Jade Mist: A Gem Found in Maryland

This is a continuation for Quest for a Sheltie’s Love. For 2 weeks, countless hours have been obsessively poured into looking for a prospective candidate. I have scoured the Internet and absorbed all the information I can process in my sleep deprived brain. All physical locations from North to South and East to west within the Continental United States have been considered but I’ve narrowed my search in the more realistic and manageable geographic area. I have inquired from both Sheltie Rescues and breeders alike. Numerous emails have been inquiring about policies and adoption fees.

Before I go on, some of you might think that I’ve lost my mind spending all that time in search for a dog. Well, it’s my way of coping with the situation. I wanted to be able to do something and not sit here looking pathetic. I might as well do my best for something within my control. Because you see, we take the commitment and responsibility for bringing a dog home seriously. Puppies aren’t toys that are to be excited about when they are new and then left behind in the corner once the romance of the newness fades. Knowing all too well how we will bond and love the Sheltie that we will be bringing home, I wanted to have the better chance of finding a puppy who can have a long and healthy life so as to save our hearts from breaking all too soon.

My nationwide search brought me back to home State Maryland. I was giddy with excitement when I found a highly respected kennel with multi-awarded Shelties(including Best of Breed) is actually located within our area! I contacted Mrs. Carol Howell of Jade Mist right away and she had a very young litter. I had to control myself to not keep calling her every week to find out if we can see her puppies already. She said that the puppies will be ready when they reach 8 weeks old. She even informed me that one of her friends has a litter ready to go but I’ve already set my mind on a Jade Mist puppy. It was my husband who kept on asking me: “Have you called yet?”

We patiently waited for the day to come and finally on February 29, 2008, we made our way to Jade Mist.

A welcoming committee of Sheltie ladies warmly greeted us and we felt right home.

The puppies were all beautiful, cuddly and fuzzy. We knew that it was going to be a tough decision.

Pick me! Pick me! There was a 4 month old who was very sweet but we had our hearts set on a dark sable and white.

This beautiful, poised and sweet puppy reminds me of an aristocratic lady. While everyone was reaching out to be petted, she just sat there looking at us confidently knowing that she is gorgeous! The camera loves her too!

This one is Mr. Thinker. He was calm compared to her high energy sister who was moving too much for me to get a clear shot. I would be interested to know if she will get into agility performance.

We would like to thank Carol Howell of Jade Mist for our beautiful puppy! We now have a part of the legacy of Jade Mist’s dedication, experience, passion and work.

So whom did we choose? Any Guesses?