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!!