Raven
(Toven Crave the Rave, CL1-F)
pedigree

The sun went away on July 21, 2006, when I said goodbye to my beloved Sally. It came back out on January 10, 2008 when this pint-sized little girl bounced into my life.

I was starting to think losing Sally had made me "immune" to puppies. I'd looked at a few, cruised listings of rescue dogs but none of them had done anything for me. Then I heard about Raven ...

Raven was born on September 8, 2007 - just a week before what would have been Sally's 16th birthday. Her breeder had nicknamed her "Cookie" - not knowing it was my special pet name for Sally. I was intrigued, but also knew that her breeder was growing her out as a potential showgirl and addition to her breeding program - on a hunch, I asked her to let me know if she changed her mind.

When I heard she was going to be available, I jumped at the chance to go see her. I was strangely nervous too - would I like her? Would she like me? Would I be disappointed again and go home without her?

This little black ball of fluff was all of 11" tall and not quite 9 lbs - a perfect little Sheltie DOLL, with these long, black eyelashes, who climbed into my lap and stayed there most of my visit! Long story short, she came home with me that day and stayed.

Raven has grown into a little 13.5" powerhouse - full of energy and drive when she's working, but sweet and snuggly when she's not. She has a great "off" switch too (her favorite position is lying on the sofa with all 4 feet in the air.) She's very feminine and quite the fashionista too - put some frilly costume on her that would send most dogs into their crate to sulk and this girl totally OWNS it!

Even though she's been with me the shortest amount of time, she feels like an old friend. I like to think she's a gift from Sally - her way of saying "I'm FINE Mom - now stop whining about me and go have some FUN!"

I think we'll be having a LOT more fun together - I can't wait !