Kason--
I am so sorry to hear about Shelby. I live in the South and I have a dog up home that is with my parents. She is 16 and has a disease (cushings) that affects her every few months. They almost had to put her down, but at the last minute, decided not to. I get to see her in a week or so, but they aren't sure how much longer she will last. I am very attached to animals too (like they are my kids) and I have 2 dogs and a cat with me here in Florida. I am 25 years old and will always have animals. I lost a few in my life time, but sometimes it is better, especially if they are suffering. I know you are very upset that you didn't get to say goodbye, but Shelby knows. Trust me. She is your little angel now and will always be with you. You just have to focus on the fun times you had with her and you are obviously a wonderful animal lover and you were very good to her and hopefully you can give the same amount of love to another eventually. I will always have them in my life because no matter what, they love you no matter what you look like when you get up in the morning! Please know that I and many others feel your pain. It's a very difficult situation to deal with. So please, stay strong for Shelby. She would want you to remember the fun times you had with her and she would want you to smile for her everytime you go in the back yard. Bless your heart Kason. Just remember...you are a great owner of a pet and some pets don't have that. One day you will have another that will mean just as much. They won't take Shelby's place, but they will put another mark in your heart. That is the best. They will always make you smile Take Care!