by Julie Myers
My dear little Sheltie boy...It's been a little over 3 weeks now since we said our last goodbyes however the pain of losing you is unbearable. I try to focus on all the happy times we shared together, but then when I realize that I'll never hear your silly little bark, feel the gentle nudge of your nose, or look into those gentle brown eyes again, the tears start flowing. I remember back to the day that you and I met 8 years ago. You were huddled in the far corner of your kennel scared and shaking. All it took was one look at that sweet Sheltie face and it was love at first sight. When I took you outside to become better aquainted, you were a total gentleman. But as soon as you saw that tennis ball, your eyes lit up and you came to life. We must have played fetch for over an hour and afterwards you had a great big smile on your face. I was eager to take you home that day, but was told that I couldn't adopt you until the results of your heartworm test were in. I remember the feeling of sadness and despair when I had to leave you behind as you looked at me with sad eyes. The next day...Joy! You were given a clean bill of health and ready to come home!!!! When you saw that I was back, you danced for joy and had that big smile on your face again. The years flew by and our bond grew stronger every day. In the early years I took you wherever I went, and you brought joy and sunshine to many adults, children, and even other animals as a devoted therapy dog. When not working, you loved to play fetch, herd the kitties around the house, play in the water from the garden hose, and most of all you loved chasing the little red dot from the laser pointer. Gradually I saw the beginnings of old age appear. First to go was your hearing as the gray hairs began to appear. You didn't care to play much anymore prefering to spend most of your time sleeping on your corner of the couch or in front of the heater. The worst day of all was when you had finally became too weak to walk and stopped eating. Even at your sickest when I would carry you outside you seemed so grateful and if you had an accident you would hang your head with shame, but it was ok. I don't know where I ever found the strength to let you go on that terrible day and stay with you, but you were there for me every day and provided me with unconditional love and I made that same promise to you and to love you until the very end. I held your head in my arms and kissed you as you drifted away peacefully. I will never forget you Duke, my little Sheltie boy....You are now free to run and play at the Rainbow Bridge now and someday we will once again be together.