NAME: Lexicon (or Lexi, for short)

NICKNAMES: She had already been "Lexi" 4 years when I got her. I didn't want to confuse her by calling her something altogether different, but 'Lexi' was so common. Lexicon fit. Nowadays she'll respond to Lex, Lexi, Lexicon, or Bump (as in the oft spoken, "look out for the speed bump" or "there's a bump in my bed!").

OWNER: Felicia Savage

HOW THEY MET: I was in the market for an adult Sheltie to make nice with my mother's, who would only tolerate dogs her own breed. When I first met her, Lexi was still active in the dog-show circuit, but her irregular monthly cycles made her a good candidate for early retirement. Her owner, a local breeder, approved of my request and agreed to let her go. She and Sheba hit it off, and Lexi's enjoyed being a companion animal since!

AGE: 8

HOME: Baltimore

BREED: Shetland Sheepdog

BEST TRICK: Twirling. She did this whenever treats were brought out. It took only a quick lesson to have her spinning on command.

FAVORITE ACTIVITY: Stopping on the street so that passersby may pet her (or laying in the middle of the office belly-up while visiting work). No one needs love like the Lex.

FAVORITE FOOD: I try not to give her scraps, but she's been known to run off with a mouthful of bread if I turn my back on it.

FUNNIEST MOMENT: The day after a drenching downpour, Lexi's lingering wet-dog aroma had become so particularly awful, she couldn't stand it herself. Mouthing her morning breath mint to wet it, she dropped it to the ground and threw herself onto it, rolling the scent (and the stickiness) into her fur. Suffice it to say, it didn't help (except to inspire a bath that evening).

MORE ABOUT LEXI: She's a recent addition to our regional Pets on Wheels volunteer team, has an unusual attraction to bully breeds, and enjoys pausing whatever movie I'm watching by sitting on the remote.

IF LEXICON HAD A MOTTO FOR LIFE, IT WOULD BE: "A little to the left, please?"

Photos by Felicia Savage

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