We met Sweet Spunky Shelby when we were bringing pig ears as a Christmas treat to a local shelter in NC.

Shelby was being held on a cruelty case, but on top of that she had been born with a significant birth defect. She was born without a tail and no anus, also known as atresia ani.

You would never know it, because although Shelby was tiny, she was mighty. If this defect was not corrected, she would eventually develop bladder and then kidney infections which could have killed her.

So we stepped up, said Yes! to taking her into our rescue.

Shelby’s birth defects were more significant than we knew, and she is now recovered from surgery number 3 to get her all straightened out and ready for her fairytale ending. She is now healed and ready. 

Shelby has so much zest for life and a ton of love to give. Which is exactly why this post might be one of the hardest we have asked Grace to write. 

Grace is head over heels in love with this feisty lady. 

However, my home, while it’s been a perfect place for her to lay her head and recover and learn to love, it’s not her forever home because of my own pack. She is living as a part time family member (as are my own dogs) and that’s not the life I want for her.  She needs a special family who will love her fully and completely, hopefully with a playmate as she wants to be a full time part of a pack.

Shelby is crate trained and does not mess her crate. She is working on house training and is making progress. She walks well on a leash and adores playing fetch. She is active and goofy and such a sweet baby. Oh... She loves posing for the camera and lots of treats.

Medically she requires canned GI food and a dose of stool softener everyday (the only residual side effect of her birth defect). This helps her go potty without issue. It will be very important to keep up with these things to keep her happy and healthy.

While Shelby is house trainable, she does need someone who will be understanding if you don’t get her outside fast enough, because once she starts pooping it’s not possible to stop it (she has no sphincter). Her new family will get lots of coaching from me (Grace) as I know her body rhythms, and routine will be important, and crating when you are not home so she doesn’t mess the floor.

I will require lots of updates and “Aunt Grace” status as this little girl stole my heart.

I know the right family is out there, but am willing to wait until that day arrives.

We are officially posting Shelby for adoption. As hard as it will be to have her leave our Tanner Family, our commitment to her has been and always will be to do what is in her best interest.

If you are interested in having Shelby join your family, please complete our adoption application. 

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Please be advised that we will require a home visit and a in person meeting with you prior to adoption. Also, a meet and greet with any dogs currently in your home and Shelby. While Shelby is currently in NC, both Grace and Linda are committed to whatever travel may be necessary in order to place her in the perfect home.

Please feel free to reach out to us with any questions you may have in regards to Shelby and her care.