I agree with everyone else... this needs to be a valuable learning experience. We all need to learn and they say experience is the best teacher!

We understand your heartbreak and do not look down on you. You need to be honest in your posts though so that people will not lose respect and have to question wether you are telling us the truth or not. Honesty is the best policy.

Aly was thinking along the same lines as me when she asked are you sure you are really ready for another dog? Don't rush into it. You need to consider why your first dog was an outside dog and not trained to be a part of the family? Shelties are very adorable pups but they are high energy (they are a herding breed) and they do shed quite a bit and require regular brushing.

I believe you need to sit down with your dad and figure out why the dog was outside and determine that if you do get a dog it will be an inside dog. It is a very lonely life for most outside dogs!

Take Aly's offer to let her help you figure out what breed is best for you. She is very experienced in helping people adopt the right pet for them. You can email or PM her and I'm sure she will give you the best advice available anywhere! Use your resources wisely and you should be able to find the perfect pet that will by with you for many many happy years to come!