This is the bio I didn’t want to write. It’s a change of circumstances that has brought us here, rather than our two boys (and brothers) Sheldon and Wilbur.
I’ll start with Wilbur. He’s a curious, cheeky and energetic boy who loves to meet new people. He’s a fan of finding little hidey holes to rest in: either his crate, the walk-in wardrobe or near our feet when we are working from home. Like most blue heelers Wilbur has chewed items in the yard, or taken souvenirs from the laundry drying racks. This has been mainly when I forgot to put some toys out for him. I wouldn’t say he was naughty – rather he might have been bored so wanted something to do. Wilbur loves a good scratch, and enjoys playing around. While a puppy I bore the brunt (some cuts) of his learning on how to wrestle. Now I comfortably can grab his lower jaw for a wiggle (one of our games) without worry.
Sheldon is the taller of the two brothers. He appears to have more of the dingo characteristics, with floppier ears and a longer/skinnier build. Sheldon was the puppy that picked me. He’s a devoted dog who loves to shadow me around the house. He tends to be initially shy/nervous around new people but soon becomes friendly. His brother on the other hand is more forward in seeking affection and attention from newcomers. We’ve had one occasion where the two boys found the side gate open and had an excursion. We soon found them: it was Sheldon who was herding/slowing his brother down which meant they didn’t get far. Because of this I take Sheldon to be the more responsible one of the two brothers, if that is a thing with heelers. Like his brother Sheldon loves a wrestle, but also will happily nap in his chair or at my feet on the days I’m working from home. Sheldon has a great personality and I will be truly sorry to say goodbye.
We’ve two kids at home. The elder child has figured out how to play with Wilbur and Sheldon so understands the propensity of heelers to, well, heel and herd. The younger child is starting to figure it out but at times has been surprised if the dogs chase or wrestle back.
I give them a decent walk most nights, but sometimes work means this is every second night. The dogs are walked together in harness and on a split leash so they can pull at times until they settle into the pace. As I’ve started to jog, they’ve shown me that they can do that easily enough.
So why are Sheldon and Wilbur looking for a new family? The major change in our household is a role we will soon take on as the carers for one of our parents. We both work fulltime and have two children in Primary School so taking on the care function of the parent means our daily routines are going to become increasingly complicated. I fear that we won’t be able to give the boys their walks. Also, the dogs will have to spend more time outside and away from the family as the parent is unstable on their feet. I love having two shadows (Wilbur and Sheldon) following me around but can’t constantly be on watch to make sure they don’t accidently get under the feet of our parent – we cannot afford her to have a fall or become unbalanced.
We are struggling with this decision but feel we have to do it ahead of the parent moving in permanently. We want to take the time to find the right family for Sheldon and Wilbur rather than coming to a point where we have two frustrated, bored (i.e. mischievous) blue heelers who only see discipline rather than love and playtime from us.
Wilbur and Sheldon are brothers. We’d love for them to move together but understand this might not be possible.
The boys would come to you with their crates, harnesses, leads and toys. Also, they have a recliner chair they sit in when joining us in the lounge which we would be happy to give you.
They are both crate trained for night time and know when its bed time that’s where they go, they are both de-sexed and both up to date with vaccinations.
They have both done the first course of RSPCA dog training and passed with flying colours. Neither dog is off the lead trained as they would run and never return. We cannot express enough the nature of these two. They are such beautiful little souls.
Adoption fee to be negotiated directly with owners. For more information, please contact:
Michael 0434954781
Candice 0432422434
taitinvoices@gmail.com