Dog: Shelby (Border-Aussie) Reading, PA (Oct 27, 1996 – Oct 30, 2011)
I met Shelby when she was around 10 months old. She was being given away by her former owner because she was not working out as a herding dog, and she “just got in the way.” Her former owner’s loss was my gain.
For the next 14+ years Shelby was my best friend and companion. She was with me through 2 divorces, health problems, moves, financial problems—Shelby was there with me through it all.
In September 2010 I found out that Shelby had cancer. It was the worst day of my life. At almost 14 years old, she was not a candidate for surgery. So her vet put her on a special diet and supplements, and I decided to make every day count.
There were plenty of walks in the sunshine, trips to the beach, and lots of cuddles. To my surprise, she improved and had a pretty good quality of life for the next 14 months.
On October 27, 2011 Shelby celebrated her 15th birthday. My fiancé and I had a birthday party for her, complete with singing “Happy Birthday.” She wiggled her butt and was so happy. Three days later, when she collapsed, I knew that it was time to let her go.
Shelby passed away peacefully on October 30, 2011. Not a day goes by that I don’t think about her. She added so much to my life, and taught me a lot about being a better person. I will never forget her, and hope to see my best friend someday on the other side.
I love you, Shelby.
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