Mommy's Girl, "Shelby"

16 1/2 years ago, I picked you out of a litter of 8 when you were 5 weeks old. I took you back to see your brother when you were a little older. He didn't turn out as great as you did.

Remember him biting the CP&L guy?

The next week I took you for your first boat ride with grandma & grandaddy to Harkers Island.

You had such a blast. Years later we moved to TX (for 3 weeks) and on the ride back to NC we stayed in a Motel 6 for the night in Meridian, MS.

I had gone out for ice and had locked you inside and me out. You were more calm than I was.

There were so many trips to the beach when we lived in Wilmington. You and Hunter played and played all day. Camping out at Fort Fisher watching you swim was the best part for me. You could swim like a fish. You never went to far, because you knew I was scared of the water (and sharks) and wouldn't be able to get you if something happened.

Your daddy always kept a watchful eye over you. Fast forward to hanging out at grandma and granddaddy's condo in Myrtle Beach. All you wanted to do was swim. You didn't even care about the other dogs, just swimming.

Your grandma and granddaddy loved you so much. When you stayed with them they would always give you chicken even though I said not to. I guess that's what grandparents are supposed to do, spoil the granddoggies.

Remember daddy's venison jerky? He'd make you your own bag for treats.

On 5/15/06 we found out you had cancer. Our hearts broke into a million pieces. We decided not to do surgery or chemo because of your age!

Then you were 14 1/2 years old. I started you on Essiac (an herb/vitamin) shortly after that. You didn't have a problem eating it when wrapped in cheese. That still didn't keep us from taking you to your favorite places and visiting your dog and cat friends or your grandma and granddaddy. 2 years went by with no signs of you slowing down.

Last Monday at 3:30 in the morning you told me it was time for you to go. We all miss you so much. I wish you could see the necklace I got for you to put your ashes in, it's beautiful - just like you were. Thank you for being my friend and my protector. You will always be with me.