Sheltie Angels Among Us - Sheltie Angels Page Twenty-Two

	"Laddie" October 30, 1992 - July 3, 2005

When I first met Laddie (no other official name, though he did have a pedigree--which I never gave a thought to), he was shouting from within a cage in the Sonoma, California humane society. I hadn't learned to speak sheltie yet, but he was clearly screaming "Get me out of here! Get me out of here!" He looked me in the eyes and I could see the soul and intelligence there; I abandoned any thoughts of adding my name to the list for the little lab puppies in the next cage. This three-year old boy needed a helping hand.

The first thing Laddie did when he came home with me was to jump on my bed and then growl at me! I quickly figured out, though, the growl was a game, and he was saying to me, "I am used to sleeping on the bed, so don't even think of kicking me off." And he slept at my feet at night for a good part of his life.

You don't really think of how many things you do to accommodate your pet - and love doing them - until your pet is gone. The schedule, the walks, the feeding, the playing... laying on the floor to be near him when I should have been sitting on the couch. And then the medicine and the care and the trips to the vet when they get sick. And they love you unconditionally all the time. And they trust you to do what is best for them and what is right.

Laddie went through many life changes with me - helping me through each - and it was the hardest thing I've ever done to go through his last life change with him, though he was clearly ready to move on.

Now I have pictures of him, screen savers, even a big poster by the door so he greets us when we come home. But I will miss his smell, his feel, the trusting look in his eyes, his breath, his disgusting (just kidding, buddy) tongue on my face - and all the love he gave me. Some say there is no bond like that of a boy and his dog (no genderism intended), and I know now that is true.

One picture is said to be worth a thousand words, and I hope a song to be worth at least that. I invite you to listen to this small tribute to my little friend, which I wrote and recorded shortly after he passed on:

http://www.earthshine.com/Calamusic/Laddie Boy.mp3

That is, indeed, his bark within, and it has now been heard throughout the world, from Sweden to New Zealand.

I hope there is a heaven, and I hope the wind is blowing over his face as he loves it to. And I hope he's chasing deer and bluejays, and keeping the cats away from my spot in heaven so I don't sneeze when I get there. I hope to see him again someday, and I hope he will again sleep at my feet. I miss you buddy, and hope I did good by you. Thank you for everything.

Scott Calamar
Ashland, Oregon

"Cody"

Cody was a tri-color Sheltie who was the father of my two shelties, Angel and Dakota.

Cody, I met you two years ago when I came to your house to pick out your son. I saw you run through a field in your back yard. How beautiful you were, your white mane blowing freely in the wind! I called your name, you stopped, gave me a look as if to say, "I have more important things to do than mess with the likes of you," and off you went playing with your mate and your older daughter.

You were the king of your household. You were brave and strong, always demanding to get your way.
You are greatly loved by your owners and their daughter, Kourtney. Cody, they miss you so!

I have two of your children. In them, I see you. Your daughter, Angel, looks just like you. Your son, Dakota, has your strong will.

In the month of August, 2005, though you fought so hard to live, due to poor vet care a gall bladder infection spread through your body. You were in a lot of pain but never whimpered or cried, you brave Sheltie. Though you put up a good fight and a good vet took over your care, your body couldn't take the pain any more and you had to leave those you love to cross to Rainbow Bridge.

Before you left this world, you left behind your last litter of beautiful puppies. This made it easier for the ones who loved you so to carry on without you.

Cody, we miss you. You were special!

Love you, Debbie.

Little Beau

May 24, 2005

Little Beau passed last night. He lived a full life, some 12 years, bringing a lot of smiles and laughter into our home. They are called by some, "A Man's BEST friend." No doubt about it: Always there to express sadness when you go... Always there to greet you when you return. When you're sad they lift you up. Discouraged? Forget it. The hope they seem to bring every time they nudge you to play, reminding us there are more important things to do in life, like playing and having a little fun.

We will miss the little jingle of his name tags as he runs through the house, and his bark at the neighbor as he cranks up his lawn mower. How he loved to run with the neighbor's dog through the fence as the lawn mower roared around the yard!

Consistently faithful. Another attribute that describes our little friend. Through his little life he reminded us of the words Jesus spoke when He said, "I will never leave you or forsake you." Wherever you went he was right by your side. So eager was he, to express the warmth of his love. He was unchangeable. Such attributes.

