Shelties love to bark...it's part of their genetic code, of their integral make up. So, since the Presto Dog pack consists of four of this fine breed, you can imagine the riotous behavior and noise that eminates from our den every time a bicycle goes past the window, or someone strolls/walks by, or a delivery is made. It's instant mayhem, a time when ear plugs are more in vogue than any fancy shirt or bliuse you may want to wear.

Now, our dogs range in age from eight years to five months. They pan out as follows: Lyric-8, Lily-5, Declan-5 and little Maggie-5 months. We also have a two year old tri-color Collie named Dougie that generally acts as the watch dog. He's constantly looking out the windows and when he sees something moving, he immediately starts barking which, in turn, sets off the already high-strung Shelties into a frenzied mania.

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Interesting thing is, the Sheltie with the biggest mouth, the one that makes the most noise is the youngest...5 month old Maggie (a.k.a. the little Mag Pie). Sure, she's learned from the other dogs to bark at ants, birds and whatever other wildlife may be cavorting outside, but she's absolutely horrible in that she doesn't stop. Her bark is so shrill that it goes right through you.

As someone once told us, her puppy license is eventually going to be revoked. After listening to her antics, it's gonna be sooner rather than later!