to supervise things to make sure they teach her all the stuff I taught them when I was there. You know. Like my one picture one treat rule. That’s probably the most important thing Penny needs to enforce because you know how mama is with that camera of hers.

But she also needs to knows it’s OK to get mama up at 4 a.m. if she feels like it, cause mama will get up with just the tiniest little whine. Mama is a softie.

And she needs to know that daddy likes to cuddle on the sofa some, and even if she’s not in a cuddle mood (you know I was not a cuddle bug) she should snuggle with him a little bit cause it makes him feel good.

And that’s her most important job … to make mama and daddy smile. In return they’re going to show her such a good time! Oh the adventures! And the walks at all my parks! And school, I need to tell her about all the treats she’ll get at school. And the lake house, she’s going to love the lake house! Why, she might even get to meet some of you! I sure loved my visits, you guys are the best!

I can’t wait to watch her grow up, she’s going to be a looker, but in her own way, you know? Mama really believes every sheltie is different and it’s her job to find out what each one is most passionate about. Me? I was passionate about food, um, camping, but Penny might love doing something else.
Mama and daddy will let her try different things, and Penny will decide what she thinks is the most fun. Because fun is what it’s all about, right? That was another of my rules, that mama and daddy provided me fun adventures, and I recommend Penny strictly adhere to it! It’s important for her to ask them every single day what fun thing they have planned. Otherwise they get lazy, you know. She needs to keep after them for their own good.

Anyway, I know you guys will give her a resounding welcome, she’s going to fit right in. Yep, this is going to be fun to watch, and you can be sure I’ll be watching over her and my folks just to make sure things go well.
A princesses work is never done. But I don’t mind one bit.
Welcome to my world, pretty Penny! Welcome to your world!

February 12, 2023 at 10:50 pm
Aww welcome Penny! ❤️❤️❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 13, 2023 at 8:47 pm
Penny says thank you!
LikeLike
February 12, 2023 at 11:10 pm
Omg she is adorable!! Congratulations!!! She seems larger like Levi was as a puppy and she has the black spot in the back and white tip on the tail like Levi does! She’s gorgeous! Wishing you many happy, healthy years together!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 13, 2023 at 8:48 pm
Yes, she will be oversized, which is why I was able to get her given I’m not a show dog home. She’s a pretty cool little girl and we don’t care how big she gets. She’s perfect.
LikeLike
February 14, 2023 at 4:44 pm
Yep I am TOTALLY with you! Levi is oversized as well so I am partial to the oversized cuties! Penny looks like the same size that Levi was. More of them to love! I just love her!
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 14, 2023 at 4:55 pm
How tall is Levi?
LikeLike
February 14, 2023 at 4:56 pm
good question. I think 15″ but haven’t checked recently. I think Dakota was around 13 “. Levi weighs 34.5 lbs
LikeLike
February 14, 2023 at 11:52 pm
Katie wad 15.25, maybe 15.5. She weighed 20 pounds most of her life. Penny is projected to to 16.35, weighing about 30 pounds. We’ll see. I’m trying to image what that will be like.
LikeLike
February 15, 2023 at 11:13 am
I need to measure Levi but that sounds quite close. The Vet originally predicted he would be 40 lbs (Dakota averaged around 23 lbs). Levi is 34.5 lbs and the Vet thinks that weight is perfect. Penny will seem more “giant sized” to you (especially if she is big boned). Levi is broad through the chest. He’s larger and solid whereas Dakota seemed “petite” in comparison. When the Vet first saw Levi he thought he was a Collie lol (at the same age Penny is, Levi was 9 and a half weeks when we got him) and we were also able to get him from the breeder because he would be “over sized”. I love every crazy inch of him! If I get to measure him soon I’ll let you know. I just love your girl!
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 12, 2023 at 11:12 pm
Congratulations! Penny is so cute. We will all love following her adventures!❤️❤️👏👏😊❤️❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 13, 2023 at 8:49 pm
Thank you. I hope she turns out to be adventurous, she’s certainly not afraid of anything much so I bet she will LOVE to get out and about!
LikeLike
February 12, 2023 at 11:20 pm
Dear Penny, so very nice to meet you. I am excited for your mama and daddy. I know that you are exactly where you belong. I look forward to all of your new adventures, but I know that you need time to settle in. You are heaven sent!
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 13, 2023 at 8:51 pm
Penny says thank you! Yes, she is trying to settle in, she’s got a whole big house to explore, and two new adults in her life. She’s adjusting pretty well, she sleeps through the nights without complaint. Of course we’ve only HAD 2 nights so far…we’re working on potty training and leash walking at the moment. And no chewing..but she’s a character!
