Shina

[Jerili]

I just lost my beloved Jerry-Lee an all black German Shepherd so I feel your pain. I too had a song for Jerry " it had to be you" I know I will see him again. love, Jerili

[Rachel]

Shina's guardian, I know Shina would be so proud to know that her person appreciates and loves her still. She obviously was the light of your life and I don't doubt that for her the sun rose and set with your comings and goings.

Tears are flowing here because I feel your loss as well as that of my own two departed RB ones. The tune of You are My Sunshine must be universal for those of us who have a special bond with their animals, because mine heard a variation as well, only delivered completely out of tune, which never seemed to make a difference to them.

Shina was a stunning dog with eyes that were deep liquid pools into her soul. I know that even though 17 years is a long time, you must wonder why they went so quickly. Shina is definitely a Dog of the Day. I kind of think that there must be a big old computer at the Rainbow Bridge where the furry ones gather periodically to check out this website to see if any of their people have been posting. I sense there was quite a commotion this morning when my Bailey (she's such a smartee pup) announced...*Hey, Shina, Guess who is Dog of the Day?*

[WileysMom]

Sensational!
Rest in Peace!

[framboise]

I'm sure Shina had a great life with you... I just wish to thank you for your kindness and love to her. You're great.

[K9karen]

Thank you for sharing Shina's beautiful life story with us. I lost my beloved Cody in April, and feel your loss and pain. Even 17 years wasn't long enough for Shina to share your life with you. But at least you can be comforted knowing that she had a marvellous, happy, loving life with you, her passionate owner. I loved the way her "lady" paws are crossed in her photo! She still is a beautiful girl. She is looking down on you, still loving you and guarding you all your days.

[Linda York]

Beautiful. Shina wsa very lucky to have been with you and you were very lucky to have her. What a great bond you two had. This is a beautiful story. Thank you for sharing. :)

[My Peanuts]

I am crying right now! That was so beautiful and Shina was a really special dog. That was a nice and perfect way to honor her. She was an absolutely gorgeous dog!

[sasha the cat]

Mew, dear Shina,

Such a lovely tribute to you, darling Shina. It tells us how loved you are and will always be. My KatMa is still wiping away her tears 'cause she understands so well your furson's great loss. My KatMa had darling Bobby (Roberta) for 17 1/2 years and like your guardian, she will never, ever forget or stop loving Bobby.

You were such a beautiful girl and we're delighted to know you had a long, happy life, treasured and loved by your furson. Your place in your guardian's heart is set in steel, permanent, forever.

My KatMa believes you and Bobby are best friends across Rainbows' Bridge. KatMa knows you have been elevated to the highest status any pet can have: Guardian Angel. Guard your human who loves you so much.

A picture of our beloved Bobby [Roberta], b. 1979; d. Sept 9/96.
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid62/p42ec63b4a4ccc5e1e9f15cd0e9d79396/fc1ecc57.jpg

KatMa says if there is reincarnation, she wants to come back as her beloved pets. One way or another, KatMa wants to end up with her pets, where ever that magical place is.

[sasha the cat]

Tucker and Hannah's *dog*Ma, ~~Rachel~~ wrote:

"I kind of think that there must be a big old computer at the Rainbow Bridge where the furry ones gather periodically to check out this website to see if any of their people have been posting. I sense there was quite a commotion this morning when my Bailey (she's such a smartee pup) announced...*Hey, Shina, Guess who is Dog of the Day?*"

What pretty picture Rachel painted! My KatMa shut her eyes and all of her darlings at RB appeared, looking at the computer screen.

Mew, my KatMa thinks it would be awesome if wwww.petoftheday.com created a "TRIBUTE of the day" for beloved, departed pets.

Today is Rosh Hashanna. Mew, me-eow, Happy New Year to those at PT who observe this day, like my purrents. Wishes for health, happiness and prosperity from our Palace to yours...

[Aimyloo]

Thanks to you all who posted, and who will post! I am crying my eyes out reading your kind words.

When Shina passed, I really didnt believe that ANYone in the world could ever love a dog as much as I loved her! She was so spoiled...and yes, a lady! She always sat with her paws crossed, another one of her charms. (She walked herself too, which was funny...she would grab the leash from me and just strut off like "Look at me! My mom lets me walk myself!" of course, she would stop at the first word out of my mouth and wait for me, so dont worry, she never went far alone!) I didnt mean to tell another story, there are SO many for her, she led a full life. But as I was saying, about my love for her, and thinking there could be nobody in this world that understands, I realize now that there are and that I am not alone. I am still grieving her, more now than when it first happened, and Im not sure why. Maybe someone could fill me in on how long this is going to last.....

