Shelby’s Story

My sweet baby … We had to let you go three weeks ago and it’s been so hard.  I couldn’t even bring myself to write a tribute for you because losing you left me completely heartbroken.  Over the last few months my life has completely revolved around your care.  So many different medications that had to be given at different times.  My alarm was set so I could get up throughout the night to make sure you got the correct medication at the correct time.  I still wake up at those times only to find out that you aren’t here.

You tried so hard to act as normal as you could.  Whenever we came home from running errands, you were always at the door wagging that beautiful tail of yours and jumping around waiting for a special treat.  But truthfully, how could you be “normal”.  You had kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, and Cushings.  That combination caused you to have seizures – some of them very serious, lasting more than 10 minutes.  Seizure medication helped control the seizures for a time, but eventually you were no longer in control.  Rushing you to the ER on that final night was devastating.  The doctor said your organs were beginning to shut down and there really wasn’t anything more that could be done.  The kindest thing to do was to let you go peacefully as you were already pretty much unconscious. 

I know that Pepper was there to meet you at the Gate.  The two of you grew up together and were so bonded.  I know that in addition to all the health problems you were facing, you were also grieving as Pepper left for the Bridge only two months before your journey started.  I hope you are also with all the others who have gone before you.

In my heart I know that you are no longer suffering and you’re finally at peace.  Now it’s my turn to take on the pain of missing you so much.  We will love you forever and you will always remain in our hearts until we meet again.

(Shelby’s original story continues below)

Shelby came to live with us at the same time as Autumn.  She was called “Shelly” at the rescue but since our daughter’s name is also Shelly, we changed it to Shelby.  

Shelby’s original pictures reminded me so much of my Angel who I lost back in 2010.  Little Shelby only weighed 5 pounds at the time of her adoption.  And she was such a nervous little pup which told me she must have had a terrible start to her life.  She seemed especially nervous around men.  I held her on my lap the entire trip back to our house and she just trembled in fear.  After we got home she tried to hide every time John walked into the room.   She was ok around the other dogs and me but wouldn’t even take a treat from John.

It didn’t take her too long to realize that she was finally in a safe environment.  And she certainly couldn’t resist the pieces of cheese that John offered the others.  Soon she was right in line waiting for her piece of cheese.

Shelby will always be a bit on the nervous side as she still jumps when she hears a sudden or loud noise.  But she loves us both and insists on giving kisses very freely.  Every morning she jumps up on John’s lap, gives just one little lick on the face, and then jumps down.  She just won’t settle down without this morning ritual being completed.  And whenever I come in the house from somewhere (even if it’s just a walk down to the mailbox) she has to give me a kiss and won’t stop jumping on me until this happens.

Shelby is a prime example of a dog that had a rough beginning and made a complete turnaround with lots of love and patience. And she has proven that she has a lot of love to give.

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