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 13, 2023 at 8:54 pm
That’s great to hear! And so happy for you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 12, 2023 at 11:44 pm
Awww… I am so happy for you, Dawn! What a lovely introduction, Katie! I am sure that Penny will make your folks super happy (especially with you watching over them all).
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 13, 2023 at 8:51 pm
Katie says she’s been looking for us for awhile and she’s glad she was able to get us to the right puppy for us. She says she’s always known what we needed, she just had to find it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 13, 2023 at 8:53 pm
I am so very happy for you all! It’s a perfect Valentine’s Day gift!
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 13, 2023 at 9:16 pm
It is!
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 13, 2023 at 9:18 pm
😊
LikeLike
February 13, 2023 at 3:05 am
hello dear Penny… now your mom has always a penny, isn’t that great? :O)
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 13, 2023 at 8:52 pm
Penny says that’s perfect!
LikeLike
February 13, 2023 at 4:16 am
Congratulation. She is so cute.
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 13, 2023 at 8:52 pm
She is adorable. I sort of wish she’s stay like this…minus the puppy teeth.
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 14, 2023 at 1:34 pm
😀
LikeLike
February 13, 2023 at 5:45 am
I am so surprised you took the puppy plunge. I am in awe of your energy level. It’s cool she will be going to school and I know she will be another perfect canine citizen – maybe not as perfect as Katie but near perfect. And she’s beautiful. Congratulations new Mom!
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 13, 2023 at 8:53 pm
Yes I always said I didn’t want to do puppy again, but she’s a lot of fun. She’s absolutely perfect in her own way, can’t wait to see what she turns into as an adult…but don’t want her to grow up too fast! I miss my Katie-girl so much, every single day, but having Penny distract me helps.
LikeLike
February 13, 2023 at 5:52 am
Awwww. Katie, your little sister is beautiful! I’m sooooo excited. OH wait, this isn’t my puppy, but one can pretend, right?
Looking forward to going adventuring, and seeing what shenanigans Penny gets up to. I’m very happy for your family.
Welcome Penny!
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 13, 2023 at 8:54 pm
Penny says you should come over here for a puppy fix…springtime is nice in Michigan…
LikeLike
February 13, 2023 at 6:48 am
It is so good to hear from you again, Katie. Welcome, Penny! Your mama must be so thrilled to have you in her life, and I’m sure Katie will do an excellent job of watching over you.
Congratulations, Dawn! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 13, 2023 at 8:54 pm
I AM thrilled and a little bit exhausted after day 2 of being a puppy mom. Katie should have sent us a nanny!
LikeLike
February 13, 2023 at 7:02 am
Welcome, welcome, pretty little Penny! This post brought tears to my eyes. I know you will bring so much joy and life to Mama and Daddy. And Katie’s spirit will be there to guide you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 13, 2023 at 8:55 pm
Awww, Penny says thank you, Miss Laurie!
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 14, 2023 at 10:19 am
XXXOOO
LikeLike
February 13, 2023 at 7:50 am
Oh Dawn congratulations!!
These furry ones make such a huge difference in our lives. Katie is in your life the way Joy is in my life…. Helping and guiding. So glad she led you too this Lucky Penny!
💖
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 13, 2023 at 8:56 pm
Yes, Penny has Katie to thank, in a way, because it was Katie’s half sister’s mom who got us started with the breeders who all worked together to get us a puppy!
LikeLike
February 13, 2023 at 8:03 am
Hello Pretty Penny. You sure found yourself a great home. Congrats Dawn, she’s got a little mischief in those eyes. Enjoy!
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 13, 2023 at 8:58 pm
Oh yes, there’s more than a little mischief in this bundle of fur! She’s a natural retriever, and loves a little tennis ball I had, we can roll it across the room and she chases it and brings it back to us. She also likes any toy that squeaks and Katie had lots, so we’ve given her the smaller ones to play with. So far she’s destroyed one squeaker but she’s having so much fun. She’s a little crazy, but we don’t know if that’s just puppy or will be permanent. Crazy is fun, either way she’s fine. AND she’s a snuggler…which Katie never was, so that’s kinda fun and different. But I have to remember she HEARS everything, so I can’t get away with sneaking around while she’s sleeping.
LikeLike
February 13, 2023 at 10:04 am
Wow! Where do I start!!??? Yay!!! Welcome, Penny! I LOVE that you’ve got Katie narrating a welcome to your new girl.
I’m excited for you guys, Dawn. May you all have many wonderful adventures and quiet times together.
I think Penny is going to be very happy.
Michelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 13, 2023 at 8:58 pm
Katie says she had to manage it because we weren’t doing a very good job finding a pup…so she had to take over. She says that’s about par for the course, she always had to do all the work, don’t you know.
LikeLike
February 13, 2023 at 10:04 am
Welcome, Penny! Katie–you will have your paws full supervising this little one–she looks like mischief, doesn’t she?! I hope your mama can keep up with her! 😉
Dawn–she is adorable. I love the ‘little puppy in a big new world’ photo. Those little paws and eyes get me every time. Looking forward to so many more photos.
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 13, 2023 at 9:00 pm
Oh there will be more photos….it’s hard because she doesn’t stay in any one spot more than an instant..she’s always on the move unless she’s asleep and even then if you make the slightest noise she’s AWAKE and then all bets are off. Again. There’s definitely some mischief in this little one.
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 13, 2023 at 10:07 am
Thank you Katie, for your work, diligence, and patience in finding the right puppy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 13, 2023 at 9:01 pm
I think she’s going to be perfect for us. She has a definite personality and she likes to play. A lot. Also to go out to pee a lot.
LikeLike
February 13, 2023 at 10:42 am
Penny is cute! Glad your momma and daddy have a new furry child to take care of them 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 13, 2023 at 9:01 pm
Yes, we were totally useless without a sheltie supervisor.
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 13, 2023 at 10:45 am
Welcome Penny!
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 13, 2023 at 9:01 pm
She says THANK YOU!
LikeLike
February 13, 2023 at 11:19 am
Oh! She is so cute! Congratulations – looking forward to all the new adventures.
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 13, 2023 at 9:02 pm
She says thank you! She’s looking forward to them too!
LikeLike
Pingback: A New Journey of Love – Waterside Kennels Mysteries
February 13, 2023 at 11:40 am
Thank you for sharing your heart straight from Heaven, Katie! Your mom misses you so much–I hope you met my little Aero and that you are having fun chasing each other. Welcome to Penny–what an adorable puppy! Think of the adventures you are about to embark on, Dawn!
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 13, 2023 at 9:03 pm
I’m sure they’ve found each other…probably reading our blogs over each other’s shoulders. I do miss her every day, but Penny is a big distraction!
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 13, 2023 at 10:11 pm
❤️🐾
LikeLike
February 13, 2023 at 12:20 pm
Oh my goodness, what an adorable little fur ball!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 13, 2023 at 9:03 pm
She sure is!!
LikeLike
February 13, 2023 at 12:49 pm
Such a beauty!
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 13, 2023 at 9:03 pm
Yes, she is adorable! I think she’s going to be stunning as an adult.
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 13, 2023 at 4:46 pm
Welcome, Penny! You are ADORABLE and going to bring so much fun and love to your mommy and daddy. And us out here who will be following your adventures on the blog. We love you and are so glad you are here!
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 13, 2023 at 9:04 pm
She says thank you! She’s already feeling she’s on a giant adventure as she explores the house and yard. She says it’s exhausting and her mama and daddy agree!
LikeLike
February 13, 2023 at 10:07 pm
Oh, this brings happy tears to my eyes!!!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 14, 2023 at 9:36 am
I know. Me too. Saturday morning was really hard for me, I woke up crying for my girl. Didn’t know then we’d be brining a new little fur ball home by that evening. The breeder had told me they were going to measure one more time on Monday and decide where all the pups were going. So I wasn’t sure we’d end up with one. She texted me Saturday afternoon while I was out walking at Indian Springs, asking if I was ready to meet “Bertha.”
LikeLike
February 14, 2023 at 11:34 am
“Bertha”??? Where do breeders get these puppy names? Poor Monkey was “Whispy” because the white furs on his neck stuck out. Ugh!
LikeLike
February 14, 2023 at 3:47 am
This is lovely! I’m sure little Penny will be very happy with you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 14, 2023 at 9:36 am
I think she will be too! She’s a handful, but so cute we just laugh at her antics.
LikeLike
February 14, 2023 at 10:40 am
🤗❣️
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 14, 2023 at 6:11 am
Welcome Penny! Thank you Katie for working a tiny fuzzy miracle. I can’t wait for Spring camping season.
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 14, 2023 at 9:38 am
We’ll see if she’s a camping kind of dog. When it gets warmer and she gets a bit bigger, I’ll set up the tent in the backyard and we’ll see.