I started off just saying thank you, and will end on that note as well. Sorry to have rambled...and for any typos I may have overlooked.

Amy
I attached a picture of me and Shina, when we were both still just puppies. She was 8 months, I was 15....

[tatsxxx11]

Dear Amy. I am awash in tears. Your beautiful tribute to your your heart dog, your dog of a lifetime, your beautiful best friend Shina has moved me more than words can express. In her adoring brown eyes is reflected a lifetime of unconditional love, friendship and devotion. For 17 wonderful years you grew together, laughed together, cried together and comforted each other. To have known the love of a dog as special as your beautiful Shina is to have been truly blessed. I loved how you spoke of her ladylike charms; how she would sit so sweetly with her paws crossed, how impishly she would trot off with her leash in her mouth:) Those are the happy memories that will fill your heart and nourish your soul until that day you and Shina are united once more. And Amy, you are not alone. My special girl, my best friend forever, was, is, my beloved Lab Jingles. "You Are My Sunshine" was our song too and it was the song I sang softly into her ears as she made her journey to the Rainbow Bridge. Like my Jing, your Shina has shed her earthly bounds but I have no doubt that today, on this, her special day, she is looking down upon us with all of our beloved RB babies, smiling, so proud that her Mommy has honored her so lovingly. Today, along with you, we celebrate her life and the inseperable bond that joins you and her for eternity. Bless you beautiful Shina. And thank you so much Amy for sharing your Shina with us. It was an honor to have met her. Love, Sandra

[Rachel]

Amy, thank you for posting more about our very special
Dog of the Day. We are often left wanting more about the dear hearts we meet and we treasure every word you had to offer about Shina, and a picture when she and her mom were both mere pups....what a great surprise and such a treat.

Amy, you are among your own people here. Before I found Pet Talk, I often thought I belonged on another planet because I didn't realize there were others who connected on such a deep level with their animals. But I have found them here. The loss of our treaured furkids is something that many of us doubt that we could ever face and when the unthinkable happens, we doubt that we can ever feel joy again. Eventually the wound in our hearts will heal and a just a scar is there. But periodically that scar will break open and all the grief we experienced will come rushing back. You are not alone in your feelings. Please know that there are many here who understand. Sometimes we see that we see those scars break open in one or another's posting at Pet Talk when some event or situation makes us remember. The tears that flowed this morning when you talked about your relationship with Shina were another sign of some of the healed, but vulnerable wounds that remain within us.

Let the grief come out when you need to, but then pack it away deep inside, knowing Shina would want you to be happy and even to love again. Let Shina comfort you from the RB. That will happen too, in a dream or a fleeting glimpse of her tail in your periphial vision, or the appearance of a butterfly. You'll know.

[Sudilar]

Amy, tears were shed here this evening for your beautiful soul, Shina. What a wonderful tribute to her life. What lucky girls you both were to have each other for such a long time! I could only wish that any of mine could stay with me that long (alas, none will).
Even more tears welled up when you mentioned in a later post that your sweet girl would sit with her paws crossed and walk herself on her leash!!!!!!!!!! My heart dog, Wolf would do both things also!!!! He only lived 10 wonderful years and died in 1984. I still, to this day, miss him terribly. He is the reason for my great love of the GSD breed.
Please tell us more of your sweet girl. Tell us some funny little things that she used to do to make you laugh. In a while, you will be able to smile again and celebrate having had Shina in your life. Thanks so much for sharing your most deserved Shina as Dog of the Day!!

[captain]

How beautiful ........... thanks so much for sharing her wonderful life with us .........

[dukedogsmom]

I imagine I know how you feel. Shina was your furry soul mate, as Duke is mine. I'm so glad you had so many happy years together. It must have been great to grow up with her. She was a beautiful dog. I believe one day we'll all be reunited with our very special animals and that will be the happiest time for us all. Until then, remember your sweet Shina. I'm sure part of her is always with you.

[lovemyshiba]

Oh Amy, Shina is simply stunning--what a beautiful lady she is.

I know how you feel, my Kito is my furry soulmate, and while he is still young, I dread the day anything happens.

I sing that song to all of my beloved pups, because they truly are my sunshine, and the light of my life every day.

