STRING-BEAN

His name was *Bandit*. He was dropped off at our home by an unknown person who heard we liked shelties. Funny, how word gets around to people you don't even know.
"But he *never* barks ". "Our mother paid $350 for him at a Pet Shop. Then she had a stroke and is in the hospital. None of us know what to do with him! He's driving us crazy! So, here! Thanks for taking him!" And they were off. I never did get a word in edgewise!

I checked out the *papers* the woman said the dog had. No AKC papers; just a shot record from a vet.

I decided the first thing to do was to give *Bandit* a bath. Wow! His entire frame was that of a Whippet! All the hair made him only look like a Sheltie!

Next, Hubby insisted on giving *Bandit* a new name. Something that *fits* him Hubbt said.
And so *Bandit* was blessed with the new name of *String-Bean*.

String-Bean was registered in Obedience school. Hubby was to take him, but chickened out in the last 30 seconds before class began.
So, it was my job.
String-Bean was 100% actor! He loved obedience school! And he loved all the attention he got from other people. A few called him a "yo-yo" dog, because one slight lift of the lead, and he did his stuff ..... perfectly! While encircling the room with the other dogs, he did what some called the "String-Bean Strutt".

When he ran in the backyard, he appeared to be a flat line, with feet never touching the ground.

String-Bean became a certified Therapy Dog.
He visits several Nursing Homes in our area on a regular basis. He knows to roll over as soon as we walk through the front entry so that I can wipe all 4 paws before we continue on our way.

String-Bean will be 11 years old this coming January. He was 1 1/2 when he came to move in with me. He's a little bit slower than he used to be. He goes to bed a little bit earlier these days too. But he still enjoys helping me do the laundry and make the bed in the morning.

He seems to have forgiven me a long time ago, for being a human. If you look at him, and watch him ~ you can learn so much about *life*.
And I Thank the Powers above for sending him to me.