LikeLike
February 14, 2023 at 11:32 am
Well, it would figure that, the minute I decided to take a couple of days off from blogging, Princess Katie would show up with her PAWSOME announcement! Welcome, Pretty Penny! You are just as cute as can be … and I know your mama and daddy are beyond excited to have you in their lives. What a beauty she is, Dawn — and those little trussed-up ears will have just the right tipping. Watch out for the sharp puppy teeth — I have Monkey’s saved. I’ve been praying for y’all, so I’m happy to hear she’s finally here. Dallas wasn’t a cuddler, either, but Monkey for sure is (and you’ll get where you love that!). And you’re right: Monkey hears everything (where Dallas had grown deaf as a post), so that keeps me on my toes. Oh what FUN you’re going to have … and how exciting it is for us to be part of your adventure. Congrats on your Gotcha Day, Penny, and enjoy your wonderful new life!
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 14, 2023 at 12:23 pm
She loves to snuggle. She loves to play really hard. But we can put her in her x-pen and she’ll take a nap. She’s sleeping right now on the sofa. But I have to move to set up for a meeting and that will wake her and then we’re off to the races again! We’re working on potty training…50% successful on day 3.
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 14, 2023 at 2:24 pm
Boy, are you lucky! Poor Monkey was so sick that I didn’t think he’d ever get it (when Dallas was practically trained by the time he arrived here). They’re all different. Special in their own ways. How does she do with your clarinet??
LikeLike
February 14, 2023 at 3:14 pm
Have not played it yet…we’re on day 3 here. Rehearsal is tonight, should have practiced…but been too busy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 14, 2023 at 5:18 pm
She’s wonderful! Congratulations! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 15, 2023 at 1:44 pm
Thank you!
LikeLike
February 15, 2023 at 1:00 am
” … plenty of love for every doggie” INDEED!!! For Katie our Princess, and for the new pretty Penny. 🙂 What a cute name. Katie, you are a gem. You’re the best. Love just keeps building bigger and bigger.
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 15, 2023 at 1:46 pm
I remember telling Katie that her older sister, Bonnie, who she never met was a GOOD girl…because Katie was more a troublemaker, but she was so pretty she got away with everything. This little Penny, she’s a sharp one, so smart. We’re going to have our hands full with this one. I may end up telling Penny that Katie was beautiful, but she’s the smart one. Though I think she’s going to be gorgeous too.
LikeLike
February 16, 2023 at 7:20 am
Congratulations, Dawn! I am so happy she is with you and your husband. She is such a little fluff of sweetness. I am not a consistent commenter but your photos have wowed me so much I can’t keep quiet and than little Penny arrived and I just had to tell you how happy I am for you all♥
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 16, 2023 at 7:25 am
Thank you very much! She’s going to be a handful, but we’re looking forward to lots of adventures.
LikeLike
February 16, 2023 at 7:34 am
How did I miss this!!! I am so thrilled for you, and for Penny too! She has no idea yet what a wonderful Mama she now has.
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 16, 2023 at 5:26 pm
Well, thank you! I’m sure she and I will have lots of fun once we get past all the puppy shots, and get some puppy school under her belt.
LikeLike
February 17, 2023 at 2:04 am
What a sweet story. Loved reading it!!
LikeLike
February 19, 2023 at 10:03 am
We’re on day 8 now…she’s less laid back and more demanding…silly little girl.
LikeLike
February 19, 2023 at 11:19 am
Dearly love this story. Penny sounds like a charmer.
So happy for you both.
LikeLike
February 19, 2023 at 11:26 am
Welcome, Pretty Penny! I look forwarding to reading about your adventures!
Deb
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 19, 2023 at 2:43 pm
We’re going to have so many cool adventures as soon as she gets all her shots.
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 19, 2023 at 12:11 pm
Welcome, Pretty Penny! You’re adorable and one lucky gal to have such loving parents and Katie watching over you! 🤗🥰
LikeLike
February 19, 2023 at 2:43 pm
She is definitely a Lucky Penny!
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 20, 2023 at 5:47 am
😍🤗
LikeLike
February 21, 2023 at 6:29 am
Congrats on getting a new puppy. It is tough to be without a dog when you are used to having one around. Miss Penny is beautiful and I bet Katie is proud.
LikeLike
February 22, 2023 at 7:46 pm
I hope Katie is happy with us. Miss Penny is going to be a looker too.
LikeLike
February 23, 2023 at 6:51 am
She is a cutie.
LikeLike
February 22, 2023 at 5:13 pm
This is fabulous! Congratulations!
LikeLike
February 22, 2023 at 7:46 pm
Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 22, 2023 at 7:51 pm
So excited to watch Penny grow! So happy for you! ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 23, 2023 at 7:49 am
We’re very happy, and totally exhausted.
LikeLiked by 1 person