What a beautiful tribute you have written for dear Shina, it is obvious how much she is loved and missed.

Please stick around Pet Talk--we all love our pets just as you do, and it's a great group of people.

Thank you for sharing Shina with us.

[lizbud]

Originally posted by Rachel


Amy, you are among your own people here. Before I found Pet Talk, I often thought I belonged on another planet because I didn't realize there were others who connected on such a deep level with their animals. But I have found them here. The loss of our treaured furkids is something that many of us doubt that we could ever face and when the unthinkable happens, we doubt that we can ever feel joy again. Eventually the wound in our hearts will heal and a just a scar is there. But periodically that scar will break open and all the grief we experienced will come rushing back. You are not alone in your feelings. Please know that there are many here who understand. Sometimes we see that we see those scars break open in one or another's posting at Pet Talk when some event or situation makes us remember. The tears that flowed this morning when you talked about your relationship with Shina were another sign of some of the healed, but vulnerable wounds that remain within us.

Let the grief come out when you need to, but then pack it away deep inside, knowing Shina would want you to be happy and even to love again. Let Shina comfort you from the RB. That will happen too, in a dream or a fleeting glimpse of her tail in your periphial vision, or the appearance of a butterfly. You'll know.

I could not have expressed these feelings & beliefs any better
that Rachel has. It's exactly how I feel too. Beautiful Shina was
a special gift sent to you & I can tell you treasured her beyond
words. I am so glad you two found each other & Shina had such
a long & happy life. You will never forget her as she will not forget
you either. You will meet again in afterlife at Rainbow Bridge.
Shina is a most deserving DOG OF THE DAY.:)

[Aimyloo]

I thought I would post a link to my picture page on MSN... my pet pictures! In there you will find pictures of Shina through the years, though not all of them, there are many, and not in any chronological order. If you click on the pictures, they will be larger and you can go through them one at a time and read the little captions I have with them.

Once again, I am sitting here crying my eyes out over everyones posts! You are all so sweet to offer comfort. Just when I think Im done crying, you touch my heart again and the tears just come.

I could write so much more, but I dont know where to beging I could fill a book, as Im sure you all could on each of yours, on the life and adventures of Shina Baby!

Hopefully the link works, since Im not an experienced poster here, although I have been a lurker and reading for quite some time. If not, someone give me a shout to help figure it out!
Amy's Pet Pics..... feel free to look through the album if you like :-)[/URL

[K9karen]

Dear Amy..We'd be honored if you joined us on PT. It's the honest truth when I tell you that my life would have more of a struggle when Cody passed, if it hadn't been for all my PT family. Altho I cried for months, and still do, (it's an irreparable hole in your heart) the caring, compassion, understanding and encouragement to listen to my heart and share my love again, was invaluable. I got emails, calls, cards from PTers from all over the world. I've printed and kept everything. I admit I'm a tinge jealous that you had Shina for so long! I would have given anything to prolong Cody's life. But I say a prayer for him every night and I feel him with me all the time. I'm not as aticulate as other on PT but I wanted you to know, Amy, we are here for you.

[Aimyloo]

How do I join PT? I mean, if its just posting here, I wil probably do that. I still feel like I need to talk about her, but since its not her day anymore, that probably wont happen much unless someone comes to check in that hasnt been in a few days and decides to post. I dont know my way around to well yet, since Ive only been a lurker and reading for so long! Id like to learn how to post my signature, I only have an angel with my name on it so far, but Id like to get one made for my pets like you all have, they are so cute! I seem to have trouble right now though figuring out how to make it appear.

Thanks again to everyone for posting to me... you made me cry, think, remember and smile.

Thanks Karen, for making Shina Doggy of the day, it meant alot. I had been waiting for it, and Im sure I seemed a bit impatient emailing you to ask when it would be her turn! (I am assuming that you are the same Karen who wrote back to me in email...if its not you, Im sure the "REAL" Karen will read this, and Thanks!)

Amy

[anna_66]

but I just wanted to let you know what a wonderful tribute to your Shina that was. I could feel the love in your words. I'm glad that she was honored as our Dog of the Day:)

Oh, I've just seen that you joined PT, I'm so glad to hear this!

As as for how long the pain will last...it never goes away, it just gets a little easier to deal with.
We lost our sweet Chow Keisha a little over 2 years ago, and I could still cry evertime I think of her.

