I think I’d be most thankful if Shiloh was sitting next to me at the Thanksgiving table, but since that can’t happen, here’s what I’m thankful for…

I’m thankful that when Shiloh was diagnosed with lymphoma it was in May, just before my summer break. We spent the whole summer together taking extra walks, extra rides, extra naps, and spending extra special time together. I cherished each moment we spent together. I’m thankful for each and every one of those moments.

I’m thankful that when it came time for me to make the decision to put Shiloh down, there was not a doubt in my mind that I was making the right decision. Shiloh lived life to the fullest up until 2 days before she died. Two days before I had her put down she was running, playing, and chasing squirrels and prairie dogs. The day before she was put down, she stopped eating and started having trouble breathing. The day I had her put down, her lungs were filling with fluid and she could barely walk. I’m thankful that she made the decision for me.

I’m thankful for the wonderful vet that I have. She came to my house to put Shiloh down. I’m thankful that Shiloh’s passing was so peaceful. Shiloh laid her head in my lap and went to sleep before the vet administered the drugs. I was able to cradle her head in my arms and whisper in her ear that I loved her just as she breathed her last breath.

Most of all, I’m thankful that I had 4 ½ wonderful years with the sweetest dog I have ever known. She was my companion, my confidant, my best friend… she loved me unconditionally. I will be forever thankful for her place in my life and in my heart.

PS - I’m thankful for the LS website and all the wonderful people I’ve met here. Thank you all for helping me cope with my grief.

Oh Kathleen that was so beautiful! I'm sure Shiloh is thankful for every day she spent with you also! 4 1/2 years is such a short time but it sounds like your little girl had a lifetime of fun with you.

God bless and happy Thanksgiving!

Kristie

Oh, Kathleen, I'm crying! That was a beautiful post and I love Shilo's pictures.


I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Love,
Jan

Hi Kathleen,
You have made me see that we all do have so much to be thankful for even though our hearts are breaking. I am glad you got to spend time with Shiloh before she had to leave you. She was a beautiful girl and I know how you must miss her so much. Take care and I am thankful for all of you too.
Ann

I am crying too, that was bueatiful.

Hi Kathleen:

Thank you ever so much for sharing your letter with me....... It was absolutely beautiful!! And, MIGHT I ALSO SAY........SHILOH....SHE WAS ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL AND PRECIOUS!!!

You know, when I read your letter.........I was able to OPEN MY HEART MORE, AND SEE THE BIGGER PICTURE ----
THAT, "WE REALLY, REALLY DO HAVE A LOT TO BE THANKFUL FOR!!!!!

There is NO WAY THAT 4 & 1/2 years is LONG ENOUGH..........Not at all!!!!! But, from reading what you wrote....
I can see that "THERE WAS ABSOLUTELY NOOOOOO WASTED TIME".... ZERO!!

Your quote,

When I think back to 2/7/2004......I wish that I HAD STEPPED BACK.....TO SEE THE BIGGER PICTURE........
And, I realize (now), that "Ernestine REALLY DID MAKE 'THE DECISION'".....
Ben and I just needed to "help her a bit!".........

God Bless you, Kathleen!!
Love, Denise

That was a beautiful tribute, Kathleen. You seem to be coping incredibly well. You gave Shiloh a wonderful life and even though her time here on earth ended much too soon, she knew she was loved and I know she was so thankful to have a mom like you.

___Jim