Saturday, August 13, 2016

Memories of Sheba

Sheba came to us in the fall of 2005 She was a nearly one year old girl, given up by her family because she needed hip surgery.  Below is a picture taken the first day we met her.
In looking through all the photos of Sheba, I can't help but notice what a good friend she was to all of our dogs. Sheba and Charlie in particular were good friends.  I wish I had some good photos of the two of them together.

Sheba was mentored by some of the best dogs we had. Rudi our packleader was one of them. She left us in 2011 and in so many pictures of Rudi, Sheba was there with her. Below is a fun memory of the two of them rolling on a dead mole.
They both loved the same games. 
And sometimes it could be hard to tell them apart. 

Rudi was clearly the "top dog" in our crew. But Sheba would struggle with her place in the pack. She got into several fights with our girl CarrieAnne, and often she got the worst of it.
When Rudi passed away, it got worse. The fighting became a serious issue and I really considered rehoming Sheba.  I'm not sure when, how or what exactly changed but eventually the two worked it out.  Sheba and CarrieAnne became good companions to one another, and were always running, playing and exploring together.


Through the additions and subtractions, Sheba welcomed each and every one. Charlie may have been her first love, but Todd also had a special place.  The two of them were often together.



Sheba enjoyed a life of good health.
Her love of retrieving and carrying things in her mouth, tennis balls and games of frisbee never changed
Playing tug with Josh, or chasing Todd was great fun for her too.
In any weather, Sheba wanted to play. 
Sheba was an affectionate dog that loved "grown up people"as much as she loved other dogs. She was the perfect dog to take on a walk or on a road trip and to tell your secrets too. Sheba had a quiet and calming spirit that had a way of always making me feel better on my worst days.    
I loved having her with me when I picked blackberries we have on our property.  Sheba always let me know when they were ripe, and it was a race to get to them before she did.
Sheba also loved to eat the pears right off our tree, even if they weren't ripe. I really think she had more of them than we did.  And I was okay with that.
Sheba almost always did as she was asked, and if she didn't want to do it, she would just lay there and wait for US to change our mind.  She was another dog that knew the rules didn't apply to her.
I don't know when I noticed that Sheba was getting older.  To me, she had always been that young dog that I'd met so many years ago.  When I noticed her face turning white, I cheered on the inside because having a "senior girl" just seemed to complete our crew.

I did however, notice that she was slowing down the last few weeks.  But I shrugged it off thinking it was just the heat.  But as you may have read in our last post, that wasn't it at all.  The diagnosis this past Monday of cardiac hemangiosarcoma was totally unexpected.

I'd hoped for more days of grace for her, especially when she seemed to be feeling so much better. When Thursday started out as a good day for her, I never had any thought that our time together would end so suddenly. That morning Sheba was in good spirits, and she was happy as she rolled in the grass...
and she carried the ball around and was wagging her tail. Below is the last picture I took of Sheba.  If I'd known it was going to be the last photo I would take of her, I would have taken a few more.

But I remain grateful and thankful for the nearly 11 years we had together.  Even in my sadness and heartbreak, I am grateful for the gift of her love in our lives. By having Sheba, as well as the other dogs I have found that my fear of death has been lessened -- Because if death means finally joining Sheba and the others who have gone before her, then let it happen when it will.

But until that time comes, I'll treasure all of my memories of a dog that was a great friend and family member.

34 comments:

  1. So sorry to read that Sheba has crossed the bridge. Our thoughts are with all at Golden Pines and we are also thinking of all the loved ones Sheba is with now, who will be there for her, until one day you all meet up again.

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  2. Sweet girl Sheba, Godspeed over the Rainbow Bridge, you were loved by many four legs and two.....
    So many memories to treasure Kim.
    ~Jo

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  3. I can at least see the screen now.
    yesterday was such a shock. like you I never thought of sheba. she was there. with her frisbee always. and todd. remember how she used to always be there when he was just a puppy! showing him the way.
    as if todd ever needed to be shown the way.
    charlie will be lost.
    and I remember her time with carrie anne. you know...
    I think they were like robin and little john! they had to spar and then become the best of friends.
    there are wonderful smiles here. as any tribute should be. bless you beloved kim.

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  4. Treasure chest of photos . . .
    I knew I would be in tears . . .
    Oh my, how beautifully you told and captured "Sheba's Life"
    She had the very best home with you . . .
    I wish these weren't just words and instead I could give you a hug and touch ever one of those hairy, shedding golden ones in your land . . .
    You are in my caring . . .

