Now I am with Jack and Lee at the Rainbow Bridge

March 11, 2008

I really don't know what happened. It was just a regular day. I remember going upstairs to where Dad was on the computer and for some reason he gave me lots of extra hugs and rubbed my ears and told me what a pretty and good girl I was. I liked that.
A little later, Mom and Dad asked us if we wanted to go to the park-- silly question! Of course I barked a lot and of course they said, "Shelby, you loud-mouthed girl!" So we loaded the van and away we went.
After we got there, Mom took me and Helen like always, while Dad took the boys. We walked about half a lap and suddenly I didn't feel very good, so I sat down. Mom said "Shelby, what's wrong!" Then everything went black. I sort of remember being in the van and Dad and Uncle Kevin blowing air into my mouth and saying "breathe, Shelby, breathe! There's no heartbeat. Please Shelby! " I felt like I was floating, but felt no pain. Finally Dad and Kevin and Mom quit working on me and began crying. I don't know why they were crying, but it made me sad.
Then that seemed to all go away, followed by a bright light and suddenly there was a meadow and a woods and sunshine and guess who?! It was Lee and Jack!! They seemed to know I was coming and boy was that great. They told me that I was at the Rainbow Bridge in a place called heaven and that it was a wonderful place where I would never be hungry or hurt or scared of thunderstorms again. They told me that Mom and Dad are not here right now but someday they will join us, but that the time will pass fast and I can do whatever I want while we wait for them.
Mom and Dad, please don't cry for me. I know you love me and I loved you more than anything on earth. You saved my life and loved me as hard as you could. We had 4 wonderful years together and I will never forget all the good and loving and fun times--going to the park, chasing squirrels, taking trips, going camping, going to MawMaws, playing with the other dogs and with Boots--what a life you gave me.
But God told me it was my time to come home so that you 2 could help another dog like you helped me and someday that dog will join us all here. That's what I want. I was your pretty Shelby girl and always will be. You can't replace me but you can save another dog.
I love you Mom, Dad, Aaron, and Kevin. I am right here. See you soon.
Your pretty girl, Shelby