[ Callie ] [ Jake ] [ Ebony ] [ Feathers ] [ Ivory ] [ Little Bit ] [ Twooey ] Jake   After Teddie passed away, I didn't want another dog right away, and most importantly, one to replace here.  There is only one Teddie and she is not longer with us, although I am sure she is watching from above and keeping an ever watchful eye on what is going on at the Lilley Pad. I knew when I was ready to adopt another pet, he/she would kind of fall in my lap and I would know it was meant to be. Three months to the day that Teddie left her home, I met Jake (named for Jake McKinnon from AW and ATWT).   Jake was an 8-month old sheltie that the owner didn't want anymore.  They kept him in an outside rather small kennel all day long and I guess he barked all day long from loneliness. He was also a little larger that they wanted (or so I was told). He was going to be admitted to SHAID Tree Animal Shelter, but Cathy (the shelter manager) knew I was looking for a sheltie type dog so he moved directly to his new home and was neutered one week later. He is an amazing dog.  Although his previous owners didn't give him the love he deserved, they obviously spent some time training him.  He has never made a "mistake" and he is a very clean, caring, lovable smart dog.  Could be a bit cuddlier, but it will come in time.   I don't have many pictures of him yet, but below are a few that I have taken.  These were taken shortly after he arrived at his new home.  He settled in so quickly, it was "meant to be". Up close and personal.  Jake loves to investigate everything that goes on.   This was taken just before Christmas and his 1st birthday. He is a wonderful companion, already totally devoted to his new "mum" and really teases the cats, especially in the morning....he is such a happy dog.  It took a while before Callie accepted him.  She was very cautious and I know she was still missing Teddie. But after Callie realized the Jake wasn't going anywhere, and that he would be around for a while, they became fast friends.  Sometimes Jake's youth grates on her old nerves and she soon tells him to layoff - or else!! I know that Teddie is watching and has instructed Jake to use all the toys and belongings that she left behind.  He loves to play fetch with Teddie's toys and sleeps on Teddie's bed and sleeps in Teddie's spot on my bed.  It is so weird sometimes, I could swear she is here in spirit.  Jake is always at my feet or somewhere that he can watch me....just like Teddie.  Callie spends most of her time on the family room sofa so really isn't that close by most of the time. She has always been that way.  Don't know why, but she is happy so I leave her be.