"The Earl Of Shelby"
written by Carol

August 15, 2007

My sweet Shelby died about 7:20 am on Wednesday, August 15, 2007.  As a final update to his web page I want you to know that the few months I had with him as part of my family were truly wonderful for both of us.  One of the great joys of my life was seeing him absolutely glow with health and happiness the last days of his life.  He looked wonderful, felt good, and was even able to run some with Chloe and Nick.  I remember how excited I was the first time I looked out and saw him run with that beautiful tail in the air and a big doggie grin on his sweet face. Seeing him roll over on his back and wiggle around just because it felt so good was another gift. 
 
When I got up at 5:30 Wednesday morning I could tell Shelby was in trouble.  He had not seemed to feel well the day before but did not appear to be in any pain and was smiling and just napping a lot.  As soon as I could get the other two out, I sat down on Shelby's bed, got him across my lap with his head in my arms and sat there and held him until the end.  There were moments when I thought he was aware of who I was and I'm sure he knew he was being held, petted, talked to, sung to and cried for as we both waited for the end.  I had my hand on his chest and could feel the rattling in his lungs and the erratic beating of his great heart and, when the end came, he somehow seemed to get lighter -- like there was a physical change when the soul of him and his "Shelbyness" left his body.  It was a blessed moment.
 
I am so thankful that I had him in my life to love and he will be part of me forever.  When my heart has had time to heal some, I am sure there will be another "old dog" in my future; another "down on his luck" old man who has been cast aside at the end of his days and needs a safe place to rest and wait. 

I will, however, never have another so noble and regal as the one and only Earl of Shelby.
 
With love and thanks,
Carol

 

 

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I can't tell you how much pleasure I get from sweet Shelby.  It makes me feel good just to look
at him sleeping peacefully with his head on one paw and not a care in the world. 
Now I know that my mission for the animals is to never be long without an old one.


There is something so special about winning the trust of an old, abandoned dog.  I'd had old dogs before
but they were ones who had been with me since they were puppies and always been loved and cared for. 
When they went over the Rainbow Bridge, it always comforted me to know they had never been
hungry, cold, injured, mistreated or unloved. 

I know since Shelby has been part of my life that the satisfaction of knowing that for once in his life
he was much loved, brushed, petted, protected, fed good food, given health care
and valued as a member of my family will comfort me when he is no longer here. 
He will, however, always have a place in my heart -- a little corner all his own --
the one and only Earl of Shelby. 

Shelby & his brother, Nicolas (see adopted 2006)	Shelby in his elizabethan collar following some surgery.

Won't you consider the rewards of adopting a "senior" sheltie?
These older dogs may only have few years with you...
but those will be precious years full of love and gratitude.