Saying Goodbye to Shelby 🥹
There she was, a senior dog with a wise face, hiding behind a blanket. “Can I come in?” I asked gently, not wanting to startle her. Shelby, as I would soon call her, had a presence that tugged at my heartstrings. “Hi, mama. Hi, can I come sit with you?” I whispered, hoping to earn her trust.
Shelby’s Story
Shelby’s story began to unfold as I sat with her. “She came in as a stray, found right along one of the streets connected to the shelter,” I learned. She had been wandering in the dirt during a heatwave, with no shade or water, a harsh reality for a senior dog. “She was just out in the dirt, no shade, just wandering,” I said, my heart aching for her. She had no collar, no microchip, and no name until now.
During my time with Shelby, I read a heartfelt letter from a fan who had recently lost their beloved dog named Shelby. This fan shared how much their dog loved ducks and how special she was to them. In honor of this touching story and to keep the memory of their Shelby alive, we decided to name our senior dog Shelby. It felt fitting and meaningful to give her a name that carried so much love and history. “We’re going to call you Shelby, in honor of a beloved dog from a fan’s letter,” I decided, giving her an identity and a sense of belonging.
Stress and Senior Dogs
Shelby, like many senior dogs, was under immense stress. “You know, just like us, the older we get, the harder it is to handle stress,” I reflected. For senior dogs, the shelter environment can be overwhelming. “If you’re four, stress is hard. If you’re 80, stress is really hard,” I said, understanding that Shelby’s age made the situation even tougher. “Senior dogs have given their whole life of love and unconditional love, and then in the end, they end up here. It’s heartbreaking.”
The Power of Frozen Treats
To help ease the stress, I decided to try something we’ve had success with before—frozen treats. “Can you give some frozen treats out to everyone?” I asked. Glenn Massie, a dedicated volunteer and trainer, had introduced these treats, and they often worked wonders. “I’m going to try something here with these frozen treats,” I said, hopeful. Shelby, clearly very old, deserved some comfort. “It’s so hard to see a senior dog in a shelter,” I sighed, knowing that these treats might bring a bit of joy to her day.
The Smell of Neglect
One of the first things I noticed about Shelby was her smell. “She smells, and it’s bad,” I said, wincing a little. “Whatever condition she was in, it wasn’t a good one.”
After spending some time with her, I finally got the okay to get her groomed. We moved her to the grooming area, and I have to say, she handled it like a champ. Senior dogs can be a bit feisty, especially when they’re not used to being handled. But Shelby just melted into that bath, enjoying the warm water and the gentle massage from the groomer. It was like she knew she was being cared for, maybe for the first time in a long time.
Trent, the groomer, took extra care with her, making sure every bit of dirt and grime was washed away. We had to use a lot of suds because, well, she was pretty dirty. But by the end of it, Shelby was a new dog. She looked so clean and fluffy, and you could tell she felt good. Her little paws were crossed so daintily, and it was clear she was finally relaxed.
Patience and Trust
“If you haven’t seen one of my videos before, you might wonder why I’m not just scooping her up,” I said, resisting the urge to hold Shelby right away. “I want to give her the opportunity to come to me first.” Building trust takes time, especially with senior dogs who have faced neglect or abandonment. I offered her some treats, hoping to connect with her slowly. “We’re going to get her story here in a minute,” I promised, preparing myself for what might be a heartbreaking tale.
The Beauty of Senior Dogs
Senior dogs hold a special place in my heart. “I love senior dogs so much,” I confessed. They have a wisdom and gentleness that is unmatched. “A lot of people see a senior dog and feel sadness, but there’s so much beauty in them,” I said. Shelby, despite her rough condition, had a spark in her. “She has some pains when she walks around, but she’s amazing,” I noted. We owe it to these dogs to give them the love and care they deserve in their final days.
Positive Affirmations
Moving into positive affirmations, I wanted Shelby to feel loved and valued. “Shelby, you are a good girl,” I said, looking into her eyes. “All the years of love and kindness that you’ve given mean something.” I wanted her to know that she mattered, regardless of her past. “Whatever happened to you, it wasn’t your fault. You are still important and valuable,” I assured her. Seeing her respond to the gentle words was heartwarming.
The Joy of Giving Back
There’s something incredibly rewarding about helping senior dogs. “If you open up your home to a dog like her, it will change you as a person,” I said, reflecting on the joy of giving a senior dog a loving home. It might be hard to think about losing them, but the time you spend together is invaluable. “It’s magical to see their personality come out,” I shared. Knowing that Shelby could spend her final days in comfort and love was the ultimate goal.
Not a Happy Ending
Unfortunately, Shelby’s story doesn’t have the happy ending we all hoped for. The day after her grooming, Shelby wasn’t doing well. Her little body had been through so much, and it was clear that it was her time. I think what’s important to remember, though, is that Shelby didn’t pass away alone or scared. She passed knowing she was loved, clean, and cared for. She got to experience what every dog should—a gentle touch, kind words, and a warm bath. I believe that she let go because she finally felt safe and at peace.
In Shelby’s honor, I wanted to do something special. I reached out to Frosted Faces Foundation, a wonderful senior dog rescue, and arranged to send a bag of the same treats Shelby loved to each of their 50 senior dogs. It’s a small gesture, but I hope it brings a little joy to those dogs, just like it did for Shelby.
Community Support
If you’re reading this and you’ve ever thought about adopting or fostering a senior dog, I want to encourage you to do it. There’s something truly magical about the bond you can form with a senior dog. They may not have years ahead of them, but they have so much love to give in the time they have left. And I promise you, it will change your life for the better.
So, rest in peace, sweet Shelby. You mattered, and you were loved. Thank you for letting us be a part of your journey. And to everyone reading this, thank you for your support. Whether you adopt, foster, volunteer, or even just share these stories, you’re making a difference. And that means the world to dogs like Shelby.
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