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Loving Shelby

by Kristin Sieber
(Ontario, Canada)

Shelby, age 12

On Sept. 14, 2011, I lost my beautiful red merle Aussie, Shelby. It was very quick in the end as she had a tumor on her spleen and could not be saved. She was 15 years old. She had been with me since she was 8 weeks old. I miss her so much, my heart literally aches for her.

In a few months I will have a new Aussie puppy (mom is pregnant now) and I know this will help heal my heart but Shelby will always be the most special dog in my life.

I wrote this poem and I found that it helped me a lot.

Sweet baby girl of mine
It was five weeks ago today
You looked at me with sad eyes.
Mama, why do I feel this way?

I knew I had to let you go
The day was here...
I could not let you suffer
It was so very clear.

We had to say goodbye
The strength it came, from where is not clear
I didn't want you to see me cry
Please don't let my girl have any fear.

You slipped away right through my touch
I just wanted you to stay.
In my life, you gave me so much
I will never forget that day.

How do I go on without my good old girl?
The most precious gift to me
You changed my life in so many ways
I hope you are safe and running free.

The sweetest pup that ever was
You were crazy as can be
You showed me how to have fun and play
You were meant for me.

The cutest puppy
You were always a pretty girl
But you grew up to be
The most beautiful dog in the world.

Comments for Loving Shelby

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Feb 07, 2012

True Love
by: Anonymous

The most beautiful of tributes. I am crying.
What a lucky dog, and what an amazing owner!
Thank you!

Feb 07, 2012

so sorry to hear of your loss
by: Anonymous

thank you for sharing that poem with us, it is beautiful, and I know many of us, can relate to that poem. I lost my boy Luke 2 years ago, he was only 5 years old, due to epelpsy; and then this past Christmas, we lost our girl Kayla; she was 14 years old. Kayla had cancer, and was bleeding daily, as well as losing weight, and starting to have trouble walking. we loved them both so much. when we lost Luke, our first Aussie, to epilepsy, we got another aussie, this time a toy one, to help heal our broken heart. we have grown to love him very much, for all the times he makes us laugh, and his affection; but we still miss our luke and Kayla, and hope and pray they are happier now, out of pain and suffering, and grateful for the time we had with them. I'm sure you will be fine. you sound strong and smart. I wish you the best. keep writing, and sharing.

Feb 07, 2012

Loving Shelby
by: Anne

Beautiful poem and she was truly your "heart" dog and best friend. I can only tell you it gets easier with time to deal with the pain but you never forget that 1st love.
My thoughts are with you.

Anne Calmes
Gold Ring Aussies
Louisiana, USA

Feb 07, 2012

Shelby - Your poem
by: Anonymous

Your poem, tribute to Shelby was so moving I had to stop 4 or 5 times to finish writing my response. What a wonderful girl she was. What a wonderful person you are... I'm positive Shelby was proud to have you as her person...

Thank you for sharing your story.

I'm going to hug my dogs now. :)

Feb 07, 2012

Your poem
by: Colin

May I share your beautiful poem about Shelby? Please email me at cstarr@austin.rr.com and let me know if it is ok. It's just so moving I'd like to share it with my friends. ~Colin~

Note from Anton: Hi Colin, feel free to post a link back to this webpage, but please don't post it on other websites/blogs/forums. Thanks.

Feb 08, 2012

Shelby
by: Gayle-- Big Run Aussies

Beautiful sentiment for your wonderful girl! Thanks for sharing.

Feb 11, 2012

Shelby
by: Laurie

I have a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes.

Feb 14, 2012

so sorry
by: PKT

So sorry for your loss. I lost my toy poodle 3 years ago, he was 16 years old. I said never again would I put myself thru that pain but it wasn't long I was searching for another dog. I now have a 2 1/2 yr. old mini aussie & he is the best; truly my best friend & meant for me. Time will heal your pain but you will never forget. Rainbow Bridge is a wonderful place & I know he'll be waiting for me someday :>)

Feb 14, 2012

So Sorry
by: Anonymous

I am so sorry for your loss. I have a black tri and she is coming up on her 15th birthday. My heart reaches out to you. May your hurt be lessened to know she no longer hurts.

Feb 14, 2012

sadness and hope
by: Gail

I am crying as I write this - I know how painful the loss is.
There is another dog who needs your love and you have a lot to give - Shelby will be with you always. Sending hugs, Gail

Feb 14, 2012

Aussie are soul mates!
by: Nan

I also just lost my sweet girl Zoe, three weeks ago, sudden heart failure... still in stock. She was just 10, lost my Red boy Gaz last year to epilepsy he had just turned six, also have a new pup, 6 months. Your words were of great comfort it is nice to know that we all love and respect our wonderful Aussies...

