When I acquired Ilse, my first Icelandic Sheepdog, I had no idea that I would be embarking (and I do mean barking) on an enchanting adventure. I had been looking to find a companion for my rescue dog, Willie, an American Eskimo Spitz who had been badly abused and was quite fearful of people and other dogs. I found the Icelandic Sheepdog in a book of dog breeds which described them as being friendly and gentle with children and pets yet having a lively spirit and being unafraid. Several internet searches lead me to a lovely litter of puppies and Ilse came to me from Wisconsin at 5 months of age, all wiggles and barks. Although just a puppy, she was instinctively gentle with Willie, approaching him in a submissive posture with her tail wagging. She quickly won him over along with the rest of us.

About a year later, I learned that Soley, a three year old female Icelandic Sheepdog in Minnesota, was looking for a new home. After speaking with her owner, it was agreed that we could adopt her. Soley exhibited the same friendly demeanor, but maintained the more regal carriage of a lady. When Soley is interested in getting your attention, she often uses her Scarlet O'Hara impression, batting her eyes in a coy manner until you follow her to find out what she wants. She was also very gentle with Willie and melted all of our hearts with her Southern-like charms.

Soley gave birth to her first litter on June 18, 2006 and we met our boy Roskur for the first time. Roskur was a sweet and thoughtful little pup who would stop on his way out the door to turn back and give me a quick kiss before running off after the bigger dogs. He grew into a beautiful big boy with a very sweet and loving disposition that none of us could resist. He too seemed to instinctively understand that Willie needed to be treated gently and has always been friendly towards him.