Beau was the result of an accidental mating of two blue merle show Shelties. From six pups born in March 2008, he was the only white puppy to survive, the only deaf pup and is visually impaired. His blue eyes opened a week later than his siblings on the day his breeder was going to have him put down, so he grasped his chance. Beau is a great survivor! We first saw him at a sheltie summer barbecue that June; a sweet white puppy in a cage, being given little attention that day. I fell in love at once, mesmerised by blue eyes and inquisitive puppy nature. No-one would give him a home in the world of show dogs; three weeks later, in July, he was home with us.

As hearing impaired humans, we know poor hearing can be overcome and are determined he will have a happy, successful, wonderful life. Originally ‘Snowball’, we renamed him Beau, being ‘out and proud’ with his beauty, even if he is not show standard for his breed. An intelligent, food oriented puppy, he trained easily, learnt to make eye contact and responded to hand signs. Beau joined the adult dog obedience class with his older ‘brothers’ and recently won a rosette in that class for the best recall. Beau’s energy led me to the world of agility where he is making good progress, hampered by his mum – he loves dogwalk, tunnels and being praised. We have tried heelwork to music despite people being amused – do people really think hearing dogs ‘dance’ to music? Beau does as they do, follows commands. Beau has a wide sign repertoire and great trainers at his classes who are keen to help us.

Beau is a happy, friendly, loving, integrated, confident dog who is strikingly handsome with a most amazing coat and excellent carriage. Beau has won best in show in the two companion dog shows he has been entered for- one at the end of last summer one at the start of this, strutting confidently around a ring and enjoying meeting everyone.
Denise