Rupert's best pal, Shelby

Rainbow Bridge

The Rainbow Bridge is the theme of a work of poetic prose written some time between 1980 and 1992, whose original creator is unknown. The theme is of an other-worldly place to which a pet goes upon its death, eventually to be reunited with its owner.
    • Gold Top Dog

    Rupert's best pal, Shelby

    Shelby went to the bridge today. [:(] She had cancer, the vet gave her about 3-4 months, that was 4 months ago. She was having trouble breathing, wouldn't eat (this is a dog who could eat non-stop if you let her), and just looked miserable. Her mom (SO's mom) finally came to the heart-wrenching decision today. She's pain-free now, running and running and running at the bridge.

    Besides being a food-addict, she was also an attention-addict. If you were sitting by her (usually on the couch [:)]), and stopped petting her, she would WHACK you on the arm with her paw, dig her nails in, and puuuuulllllll your arm towards her. A-HEM! You're not done yet! [:D]

    I don't have many photos of her with my new digital camera, and my scanner is broken, so I had to take some photos of prints I had. Not the best way, but it's all I could do for now. I think I have more photos on a CD somewhere.





    Run free, sweet girl. We miss you already.
    • Gold Top Dog
    Janice, I'm so very sorry to hear about Shelby.  The photos you posted are precious.  What special friends they were.  Shelby had a sweet face - she looks a great deal like Tonka's best girlfriend ever, LuLu - even the same whiteness on her muzzle.  Tonka and LuLu were a happy couple - they met when he was very young and she was a "retired" lady.  For a few weeks after she died, whenever we walked past her house, (where she used to either bark at us in the window, or stand in the driveway, wagging her bum like crazy as we approached her), Tonka would pull towards her house, looking back at me, as if to say, "Why aren't we going there, Mom?"  If we said LuLu's name, he became instantly alert.  It broke our hearts that we couldn't explain to him where she was.  But, when he was sick, we told him many times not to be afraid to leave, that LuLu would be waiting for him with a wagging bum, eager to greet him.  That image gives me great comfort. 
     
    I hope you and your SO's mother can find comfort in the coming days -- knowing that Shelby is watching over you all.  And who knows, maybe Rupert can detect her spirit around him still -- dogs are surely more perceptive about such things.
     
    Rupert, if I were there, I'd give you a gentle hug and tell you that Shelby is an angel who'll look out for you, as well as watch over the dogs still on earth that don't having loving humans or dogs to befriend them.
    Run free, Shelby.  You'll be missed. [sm=angel.gif] 
    • Gold Top Dog
    So sorry for your loss, she was beautiful. [:(] [:(] [:(]
    • Gold Top Dog
    Sad day, sad day.  Give Rupert a big hug.  I am so sorry.
    • Gold Top Dog
    Thanks, everyone. I've been hugging Rupert extra today.
    • Gold Top Dog
    oh shelby, there's a tire toy and all the pets you can handle and a nice 5 gallon bucket of liver for you now![:(]
     
    hang in there, rupert!
    • Gold Top Dog
    Run free Shelby...
     
     
    • Gold Top Dog
    One more...


    Shelby was a dog who *i swear* would fluff the pillows when nobody was looking. [:)]
    • Gold Top Dog
    So sad...
    Run free Shelby, run free...
     
    Please give Rupert an extra hug from Talus....
    • Gold Top Dog
    Sorry Janice, tell your friend we are thinking about her.
    Give your friend, yourself and Rup a hug from me and give Rub a BT kiss from the girls.
    Machelle
    • Gold Top Dog
    I'm so sorry to hear about Rupert's pal Shelby.  My heart sank when I read that she had cancer.  I know how sickening it is to hear there's only a few months left -- and even then, who knows how accurate they are?
     
    Give lots of lovins to Rupert from us... Gracie and Trixie are sending kisses and nuzzles.  I hope your SO's mom knows she did the best possible thing for her.  She was a beautiful girl... those photos of Rupert & Shelby together are adorable.
     
    Run Free, Shelby [sm=angel.gif]
    • Gold Top Dog
    Oh, Janice, Rupert.  I'm so heart broken to hear about your girl.  I really believe that she's watching over you.
     
    Run free, Shelby!  [sm=angel.gif]
    • Bronze
    I'm so very sorry to hear about Shelby.[&o] Run free girl
    • Gold Top Dog
    God speed, Shelby. 
    Rupert we are so sorry, buddy. 
    • Gold Top Dog
    I'm so sorry about your dear Shelby. I wish her ;peace and joy now that she is running free from her pain and suffering.   I know how big your pain must be and am hopeful that some words offered in comfort can help ease it just a little bit.