Again, I'm glad your here! PT is wonderful medicine for the soul:D


Oh Amy, I just went through and looked at your album & read the captions, just wonderful!! I love the pictures of her in the heart!!
What wonderful pets you still have to keep you company. Please share them with everyone:D

[pipersmom]

What a lovely tribute to such a beautiful, beautiful girl. She was lucky to have such a wonderful Mommy. I'm typing through tears as I think of how much you miss her and want you to know that I'll say a special prayer for you tonight.

The nice thing that we all know is that we'll see our babies again. I truly believe it.

I too sing to my Piper, only a different tune:

I love you more today, more today than yesterday
I love you more today, but less than I will tomorrow.

Believe me, there are more people than you know that totally understand.

: - )

[Aimyloo]

Thanks you two, both your posts were great...and true.

I loved your song too, Piper!

I thought I was the only one who sang to my dog... Im finding out not only am I not the only one, the same song I sing, is sung to other pups as well! They really are the sunshine of our lives, arent they? :-)

[shotzi]

Shina was absolutely gorgeous! And you are going through what I am going through - my wonderful rottie died a month ago and I feel like I've lost my right arm! I know what you mean about loving her so much - :( I wish that she were here right now! She was a rescued rottie that people thought was an aggressive dog - but she came here and we bonded and it was a story made in heaven! she was not aggressive at all - she just needed a family that understood her - rotties are very vocal dogs! NIki talked constantly - to people that don't understand - she was being aggressive - to us - we knew she was talking to us! Gosh I miss her so much! The only way that I could go on was the thought that whenever I would mourn over her - it kept her from going on to her rewards so she could be with me - so I bit my lip - and closed my eyes and in my minds eye, I gave her to God to take care of till I get there - that seemed to help -

[Aimyloo]

Im sorry about your niki, too! Its been almost three months on October 5th, and I too, am without my right arm...thats a great way to put it. We can talk more if you like...seems we are both going through alot right now. I guess I havent gotten to the point you have yet as far as letting go, I just cant seem to. I mean somedays are better than others, but lately I seem to be going through a complete Shina meltdown and I cry at the very though of her. Do you have an instant messengers? If you want to chat that is... I have em all, unfortunately...LOL:)

[shotzi]

haha - yea I have instant messenger - but can't figure it out! DUH!!!! my email is [email protected] (that's an "L" not an "I") I would love to talk! Niki passed on on July 5th of cancer- ugh - we did not let her hang around long - we didn't want her in pain - she was an awesome dog - but you feel stupid calling her a dog - cause she was so much more! And I think it's cute that you sang her that song all the time - I did that too - with the same song - and we have another rottie (who is missing her so much too) and her name is Sheeba - we seem to have a lot in common - if I can get directions on that stupid messenger thingie - I'd use ithaha but for now, will you e-mail me?

[dukedogsmom]

I made this for you. Hope you like it. You can have it as your signature, if you like. I'm new at this so it's not real fancy but I wanted to do one for you.
http://www.boomspeed.com/dukedogsmom/shinasig.jpg

[Aimyloo]

Shotzi.... Thats the same day my Shina went to heaven, as well. I had actually had an appt the NEXT day that I had made on the Weds prior hoping I could get her in for a check up. Unfortunately, between Weds and Saturday...she went downhill amazingly fast. I knew as soon as I got home Saturday that I had to bring her in immediatley. It bothers me that I didnt get to spend any time with her at the VERY end. I did manage to snap a few pics of her...both of us, the night before as I laid with her. I also got a few immediatly before we left for the vet :-( I got to sing her song to her and talk to her as she lay there....IM glad I got her in when I did. The next day, as I sat, still in shock...and looking at the clock... the time came and went of her original appt. Im almost glad I had to do it "emergency" style, because I had been couting down hours...knowing darn well that her checkup, wasnt a checkup...but its what I had to tell myself to keep from totally flipping out. *gulp* Its all so vivid, ya know? Its hard to talk about without having what I call "Shina Meltdowns". My email is [email protected] if you would like to write, as well.

Sheesh...what did I start out meaning to write? :-P

[Aimyloo]

DDM.... That signature...its beautiful... I LOVE it! I had to choke back tears when I saw it. Now, if I can figure out how to use it....

You did a marvelous job, and such a suprise! I truly- sincerely appreciate your time and effort in doing that for me... you are very sweet!

[Sudilar]

Dukedogsmom, what a beautiful signature for Amy!! Just beautiful!!!

