Bonneville America Forums Forums Off Topic Discussion Forums Lounge Sheila Marie

My old shepherd gave up her fight for life yesterday. As nearly as we can reckon, she was over 20 years old. I guess she was well contented with her life with us to have held onto it for so long.
She was a pound puppy with spots on her back that made her look like an Australian shepherd, hence the name. We found out later that the spots were because they had shaved out some spatters where some idiot had thrown tar at her. When we found her, it was her last day and they had already dropped the rope used to lead her off to be executed by the cage door. One look into her eyes (you can read everything you need to know about dogs from their eyes) and I knew she'd be a good friend. We had a big argument with the attendant that ended when I grabbed the rope, threw it down by his desk and asked if he understood exactly what I meant when I did that. Then, I went into the cage and held the dog while the OL grabbed the paperwork off the cage door and went to the front office to arrange the adoption.
Well, my first impression was right, a person couldn't have hoped for a better dog than Sheila.

Sorry for your loss. She sounds like she was a magnificent pet. I, and a friend of mine both had to put our pets down recently, and I know how painful it is to lose a good friend who gave you nothing but unconditional love - a rare trait in humans.

My condolences for your loss, GB.

May all your fond memories of Sheila Marie soon over-shadow and quell the hurt you and your family are feeling at this moment.

Very sorry, man. I dread the day we lose our labs and chow. They are always here, always in a good mood, anyways happy to see you, even when their hips hurt so much they can barely get up to greet you, but they do anyway...

Good dogs make great memories. May your's last forever.

Sorry Ed.

I know how you feel. 8 years ago my wife had me takle her to the local shelter where it was near the last day for the cutest little 8 lb Great Pyrenees and home he came. His sisters didn't last the week. What a dog he turned into and what a loss when we found out he had bone cancer and only one choice could be made. I mourn with you. A Good Dog

After everything was taken care of, I went for a 140 mile ride to try and feel better. The OL and I decided last night that we should start taking an annual memorial ride in honor of past pets. We thought of opening it to the local bikers, ending with a BBQ or some such at home, then dismissed the idea because they are a bunch of sissies who won't ride on a dirt road.

Sorry for your loss, we have a Heinz 57 from the local RSPCA, he was left in a block of flats due for demolition.

He has turned out to be one very loyal friend and I dread that day coming in the future.

My condolences, Greybeard.
Sheila Marie was given a beautiful life by you and your wife, and you and your wife were given the special and honest love and protection that only a dog can bring to her family.

The sissies don't know what they would be missing in that kind of ride.

dogs are the best.

I'll do the dirt road ride as long as my motorcycle does not get the least bit dirty!

I'm sorry for your loss, Greybeard. It sounds like you gave her a good home and TLC. You can't find a more loyal friend then a dog.

Hey Graybeard--you said it so well--a man-has had a full life if they have had one good wife-one good dog-one good horse-and one good friend. We of course could add a Manx 30-40 coming out of the bottom corner in full bugle (megaphone)hitting 4000rpms (when the meg kicks in)and flying down the track.
Yes I have been lucky--I have had all--and your prose was beautiful--thanks for sharing.
Blueback aka Geoff

Graybeard, most of us can relate to how you might feel. It's been 6 mos since we lost our little girl and still feel sad when we think about her. Some feel it's good to go out and find a new friend in need. We know there are many out there.


mike

I wasn't gonna do this because it makes well up every time...

Sorry, Ed, this is going to get to you. We feel your pain and hopefully can take just a bit of the burden off your shoulders. Peace, freind.



Dogs Don't Have Souls, Do They?

I remember bringing you home. You were so small and cuddly with your tiny paws and soft fur.

You bounced around the room with eyes flashing and ears flopping.

Once in a while, you'd let out a little yelp just to let me know this was your territory.

Making a mess of the house and chewing on everything in sight became a passion and when I scolded you, you just put your head down and looked up at me with those innocent eyes as if to say: "I'm sorry, but I'll do it again as soon as you're not watching."

As you got older, you protected me by looking out the window and barking at everyone who walked by.

When I had a tough day at work, you would be waiting for me with your tail wagging just to say, "Welcome home, I missed you."

You never had a bad day and I could always count on you to be there for me.

When I sat down to read the paper and watch TV, you would hop on my lap looking for attention.

You never asked for anything more than to have me pat your head, so you could go to sleep with your head over my leg.

As you got older, you moved around more slowly. Then one day, old age finally took its toll, and you couldn't stand on those wobbly legs anymore. I knelt down and patted you lying there, trying to make you young again.

You just looked up at me as if to say you were old and tired and that after all these years of not asking for anything, you had to ask me to do one last favor.

With tears in my eyes, I drove you one last time to the vet. One last time you were lying next to me.

For some strange reason you were able to stand up in the animal hospital - perhaps it was your sense of pride.

As the vet led you away, you stopped for an instant, turned your head and looked at me as if to say: "Thank you for taking care of me."

I thought, "No - thank YOU for taking care of ME!"

-- Charles B. Wells Jr., Palmyra, N.Y.


Respectfully dedicated to two friends I've lost over the years, Bandit and Buster.

I miss you guys.

Dogs are a gift from God. I've had over dozen in my life and they each have their own place in my heart. No other dog can take the place of the one that has departed, but there is another one out there who needs you to save them now and will repay you with a lifetime of love and devotion exceeded only by God himself.

Amen!

I'm sorry for your loss!

Sorry for the lose of a memeber of your family. People should be more like dogs, the world would be a better place.
She's in heaven now and to paraphrase Neil Young, " With her golden heart shining in the sun, long my she run".

So sorry for your loss GB. When I had to put my black & tan coon hound down that I had for 14 yrs. I went down into the basement so no one would see me sobbing. I have a new dog now that I love very much, but I still think of my hound dog when my head hits the pillow at night and I can see her in my head running through the woods, jumping up every once in a while so she could see where I was. I hope you will, in time, will get another dog.

Bless you for giving her a good life Greybeard, I am 100% positive that she loved you every bit as much as you loved her. It may take a while, but please find it in your heart to adopt another dog. What animal wouldn't want to be part of your wonderful family?

Cowboy - Dammit man! I still have tears in my eyes from that. I've heard Russ Martin read that on the air here in DFW from time to time and I always have to change the channel as soon as I hear it. I love my dog!

This poem was sent to me in February this year. I had to say good bye to my buddy "Guinness"(He was Black & Tan colored) He was only 6 years old and died of bone marrow cancer. Greybeard, I know how you feel. According to this poem I will see my little buddy again. my dog went every where I went, he loved to ride in the truck.
His picture is in my Photos.
I hope this poem jerks some more tears out of you tough guys!!


RainbowsBridge.com
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...


Steve_Sixmil

I lost my "little white fat dog who laughs alot" at 5:30 this morning to cancer. The first thing I thought of was the Rainbow Bridge. I've had a lot of dogs, most lived to 15-18 years but my Browes was only 12, not long enough. She wanted in bed this morning so I picked her up and put her in bed, she laid her head on my leg and past away. It don't matter how many you,ve lost it don't get any easier and my back yard is the resting place for many.
I just know when I get to Rainbow Bridge I'm going to get mauled and I'm looking forward to it.
Now I got my headache back. It's been a long day for me.

The more dogs I meet, the less I like people.

Yes, I've been saying that for years. I seem to get along with all dogs even the ones folks say are mean, They like me I like them.

Sorry to hear of your loss, Terry.

I've always been a dog person. I love them and they always seem to like me. My wife on the other hand is a cat person and so, we have cats. I dread the day that I'll have to take my boys to the vet that last time.

Very sorry for you loss.