Wow! Could Shelby catch those high balls in her younger days. This is Shelby, our rough coat collie girl that loved a nice short haircut every summer. This second picture was taken in 2005, making her 9-years-old. We just found out she had liver disease from the vet that year. I don't have any more computer puppy pictures to show you here, but she was the sweetest, cutest, most beautiful little thing you'd ever seen. Shelby was 6-weeks-old when she came to us; born 3/22/96. Our whole family was forever changed from the love of Shelby.

Every day for Shelby was the first day. Everything old was new for Shelby. Shelby would carry a ball and put it in the hands of a stranger just wanting to play catch with them. We had neighbors that knew Shelby's name that we'd never seen before. Shelby never knew a stranger. Shelby would climb up 6 feet of stairs and go down a slide everyday at the park. And the excitement watching the expressions on all the faces and the cell phone comments all around watching this 80 something pound collie slide the slide at the park every day was worth the visit alone. Shelby would shake the hand of a strange child without batting an eye. She would roll over on command and bark the whole time in protest. She would growl for me every time I asked her to.  She would growl and snarl, pretending to be "put out" if we would move in the bed too much when she was trying to rest. We would pretend to spat at each other that would get Shelby all 'riled up' and she would charge and bark at us until we stopped. Her character was one I've never seen in anyone but her. All my life I yearned for a relationship with a dog like we had with Shelby. Shelby's presence put such peace, comfort and belonging in our home that I'll never forget. I've never known a dog like Shelby.

It wasn't until the damage was in full swing when I realized the fluoride toothpaste Shelby had been ingesting for once a week, all her life, when I would brush her teeth, was killing her. I struggle every day with how stupid I could be about something that could hurt our dog that was so precious for us all. It was the worst day and the best day of my life all at once because Shelby was the best dog I've ever had and no other animal will ever suffer like this again under my roof.

Shelby's last moments were with loved ones surrounded all around her, a full belly, assistance with walking wherever and whenever she needed for three hours before the vet could arrive by her side and a very kind vet that took the time to come to her, rather than her being upset further with having to go to the vet to spend her last moments. Answered prayer for Shelby's peaceful last moments.

There's a poem I found on Rainbow Bridge about a Dog's Soul that shows me why God puts these wonderful creatures in our lives. It's a poem about why dogs must have a soul. It goes on to say it's because they have a place where all their hurts and grievances are put away along with their pride. A place where all judgment of good and bad or right and wrong are carefully hidden from our sight. A secret place where every thought abides, a sort of close acquaintance that they trust in and confide. And when accused unjustly for themselves, they find within their souls the comfort they must seek. They'll love, tho' their unloved, they'll serve tho' badly used, and one kind word will wipe away the times when they're abused. Altho' their hearts may break in two, their love will still be whole, because God gave to every dog an understanding soul!

Lord, help me love others the way Shelby has loved us and take better care of our future pets.  Proverbs 12:10 A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast.  Amen

Rough coat collie puppies are harder and harder to find here, but I'm going to find another one some day and treat her right. She's going to be the most wonderful girl just like Shelby Louise. I'll feed her just like she's my child and her mind will blossom like wild!