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  5. Hello, what a wonderful collection of photos and memories. Sheba and all your dogs are beautiful. I wish I could give them all a hug. Wonderful tribute to Sheba, she will be missed.

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  6. A beautiful homage to a loving friend who lived a wonderful life with you and all his friends.

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  7. What a loving post to an old friend. I guess the strength of the bond between dog and owners is the knowledge that they don't leave us; they simply run ahead and scout the way. Be strong.

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  8. So heartbreakingly beautiful---you are such a special hooman to our fur children. Thank you for having such a big heart and being able to give our fur orphans a forever home---

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  9. What a beautiful memorial to your sweet Sheba.

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  10. she is the best of dogs - in heart, spirit, love, character.

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  11. Being a friend of Todd made her OK in our book. Scotties don't pick jerks as friends.

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  12. Love the photo journal of Sheba. It would make a nice little book. She'll be long remembered and missed.
    Hugs.

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  13. It is so hard to say goodbye.

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  14. Such a beautiful tribute to Sheba, Kim, thank you for sharing it with us. Your words express how many of us feel at losing a much-loved pet.

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  15. A tribute full of love,from your heart. Memories over the years, and yes, we will all meet those who have left us, and what a joyful reunion it will be.Thank you for the photos and words and sharing Sheba's time with you.

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  16. What a wonderful life you gave her. Morgan was like that for me. She was there when other dogs came and left, she was always beside me. It's hard to accept that she's gone.

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  17. This is such a beautiful tribute to Sheba. The love and bond you shared just pours from it.

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  18. You certainly have a lot of wonderful touching and love-filled memories of that special Sheba!!! So sad that you didn't have more time together.

    Woos - Ciara and Lightning

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  19. Lovely photos and memories though , It is hard to loose such precious friends .

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  20. So sorry, and here I am having read through your post...just had to wipe the tears before typing this, yes literally. It always gets to me when fellow bloggers lose their lovelies, but it is heartwarming to feel that I have known them too, through the interweb. God speed Sheba ♥

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  21. So sorry to hear that Sheba's time with you is over. clearly she had a wonderful life and you were all lucky to be a family. May those wonderful memories help you at this challenging time. Hugs.

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  22. Thank you for sharing this beautiful and loving tribute.
    My deepest sympathies.
    XOXOXOXOXO

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  23. Beautiful memories of your girl. We are glad we helped bring you some smiles today
    Hugs
    Mr Bailey, Hazel & Mabel

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  24. beautiful memories and photos.....I can only imagine the pain you are going through.....(((hugs)))) DakotasDen

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  25. Beautiful memories and post. What a gal she was :-)

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  26. What a lovely tribute. The pictures illustrate what a delight it must have been to have her. Such an exceptional dog.

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  27. Hugs to you, Kim. Run free, sweet Sheba

    Edgar and his mum

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  28. You truly have some lovely memories of Sheba and I'm sure she knew how very much she was loved by you all. May she run free now...pain free. I hope your memories bring you some comfort during this difficult time. Wouldn't it be wonderful if our dogs could live as long as we do...

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  29. A wonderful tribute to Sheba. So many of her qualities and that Golden spirit make our lives so much richer. She, as all of our rescues, pay us back with interest....unconditionally. Sheba, the Chubb Bros, Carrie Anne and all those GP treasures are chasing balls, eating berries and waiting for that familiar voice "Todd, get out of there" ... ha ha ha - just like old times.

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  30. Dearest Kim
    This tribute to Sheba is so beautiful.
    Thank you for taking the time to find all of these photos and share them with us. Thank you for sharing all of the memories with us,,,
    Sheba was a very special girl.. and had a special place in your pack.
    I am sitting crying over all that you said..
    And what you said about death,,,,your words are profound,,, and meaningful... You are right Kim.
    Let it be
    our love
    tweedles and moms

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  31. so sad to read this, always hard to lose a member of the family that is much loved xxx

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  32. Sheba sure had the life with you!

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  33. Tears as I read this, such a beauty in looks and spirit.Hugs Francine.

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  34. I've been out of town so I must comment on this sweet, wonderful, and tear-jerking post now. Rest in Peace, sweet Sheba, and keep watching over Kim for all her years. I think that you both needed each other - and I'm glad that you had all those years together.

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Speak--I really enjoy your comments! Thanks for stopping by today!!