I was hoping to talk to someone about his puppy that I rescued today.  I got a phone call last night telling me that their was a pup that was deaf and that she would like me to come and get it.....it has AKC papers....I said okay....well she called this morning and asked if her daughter could meet me and I said Yes.  The pup cannot hear... but I have never dealt with a sheltie.... do they have a pointed chest like do their ribs come togetherabout an inch down from there belly ans does it kind of feel like a lump???

Sound like a hernia, if it is not very big I would not worry about it if it is large and does not go flat with a light pressure then speak to a vet, it can be repaired. No second thoughts perhaps it would be as well to let the vet take a look as if it requires repairing you may get some help with the cost.