[Aimyloo]

It will be 3 months today, October 5th at approximately 430.

I dont know why I didnt think to look at the clock while i was in there when she went. I just know that the vets stayed about an hour or so longer then they had to. I just couldnt leave her laying there on that cold table. I had brought her wrapped in a big soft bath blanket. I kept her covered and warm. I walked out of the room once, and almost made it to the door. When I looked back, I could still see her head, on the table....only partially covered to her neck with the blanket, and I HAD to go back. I knew Shina loved to be covered under a bankie. I went back in for a more than several minutes , I picked her up as best I could, hugged her and touched her all over every part of her body that I could, took the soft part of her ear in between my lips and did the little rubby thing I did, kissed her good bye for the last time all over her face and neck... I touched her soft fur...she always had THE softest fur. Anyone who ever touched her always commented on how soft she was..... I covered her all the way up, over the head and all, just like she liked it.

Im sitting here just sobbing and snottin all over the place as I type this. What the heck is wrong with me? I keep thinking, after she was gone, all the things the vet techs were talking to me about. I was pretty angry to find out that she was kept at the office for 5 days before they took her to be...cremated...after they said it would be done the next day. Shina didnt like to be cold.

I just want her to come home:( I miss her so bad:( I keep thinking Im doing better, but as soon as I have a spare moment and I think about her, Im in tears, and wishing I was with her.

*sigh*
***************************************
Edited for typos...since I was sobbing when I wrote this.

[shotzi]

oh Amy - that really is hard isnt' it We took my Niki right home with us - we had the neighbors backhoe in the yard and she was burried the very minute we got home! Fred carved her name in the tree right where she was burried and I kept her "snyd" (snydly whiplash - the squeek - one of her fav. toys) and her collar and they are in with me - she is right outside our bedroom window!
I'll share something with you - before we went to take Nik to the vet's - I closed my eyes and said "God - You gave her to me and I loved her sooooo much! Thank You - now I know, that You are callling her back home and I need to let go of her so that she can enjoy heaven and not worry about me!" It was so funny cause when she died - I KNEW she was going to heaven and I'd see her again! That is what keeps me from getting upset about it - I figure if I keep dwelling on her - she can't enjoy her rewards! Hope that makes sense - but it has worked so well for me -
I still see Niki's wrinkled up head in my mind - she looked so cuddly lying on that table - and as she looked up at me for the last time, she struggled up long enough to give me such a sweet kiss on my lips - my husband couldn't believe that she did that - the meds were already working and it must have been so hard for her to lift up her upper body- she was almost 200 lbs. - I know she loved me as much as I loved her! There will never bes another Niki!

[Rachel]

Aimyloo and Shotzi

There are a couple of poems which we have posted on occasion. I think today in honor of your dear Shina and Niki, it would be approriate to post them again. IF IT SHOULD BE....

*If it should be that I grow weak, and pain should keep me from my sleep, then you must do what must be done, for this last battle can't be won.

You will be sad-I understand, don't let your grief then stay your hand, for this day more than all the rest, your love and friendship stand the test.

We've had so many happy years, what is to come can hold no fears, you'd not want me to suffer, so, when the time comes, please let me go.

Take me where my needs they'll tend, only stay with me until the end, and hold me firm and speak to me, until my eyes no longer see.

I know in time that you will see it is a kindness you do to me, although my tail its last has waved, from pain and suffering I've been saved.

And please don't grieve, it should be you who has to decide this thing to do.

We've been so close-we two-these years, don't let your heart hold any tears... * author unknown

[Rachel]

Dog on Loan

I'll lend you for a little time,
A dog of mine God said.
For you to love while she lives,
And mourn when she is dead.
The years they may be six or ten,
Or even a few as three.
But will you, 'till I call her back,
Take care of her for me?

She'll bring her charms to gladden you,
And shall her stay be brief,
You'll have her lovely memories,
As solace for your grief.
I cannot promise she will stay,
Since all from Earth return.
But there are lessons taught down there,
I want this dog to learn.

I've looked the wide world over,
In my search for Master true.
And from the throngs that crowd life's lanes, I have selected you.
Now will you give her your love?
Nor think the labor vain.
Nor hate me when I come to call,
To take her back again?

We answered in sincerity,
Dear Lord, Thy will be done.
For all the joy this dog shall bring,
The risk of grief we'll run.
We'll shelter her with tenderness,
And love her while we may,
And for the happiness we'll know,
Will ever grateful stay.
But shall the angels call for her,
Much sooner than we planned,
Well know the bitter grief that comes,
And try to understand.

