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Our 15 year old Golden Retreiver mix Shelby was put to sleep today. We rescued her 10 years ago from a family in Arizona that could not care for her any more. We live in the Sacramento area and had to drive to Nevada to pick her up from the owners boyfriend. They warned us she was a terror and a runner. But after a couple weeks of love and attention she turned into a loving member of our family. She was having age related problems but suddenly crashed last night. Three years ago she had a kidney removed due to cancer and it apparently came back. We took her to the emergency Vet and the found a massive abdominal bleed probably from her spleen or liver. After consulting with her primary Vet and the emergency Vet everyone concurred it was time. Due to her age and condition it was doubtful she would have much more life left even if she survived the surgery. She passed as we held her and told her we loved her. When my boy Golden "Parker" passed 6 years ago everyone was so helpful. Its not any easier this time. Our hearts have been torn out and while I know better it seems that the pain will never end.

This picture was taken while she was asleep the day before she passed.

Dear Parkersdad,

Please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of your beautiful Shelby. This grief journey is very painful and I'm glad that you have shared with us. Even though Shelby had a long life and pior health issues, it is especially painful and shocking when our canine companions go down hill suddenly. Nothing really prepares us for this. And it is not any easier just because you went through it before.

Please be gentle with yourself. This is a one day at a time journey and tonight will be difficult. Also, I trust you know that the tears help to wash away the pain.

I hope you will contiue to let us know how you are doing.
With peace and healing thoughts,
Juturna

Dear Parkersdad,

I am so very sorry for your loss and I'm fighting back the tears while I write this to you. It's such a difficult thing to go through and you are not alone. As you know, the people that use this site are the kindest, most compassionate people you could ever hope to meet. I have met several who have been incredibly supportive of me, God bless them. What a beautiful girl your Shelby was, very much reminds me of my sweet little 8 year old Golden, Peggy (the dog) whom I lost 3 weeks ago to undetected cancer (in spite of numerous vet visits). Shelby’s story also reminds me a bit of Peggy. She came to us at 2-and a-half years of age (but from a very difficult background) and already shared my name. We thought she was going to be a ‘problem child’ and she turned out to be the most loving, joy filled, gentle soul I’ve ever met. I know the crushing pain you're feeling at this time and I wish I could say something to make it hurt less. As you know, time will help heal your heart but it can be a painful journey getting there. You, your family and Shelby will be in my prayers as you navigate your way through your heartbreaking loss. I am pasting in a link to a website that allows you to light a ‘virtual candle’. I found the site a couple of days after Peggy passed and it did help a little. Maybe it will bring you and your family a little comfort as well. http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/candles.cfm?l=eng

Please take care of yourselves and know that I will be praying for all of you.

Peggy (the human)

Dear Parkersdad,
My condolences. Your Shelby looks so sweet on the couch. My girl Sadie wishes she could do that but she has bad legs. You did the right thing and it is an act of love. May you find peace. Shelby like Parker will always be in your heart>

Parkersdad,

Shelby is such a beautiful girl! You can tell just from the picture that she has a beautiful soul. My dog Barney died 3 weeks ago so I know how painful this can be. I have lost 3 dogs in a year and a half and I thought it would get easier but it doesn't. As you said the intense pain will eventually go away but it's hard to believe it will when you are in the state we are in.

I'm praying that you and your family will find peace soon.

Rhapsedy

Hi Parkersdad,

I'm so sorry for the loss of your beautiful Shelby. Take comfort in knowing that you gave her a wonderful life which was quite clearly full of love and devotion. I'm sure your boy, Parker, was there to greet her at the bridge. They are together now, happy and free from any pain or discomfort that they may have experienced during their earthly journey. You have two angels watching over you.

Hang in there, and take it one day at a time. We're all here for you.

Cheryl x

Hi, Parkersdad, please permit me to add my sincerest sympathies in the loss of your beloved Shelby. Losing a beloved companion is never easy regardless of the circumstances or how long we have been blessed with the privilege of their company. It doesn't matter if it's our first, fifth, tenth, - - or hundredth - - the deep grief we feel is painful both physically and emotionally.

