Shelli

Yesterday, I received a phone call from my mother. My dog Shelli, who was getting on in years, had suffered a stroke. She had been in bad shape for a while, but now she had reached the end of her road. My mom, as she was calling me, was taking Shelli to be put to sleep. I didn't even get to say goodbye. I hadn't seen her since Christmas 2012. Needless to say, I'm not doing so well. I'm trying to keep my mind occupied, but it's rough. I will be attending the viewing today to see her one last time. I was told she died peacefully, with her favorite stuffed animal, Sheepy, under her chin.

I remember when we got Shelli. She was six at the time. Her previous owners' kids had gone off to college, and they wanted to give her to a family with young kids. I was 11 at the time. I wasn't used to dogs, especially as one as big as Shelli, but she was such a sweetheart. She became part of the family, in the way that only a special pet can. I will miss her more that I can say.

Goodbye, Shelli.

2000 - 2014