[tatsxxx11]

Oh Amy.:( It was 5 yrs. ago, Sept. 5th, at 5pm that my Jingles left for Heaven. I cried and cried that day, just as I do every day on the anniversary of her passing. I touched and kissed and committed to memory every nook and cranny of her precious body. I sang "her" song all the way to the vet's and held onto her so tightly, kissing her face, nibbling on her soft lips, whispering into her ear that I loved her, as she passed. There isn't a day that goes by that a thought, a memory of my beautiful girl doesn't enter my mind. She's so much a part of my being and that will never change. What gives me comfort is knowing that one day, in the distant future, she and I will be together again. I had her creamated (individual, private) and she lays now in a beautiful urn with her picture painted on it where I can see it always. I talk to her all the time to let her know how much I miss her and love her. I still cry, Amy. There's nothing wrong with you. We all grieve in our way in our time. Let the tears come. Time doesn't heal all wounds, but it lessens the pain. Give yourself the time you need and give yourself the right to grieve the way YOU need to. Shina was your most beloved and cherished best friend for so many years; your dog of a lifetime. It's going to take a while for the intense pain to lessen. Please know that many here know what you're going through. Come here any time to talk, ok?? Love, Sandra

[dukedogsmom]

Amy, this is what I plan on doing for Duke and you might want to do the same. It sounds like what Sandra was talking about. Here's the link to it. They are very nice hand painted wooden urns. Pretty reasonable in price, as well. And if it helps, I'm sitting here crying as well. Those poems and your story made me sad. I know Duke is my special dog and I cherish every day with him.
http://adirondackpeturns.com/

[Aimyloo]

Rachel- Thanks so much for the poems... I read them, and of course, cried. I will come back to copy them when I can. I have a small collection of poems such as the two you posted that I have been saving over the years. Several that I really LOVE, and the most important one that was a goal of mine to have back before Shina died, I have lost in transit. My favorite poem was in a dresser left at my mothers house... which she cleaned out, not realizing, before she moved here. I have been searching for years for that poem! I know its author unknown, I think it was called "A dogs ode to his master" and I remember a couple lines were like "I will sit outside the pearly gates, chewing a celestial bone..... for without my master here, heaven could never be home." and another line was the doggy talking to St Peter saying "I wont be a bother, I wont bark or make noise...id like to sit here and wait" or something to that effect. I got it out of an Ann landers column many years ago, and they have been no help in tracking it down. The two they sent me were not the same. Ooo got off the subject, didnt I? Anyhow, I just wanted to say thank you, I will add those to my collection. Someday, when I have enough, I will print them out and put them in a special album I plan on making just for Shina:)

[Aimyloo]

tatsxxx11... Im glad that you wrote, it helps me to know other people still mourn their animals. I really do think it will take my lifetime to grieve her. You sound like you were, and are, a wonderful dog mom and person. I guess I will continue to post in her thread whenever I feel the need. I just dont want to seem like a burden....burn people out with my crying over Shina.

[Aimyloo]

DukeDogsMom~ Shina has been home with me since about a week and a couple days after she was put to rest. I had ordered, knowing the time was coming, an urn that I had fallen in love with, because I knew Shina was going to be my doggy angel! I will post a link to it below. The one I ordered was the small frame with the original hand painted angel...so if it isnt showing, click those choices to see what I have! Be sure to look at the enlarged picture. Its so much prettier in real life. I have not put a picture of her in it yet, though. Would make it to real. I can hardly look at it right now, but I do walk by and touch her on the head sometimes. I had the vet put her in the urn for me, I brought it with me when I went to pick up Shinas ashes. Her inscription on her gold plate says:
"Mama's Girl"
" I Love you Shina "
" 6/7/1986 - 7/5/2003"

http://www.angelashes.com/products/oe/oe_phf_1.php#

[shotzi]