Juturna, Peggy, Lynn, Rhapsedy, and Cheryl have offered you the best comforting words. I, too, thank you so much for sharing your precious Shelby with us. You gave her a loving home where she felt safe during her earthly journey, and she is forever a part of you in your heart and memories.

Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, Parkersdad, and look forward to knowing how you're doing whenever possible.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

What a gorgeous animal and she looks so content in her loving home. You gave her that home to her and she'll cross the Bridge knowing she was loved and cared for. It should give comfort to all who have to say goodbye to their babies that they left with love in their hearts and joy in life.

I'm a Buddhist and believe the spirit stays for a time with the ones that loved them most, comforting them in whatever way they can during grief. Have you ever heard that odd sound or smelled that whiff of her musk since she passed? If so, it means she is telling you she is there and full of love for you, thanking for the beautiful earthly life you gave her. I also believe that when the spirit finally moves on, after it thinks her family can now forge ahead without her, that depending on the Love in her heart, she will be reborn into another family where she is needed, that she can bring joy to like she did with your's. You may even find a puppy in due time that needs a home and catch that odd sound or whiff of musk and realize that she has come back to you. I know it may seem a childish thought, but millions believe this can and does happen.

In any event, this does little to ease the strong initial pain of not having that loving little creature around. My heart aches for you in your journey, as I am in the boat now. It just plain sucks losing the most loving, nonjudgemental friend in your life.

I send you a cyber hug and please stay in touch.

ConnieJ

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Parkerboy on the right (Passed 2005) Shelby girl on the left




Thank you all so much, I think she knew it was her last day. She was so calm and quiet. She spent most of her last day on the balconey awake with her head up just looking at everything, taking it all in. This was very unsual for her. She ate two big meals that night, this was also unusual as she had not been eating well recently. Usually she would just go to bed but this night she came over to my wife and stood in front of her looking up wanting something. When my wife kneeled down to her Shelby kissed her which was also unusual. Then she went to bed. The next morning she could barely stand let alone walk. I carried her down stairs. She just laid under the table and would not get up. We got ready to take her to the Vet and tried to feed her and give her water which she refused. She finally had a little decaf tea with cream. We asked her if she needed a potty run. She actually got up on her own and walked about 40' outside, squatted and went potty, walked back inside and just laid down and that was it. I carried her the rest of the trip to the Vet. Normally she would really resist being picked but not now. Also she would always be very tense and tremble at the Vet. This time she was very calm. Just laying there with her big brown eyes wide open looking at us and not looking away. Blood work and X rays confirmed a major abdominal bleed. Probably due to a reoccurance of cancer. Her hips had been going for some time and she appeared to be developing a doggy dementia. Both our Vet and the Emergency Vet thought any surgery would only give her a few months. So we made the decision. After some alone with us they inserted a catheter and administered the drug. She quietly passed while we stroked and kissed her telling her we loved her. Maybe her behaviour was due to the bleeding and shock. But I have to believe in my heart she knew it was the end. My wife and I cry alot of tears. Its only been three days. I've lost dogs before but its never any easier. Each time for us as bad as before. I know the pain will fade but why does it take so long! We are both retired thank God as there would be no way I could go to work in this condition. Bless everyone on the Forum. When I have healed I will try to come back to help others. Its always so hard.

Parkersdad

Parkersdad.

Allow me to offer my deepest condolences too on your loss. Please know that I believe it meant a lot to your wonderful Shelby that you were there with her to help her over the Rainbow Bridge. I know it's so very hard, but I have found some comfort for my own loss that the last thing on earth that my Sophie heard was the words "I love you." I know that Shelby heard you and knew you were there and loved her always.

Your last picture really showed her spunk and personality too. She was lucky to have found you and you are an amazing family to have given her such a wonderful home.

Please keep in touch and know that we are here if you need us.

Hugs,

Chessielover.

Hi, Parkersdad, thank you so much for letting us know how you're doing, and for sharing this wonderful picture of your precious Parker and Shelby. The deep grief is very painful, both emotionally and physically. Our beloved companions give to us their unconditional love and undivided attention, and we in turn, surrender ourselves to them completely - - totally - -without reservation. This is one of the many reasons why the pain of their physical absence from us is so deep and intense.

