My Constant Companion Shelby

Shelby'sDad

Shelby'sDad

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Shelby passed away last week after almost 14 years together. I got her when she was about a year old from the local dog shelter, and she has been by my side from then on. She had a long and happy life, and when she went deaf three years ago she got even closer, not letting me out of her sight, and learning hand signals.

She was a happy and sweet natured dog, but slowed down a lot in the recent years. Thyroid meds put some of the spring back in her step, and she recovered from surgery to have a fast growing cancerous lump removed at the beginning of this year. Her rear legs started to get weak, and she slept a lot towards the end. Her heart got weak and she suffered occasional fainting spells if she was too active. She still had her happy smile right until the end when she collapsed in the front yard the morning she was going to the vet anyway for her thyroid level check-up. She woke up after a couple of minutes but her smile was gone, and her eyes pleaded with me to help her. We went to her vet visit walking in together, with me knowing it would be one way.

Shelby basically fell apart from old age, happy to the end, and giving me love and company until her last moments. I am so grateful I could be with her when she went, and maybe provide her with some comfort as she has given me for so many years. I will miss her all of my days.

Shelby’s dad,
Mark
 
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Mark, what a beautifully written tribute to Shelby. I know how your heart is hurting. I hope you can get some comfort from having given her a wonderful, happy and loving home and life. Doing the right thing at the end is SO HARD but a gift to our fur friends. I'm so sorry for your loss.
 
Mark, I am so sorry. You gave your precious Shelby a life filled with joy and made the heartbreaking but most loving decision when there was no quality time left for her. She left this world knowing how deeply she was loved. I know you will cherish every wonderful memory she has left behind to comfort you as you grieve. May you find some peace in those memories.
Trini
 
78233DC0-D5BC-439C-ABFC-032441EB109A.jpeg Thank you all for your kind thoughts. Shelby will live in me forever. She can never be replaced, but there is room in my heart for the next one.
It will be tough to find another Sheltie without comparing her to Shelby. Each dog has their own traits and all should be given a chance at a happy home. I hope I can find another one fairly quickly, as our mini Aussie Shep Sophie misses Shelby as much as I do.

Thank you all again for your kind words and thoughts,

Mark
 
Mark,
What a beautiful picture of your Shelby...you can see the happiness shinning in her face. You are so right, we can never replace and there is a piece of you that will belong to Shelby forever. But we can love again and I hope you do find another Sheltie to add to your life and give Sophie a new friend. Again, I am so sorry for your loss.
Trini
 
I'm very sorry to hear about Shelby. It's so hard to lose these special ones who have been with us for so long. It sounds like you and Shelby were kindred spirits, and that makes it even harder. I know you will miss her terribly. I hope the happy memories you have will bring you comfort and peace.
 
What a beautiful girl. Her expression is so sweet and loving. I've always hated the word "replace" in terms of dogs. Makes me cringe. But as Trini says, opening your heart to a new friend is a different matter. I think of it as honoring the dog who has gone by paying the love forward.
 
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