Feb 14, 2012

"So Sorry"
by: Donna

So sorry for your loss, what a gorgeous little girl. I lost my Aussie at a young 8 years from what they think was cancer, but during treatment her little heart gave out. My heart was broken, I knew I could never replace her, but I needed to fill the void in my heart, so one week later we got a Aussie pup, that was 3 years ago and we now have a new playmate for her, a new Aussie pup. They all bring joy and have their own special personalities.

Feb 15, 2012

A beautiful tribute
by: Anonymous

I could feel the love you had for her in you kind word. You brought the tears that I found streaming down my face earlier this morning, I was remembering Micah, a blue merle, who left my loving arms on Nov. 3, 2011. I still imagine his soft sighs of contentment, his special way of talking and his enthusiasm for chasing squirrels. He was such a handsome boy! I lost him to kidney failure at 12 yrs 9 mo.

I have since rescued two Aussies, Chase and Sydney, who help fill the hole in my heart. They are wonderful dogs, but will never take the place of Micah. Instead they'll have a place of their own.

I am happy you are, too, opening your heart to a new puppy. Dogs are such a treasure!

Feb 15, 2012

Loss of an Aussie
by: Bobbie S.

I too lost my dogs in June, 2011 to cancer - lung and my other aussie, Klondyke in Nov 2011 to cancer that was in his entire body.
I raised Zoe from 8 weeks old till she passed on at 9 years old. Klondyke, I raised from 8 weeks old till he was 15 when he passed on. Pain runs deep on a loss of a dear pet. My sympathy to you on your great loss. Each pet has their own personality, so even if we get a new one, they will will always have a place in our heart.

Feb 15, 2012

Thanks for Sharing
by: Linda

Thank you for sharing your poem about Shelby. Our dogs mean so much to us and it is hard to let them go. Take care!

Feb 15, 2012

Your poem
by: Janet Holman

Writing about your sweet girl hopefully will give you a way to share your love, devotion and acknowledgement about how much we love our "kids". I have a red merle "Zuni", and she is my angel in fur with all that she has walked me through... cancer, losses, celebrations, braving the many baths that are not her favorite thing! Thank you for letting us know your baby, and we will be anxious for your new arrival... Shelby will look over her as well. Sincerely, Janet

Feb 17, 2012

YOUR LOSS
by: Valories Mom

I know exactly the way you feel. I lost my Aussie/Lab in October. She was the best dog I have ever had. I got an Aussie/Cattle dog? mix in November from an Amish farm. She is a handful. But I am hoping when she grows up she will be a fine companion. I wish I could insert a picture of both so you could see them.
Best wishes Valories Mom

Feb 17, 2012

Losing Shelby
by: Marcia

Boy, do I know how you feel. Even tho my breed is Siberian Huskies I have one rescue red tri Aussie, Marlee. She is ten and is deaf from an infection and high fever as a puppy. I have taught her everything with sign. The thought of being without her is frightening. Hope you feel happier soon with a new pup. My aussie rules the Siberians with an iron paw!
Marcia and Marlee

Feb 17, 2012

Your loss of Shelby
by: Anonymous

I am so so so sorry about your loss of Shelby. I lost my best friend Bo this september will be 2 years and it still hurts just as bad even though i got another aussie the very next day and she is named Baby. Bo's spirit fills her just as i hope Shelby's spirit fills your new puppy. I never knew a dog could become such a part of my heart and soul until i met the aussie breed. There is nothing like them. I often tell people i think more of my dog than i do most people. There is nothing i could ever say to you to ease the pain but remember this. One day you will meet again in heaven where the meadows are green the streams are clear and Shelby sits beside the gates waiting on you to come through so she can lead you in. God be with you and i pray he heals the pain and heartache some how some way. Do one thing when you get your new puppy that i didnt do but she did for me. Give it a chance. It's not going to be Shelby no dog could ever take Shelby's place just like Baby couldnt take Bo's place but she has turned out to be a joy like no other dog. Good luck with the puppy stages LOL. God Bless You

Jun 21, 2012

Shelby
by: Diana DIAZ

When I read your poem I was in tears. I lost my german shepherd of 12 years and I cried for a month. Now I have a red tri aussie and I realize he is getting old. I love him so, so much. He is so intelligent, lovable and a good guard dog. I can fully understand you. Good for you to get another aussie in her memory.

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