You guys are awesome! Let me tell ya about Nik's arrival. I had a rottie that had a tumor on his brain. We had to put him down and I felt awful! It was like a whole in my throat all the way down to my stomach - it ached! I was sitting at the table one day and looked down at the paper and I was crying for Spike - I closed my eyes and asked God to help me get over this horrible pain. And I looked down at the news paper and there seemed to be a light coming from behind an add - it said "free rottweiler" - oh I know - that was dumb to go for it cause she is a rottie -- but I did - I called her and found out a little about her. She sounded perfect and the woman said she'd be right over! Her name was Izzy (ugh - I like Niki better) and she dropped Nik off. She came to us with an infected uterus and a huge infection behind her eye - and she was addicted to steroids - which I did not know until I got her to the vet - which was a couple of days - enough to cause some problems for her cause she didn't get any steroids since she was at my house. Poor thing - she was 5 yrs old and totally fell in love with our family! She was soooooo awesome and there will never be another like her! We had her for over 8 years - she bonded to me like I have never felt before! My husband and I always say "NIKI"S THE BEST!". About a year ago, we found another rottie in the paper - this one was a kimbertal dog - very nice rottie! Excellent disposition and got along with Nik beautifully! - can't figure out why anyone woould spend so much for one of these lovely dogs and tie them up out back! She didn't even know her name - nor did she care when we said "come on Cloe get in the car! " She just got iin real happy and never looked back! We changed her name too - She's Sheeba now! She was also 5 when she was out of a home! ugh - what's wrong with people? When they get older is when they are thier best! So sweet and so gentle - and so loyal! and you are right - crying is a way of us letting out our emotions - God gave us those emotions for a reason - so don't feel bad about them - when I find myself getting upset about my Nik - I just imagine her being in heaven and running through fields and having a smile on her face chasing the other dogs - then my crying will start ringing in her ears - and Niki could never have stood that! And she would be pulled aside from her fun in heaven - to worry about me all over again and I don't want that - I want her to enjoy her rewards! So, that is how I let go and let God! Hope I didn't ramble too much - looking back at this - it doesn't come near the real story of Niki and my love affair! guess there are no words to explain - you need to have been in a relationship with a special animal to understand this sort of tie! But I guess this is the place to find others with the same sort of stories and be understood! thanks for reading!

[Sudilar]

Originally posted by Aimyloo
[B] it helps me to know other people still mourn their animals. I really do think it will take my lifetime to grieve her. /B]

There are days when I STILL cry over Wolf who went to RB Bridge in 1984 and Avalanche, gone, but not forgotten, since 1996. I will never forget them. They are part of my soul now.

[K9karen]

:( :( :( :(
Rach, whenever I read those poems, I just totally lose it.
I love them but I lose control.:(

[Aimyloo]

Shotzi...I just wanted to let you know, I have been thinking lately about what you said here

"God gave us those emotions for a reason - so don't feel bad about them - when I find myself getting upset about my Nik - I just imagine her being in heaven and running through fields and having a smile on her face chasing the other dogs - then my crying will start ringing in her ears - and Niki could never have stood that! And she would be pulled aside from her fun in heaven - to worry about me all over again and I don't want that - I want her to enjoy her rewards!"

Whenever I start to get TOO upset..not quite hysterical, but close, I try to imagine Shina stopping what she is doing to listen for me...
As soon as I calm down again, I imagine her....giving me "the look" that she is okay and not to worry... and see her running off again.
Im not sure I explained the scenario in my mind as I wanted it to be here, but Im trying to let her have the peace you spoke about. I imagine that my crying out interrupts her where she is now, and I just want her to be happy. I guess its just a little excercise in letting go... but Im not quite sure Ive mastered it....

[shotzi]

Hiya Amy - I know where you are coming from! Just remember all of the love that you poured into her and remember that love never fails - and know that someday you will see her again!
My husband and I were just talking about Niki yesterday and how much we miss her. but I'm so thankful to have had her for those 8 years - now there is an ad in the paper for another rottie and it's the same person that gave us Niki! My husband is afraid that she has a puppy mill going on over there - and from what Niki was like when she first got here - they aren't being taken care of very well! ugh - I hate to hear of abuse and neglect!

[Aimyloo]

AHhhh! Poor puppies! I hate ANY kind of animal abuse as well. I dont find even joking about it humorous most of the time... Im sure you've heard jokes that kinda just turn your stomach. I guess maybe I take it to serious. Speaking of which, I go to this site everyday..I have it set to email me reminders to click and feed an animal (free to click) www.theanimalrescuesite.com
Maybe I will make a post specifically for that. Ive done this for a while now, I always envision the faces of animals when I do it, and the help they get. Shina would have wanted me to as well. She didnt start out in the best of places when I picked her out, but she wasnt abused that I know of. I wish all animals could start off loved...