My name is Hobiah Rosenthal, a very silly name my human Mom gave me. She has this "thing" about naming all of her furry children first and middle names. At least Mom & Dad both called me by my nickname, Hobie. I adored riding in boats with Dad, hence, Hobie, as in HobieCat (the sailboat). I found my human Mom and Dad in April of 1994. I had been running for a long time with some of my buddies. The larger ones in the group were quite mean and would fight for any food we could come across. I generally lost the battle and felt quite sorry for myself. One afternoon, Mom & Dad drove up to visit some friends of theirs and my group and myself just happened to be close by. Their friend told them that we were wild and he was going to have to call Animal Control or something. Man, I hate those two words! I approached my Mom-to-Be, she was sitting on the porch. I wagged my matted tail for her and "sat pretty". She made over me quite a bit, but I could hear the sadness in her voice as she talked. They were discussing the fact they weren't allowed pets where they live. Darn the luck! I could see tears in her eyes as they drove away without me. Only one week later, Dad came back! He was visiting his friend again. This time Dad's friend related to him that he had already called Animal Control, and they were coming to get all of us the following day! I had to act fast, I approached him and wagged my tail and danced. I talked to him and sat pretty, I made him laugh which made me feel so good. Oh happy day!!!! He reached down to scratch my ear. I knew I was a horribly matted mess, therefore, it had to be my charming personality, but within moments Dad opened the door to his Jeep and said, "Load Up". He didn't have to tell me twice! I was so happy I couldn't contain myself, I had found a home and could tell these were very nice people. I talked to my new Dad all the way to my new home. When we got there, I followed Dad up the stairs to their stilt house. At that point he told me to sit, of course I listened! He explained to me that he had to go inside and tell Mom that I was here. I remember her being concerned about the no pet rule. Needless to say, I couldn't wait, so I announced myself shortly after Dad walked into the house. The door swung open and there was Mom saying, "Oh no honey, what about the rules"? I again approached her and sat pretty. That one got her and I received the first of thousands of hugs from her. I felt like the luckiest Sheltie in the world. Shortly after I came to live with my new parents, we moved and got a large house, it even had a swimming pool! Now no worries about having "no pets". I was the king. Oh yes, did I mention that Mom and Dad have three cats? I didn't mind them at all, silly creatures if you ask me, but Mom and Dad sure love them. I decided they could remain in residence. My parents were very good about taking me to see the doctor. They got all my shots for me, got rid of the fleas (I hate fleas!), had me neutered (nothing to it fellas), but were saddened when they discovered I was Heartworm positive. There was no hesitation on their part though, I received the treatment and came through with flying colors. I was healthy once again. The Vet told Mom & Dad I was 5 years old, (I can't count so I couldn't tell them). We had so much fun all the time. Mom and Dad would play, and occasionally so would those cats. I even got to go to the groomer all the time. During the summer months I was allowed to have a total shave. I looked quite odd, but man it felt great! I haven't told you about Cody!! That's Mom and Dad's human kid, and boy did he and I love each other! We played a lot, but as I grew older, I had to slow it down a bit. I had to be the luckiest dog in the world. I had the perfect family, Mom, Dad, Cody, (and the cats). Of course the years passed, and I aged as dogs do. I became ill in November, 1998 and couldn't eat. Mom had me at the Vet almost everyday. They took x-rays, did bloodwork and gave me IV's daily. I couldn't get around so well as I grew very weak. Mom would carry me mostly. Whatever it was I had went into remission for a couple of weeks, but then returned full force. Mom cried and Dad held me a lot. Mom took me back to the Doctor and made arrangements for me to have exploratory surgery on December the 28th, today was December 23rd. I was more worried for my Mom and Dad than for myself, they were so sad and scared. I wasn't afraid, I'm a very brave fellow you know. I just wanted to take away their sadness. They had given me the most wonderful years of my life and loved me as if I truly was their child. Well, Christmas morning I knew it was time. I couldn't bear to have Mom and Dad see me leave this world and them, so I waited until they left the house for lunch with some of their human family. Mom felt so bad afterwards, she couldn't bear the thought of my being alone when I left this world. But you know...this is the way we canine children are. We prefer to retain our dignity to the end. We don't want to see the tears for we no longer have the strength to dry them for you. So, I went into my favorite bathroom, lay down and fell into my last sleep. I know how hurt Mom and Dad were when they found me, but I knew they would have the strength to move forward...and I will wait patiently at The Rainbow Bridge to see them again. **Note** Hobie's Mom and Dad now run a Non-Profit Sheltie Rescue Organization that is dedicated to Hobie. Visit us when you can at: http://www.angelfire.com/fl2/sheltierescue