The bond that was created over the years, the love we had for the little guy, reminded us of the love that we, as the body of Christ, should have for each other. During these last few days it was apparent, as we desperately petitioned the Lord for our little puppy, we could sense the desire of the Lord's heart saying how much He wished our love would be as rich towards Him for others, as it was in behalf of our Little Beau.

We learned a lot from our little friend and will be the better for it, and will miss him so very much.

Stan & Bonnie Hatcher

Amchara's Custom Made CD, CDX, CGC
"Hannah"

June 17, 1991 - September 25, 2005

When evening shadows fall,
another day is through,
This is the special time
I like to share with you.

In the autumn of your life
we look back without regret,
For fate had deemed it right
when you and I first met.

We've had our share of problems;
passed through stormy weather;
And in these your twilight years,
it's so good to be together.

I'm happy when you're smiling
though I know you are in pain,
Yet with amazing patience
you never once complain.

The years are passing swiftly,
there's so much we have yet to do,
And whatever things we face,
our live will see us through.

~Marion Jones

To my beloved Hannah,

I still recall the day when we first met. You were my first dog and I was only 11 years old. When you came home we formed a bond so strong I cannot put it into words. We became a team and were shadows of each other. You saw me through elementary, middle, and high school, and then off to college. We went to classes together, you always stole the spotlight.

As the years passed you never showed your age. Even three months ago people would exclaim what a cute puppy you were, only to be surprised to find out that you were 14 years young. My baby you have my heart and I miss you so much. I hope that you know how much we loved you and how much you touched our heart. I know you felt safe as I was with you when you passed. My sweet angel.

You brought much joy into my life, and I will always have you in my heart. There is nothing that comes close in words to the feeling of knowing that you have shared your soul with such a wonderful friend as you.

Love, Mom and Dad

"Chelsea"

August 7, 1996 - August 27, 2005

For my beloved Chelsea, my little bit, my honey bunny ~

A Piece of My Heart is Missing

All too soon you left me and all too soon you were gone,
Your sweet greetings in the eve have been silenced,
Your loving presence has been sadly erased.

A piece of my heart is now missing
and the piece cannot be replaced
Not on earth but maybe someday in Heaven,
When I see my Savior Jesus face to face:

Then my honey bunny will greet me
We will meet at the Rainbow Bridge.
And the piece that is gone
Will make my heart whole again
My sweet little bit will fill the empty space.

I love you with all my heart.

Your mistress and companion and friend,
Catherine

My Chelsea, born 7 August 1996 and taken to Heaven 27 August 2005

I knew from the moment the breeder placed you in my arms that you were meant to be my special pet... my special friend... my special companion... my honey bunny... my little bit. You licked my hand and then looked into my eyes... and the Lord granted an instantaneous bond. We both fell in love... this tiny bit of fur and this mature, childless woman. You were in sync with me from then until the very end.

You were always so eager to please me... you quickly learned how to sit and to stay and to heel off lead. You learned the boundaries of your yard... your “territory” and never strayed beyond. You loved your “place” and loved to run and walk and play within that “place” for nine years.

At the end of the day, your only demand was to have your tummy scratched... you would leap upon the sofa and bark until you received this special attention. How I would laugh when we would howl together... our sweet music rising up to Heaven.

My dearest little bit, you were loyal until the end... you listened for my voice and followed me wherever I went. You wanted me within your sight and realm always.

When I learned you were in kidney failure, it was as if a piece of my heart was being wrenched from my body. No greater grief have I ever borne than losing you. You tried so hard to stay on earth... even when you were so weak and so tired, you followed me on walks and never left my side.

Never will I face so difficult a choice, never will I experience so much agony as when I had to let you go... never have I felt such a sense of betrayal... you loved me and trusted me completely and unconditionally... how could I make the decision to end your life? How could I lose such a dear, sweet adoring creature... you were a part of my life for so long... how could I continue without you presence? As I held you in my arms and you breathed your last breath, part of me left this world and part of me will be gone until I see your sweet little face in Heaven. By Jesus’ grace and mercy, I will see you whole and well and watch you run and jump joyously into my arms. Then we will be reunited for all eternity and you will never feel pain again. I miss you and love you, Chelsea. Rest with Jesus and we will meet upon the Shepherd’s Hill.

Catherine