But we are also deeply blessed because the love bond we share with our beloved companions is eternal - - it is not limited to the physical laws of time and space. They are indelibly etched into our hearts and memories that not even the dimming of our minds with age can ever take away from us. And we are blessed to have their sweet Living Spirits with us sharing our lives just as they always have, and always will - - just differently.

This grief journey is one of "adjustment" - - of developing a "new normal" with our lives. I know when each of my beloved companions joined the angels I always found myself asking "What do I do NOW??" because each of them had their own special needs and their own individual time with me. All of a sudden I had this "extra" time that was a constant reminder that one of my precious fur kids was no longer physically with me - - no longer needed medications, no longer needed feeding, no longer needed - - me - - to help them through their day and routines. This is a very painful adjustment, one that can only be made one day at a time, sometimes one moment at a time.

Parkersdad, there are no words in any language right now that come close to easing the pain that is in your heart. But it only words I can offer you, as well as my friendship, to try to bring some comfort to you. Please know you are not alone in this grief journey. Each of us are here for you for as long and as often as you need us. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, and please let us know how you're doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Dear Parkersdad,

Thank you for sharing the beautiful pic of your beloved canine companions. They both look so bright and happy. Shelby is beautiful! And thank you for sharing Shelby's final day with us. Her passing sounded very peaceful and filled with love.

There are lots of tears in the grief journey. And yes, it is very hard, especially in the beginning during the deep grief. Please know that I share your pain. And it is my hope that you will coninue to share with us whenever you are able.

With peace and healing thoughts,
Juturna

Sorry for your loss. You were given quite a blessing 10 years ago to have chosen each other. I know it's still new and fresh. It sucks. I lost my sweet Kota, almost 17 yrs old, 10 mths ago. This is the first time I've been back to this site in months, it was too painful to see all the pain. A few mths ago, I finally moved out of the house that I shared with my "little girl", the memories and visuals were always there. I live kind of near you, in the mountains above Sonora. When it snows, like it has been lately, I think how much Kota loved to walk and play in the snow. I wish you some piece of mind and a healing heart. I agree with others, a great picture you posted. One breathe at a time, sometimes. Hang in there.

Tahoeden

Parker's Dad - What an extraordinary girl! Everything about her picture radiates gentleness and love. I saved your beautiful picture of dear Shelby lying on the couch and added it to my pictures of truly wonderful soul-dogs. I lost my Gretta girl two weeks ago tomorrow. Like Shelby, she crashed in one day. Though I can't feel it now, that is a blessing. They're telling us it IS time. We have to cry but we are spared the agony of now day being the right day. Shelby is, as our vet said, in a safe place now. Surely she and Gretta will have met by now and with other "old soul" dogs are basking in the sun and happiness that is the next world. They made it. Now it's up to us. Thank you for your story and picture.

Gretta's mom

Good evening Parkersdad

I just looked again at the amazing picture of your Shelby girl lying on the couch. What an extraordinary dog! You can feel the love right from her image. Beautiful Shelby, beautiful Gretta ... we'll all be together in that perfect world.

Take care, Parkersdad. You were "owned" by two miracle dogs.

Gretta mom

Hello ParkersDad

Just wanted to know how you are doing. Your Shelby girl is SUCH a wonderful being - it shines through her pictures right into my heart. She's up there taking care of you - just like she did on earth here. The only difference (and it's a heart-crusher) is that you can't see her or touch her right now. Keep the faith, my friend, and if you feel up to it, let me know how you're doing.

Gretta's mom

Hello ParkersDad,

The title of your first post always touches my heart. You had a Shelby-girl, I had a Gretta-girl. In fact in the days right after she passed, I walked miles and miles and miles making up Gretta-missing words to old folk and gospel songs. My favorite is "Here's to you, my Gretta girl" to the tune of an old Tom Paxton song, "Ramblin' Boy."

How are you doing? Thanks so much for the wonderful picture of Shelby-girl on the couch. I've saved it in my new folder - Spirit-Animals.

I hope you have a restful holiday weekend and that you are well.

Gretta's mom