I have always had dogs. They are wonderful buddies and companions. We recently lost our little Papillion and we were missing her a whole lot. I decided the best medicine would be to get another dog---fast.

I shopped and researched a lot for this, as I’m 66 now, and this could be my last dog. You just never know. Anyway, I started out looking for a multipoo. I thought they were so cute. However, each one I saw seemed to lean more to the poodle side, and I really wanted a fluffy soft "rag dog." Although, I was warned that they were very high maintenance, coat wise, I purchased a small female Maltese pup. Within 24 hours, this adorable little handful of trouble had completely won our hearts. Even my husband, who is a little reserved with dogs, he acts like a silly kid with this little dog. We named her after a Greek word, Shay-la, meaning "from the fairy places." (My husband is Irish)

She has the bounciest, yet extremely gentle, personality I have ever seen in a dog. She is trouble with a capital T, but learns real fast. She has pulled the doilies on the stands off, which pulled flower pots, plants, and candy dishes onto the floor, strung toilet paper from the upstairs bathroom all through the downstairs rooms (that was really fun!), brought sticks and walnuts into the house to chew up, and has carried our shoes everywhere.

We have been taking her to dog obedience classes and she is the star of the class. For fun, I have been able to teach her to sit, stay, roll over, sit up, dance, speak and when I say "bam" she plays dead. She is just now 5 months old. It takes about 5 times and she has the trick accomplished. I’m trying to think of more tricks to teach her.

Yes, the coat is high maintenance, requiring combing daily and a weekly bath. It is prone to matting easily and she is a complete little tomboy, so I have to watch it carefully. Is she worth the trouble? You bet! Nicest little dog I’ve ever had.

- BJ Redmond
 

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