Shelby Passes On
October 30, 2004 It is with the utmost sadness that I write this letter. Shelby is now at rest from this world, though some of us are sure that she is now chasing cats, squirrels and especially ducks to her heart's content. Her destiny was to be Kent's dog when she retired. I'm sure he met her at the bridge. Next Wednesday, she would have been 14 1/2 years old. Most folks would say that's a really long life for a large breed like a Golden Retriever. Those of us that knew her well know that she lived it to the fullest and it seemed so short. Over the past several months it has been fun watching her with Kiltie. There's a little gecko that makes it's home on my back wall. Kiltie knows where it lives and bounds out to take a peek whenever she goes out. Shelby would bound out for a couple of steps and turn to look at me as if to say "I'm doing this to show I can, but I don't have to" and would stop to do her own sniffing. She has been big sister, teaching Kiltie those special things that she has done for me over the years. Yesterday afternoon, I was going to be gone for quite a while and decided to take both dogs with me. It took 45 minutes to get Shelby in the van as she has been having decided weakness in her rear legs. She kept collapsing but still would try to do what I was asking. Once in the van, she was content to sleep on the seat while I was busy with other things. Then last night when we got home, she settled down for a nap and couldn't get up. I put a strap under her belly to get her upright and she was wobbly but able to go out and then make it up onto my bed (using her ramp). This morning she made no effort to get up from bed. We cuddled for quite a while and around 11 I decided to make her a special breakfast. While I was cooking, she made it off the bed somehow. She perked up for a bit, but at 4 I tried to take her outside and she collapsed and I couldn't get her up. Some friends came to put her in the car and I took her for her last ride. I knew it was the right decision when she wouldn't even acknowledge her name at the vet's. Being the right decision didn't make it easy. But she gave me the gift of service for so many years, I had to give her the gift of dignity and peace. The only pain now is in the empty place in my heart. She will be missed by many. I know that she touched each of you in some special way. Thank you to all for your support through the decision to retire her. I know that your prayers are with us again. God speed Shelby. We love you, Other questionsIf you have other questions, e-mail me. |
