Shelby's Story: Taking your rescue to rainbow bridge by Debbie Slansky Wappingers Falls, NY

[Omaha Steve]

http://theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/clickToGive/ars/story/shelbys-story096?




Shelby and I were together for all but the first 6 weeks of her life. She was found in a puppy mill, sick and about to be put to sleep when I stole her away. I rescued Shelby that day but for the next 14 years Shelby rescued me. After an accident I was forced to stay in bed for a year and Shelby never left me for a moment. She refused to go play outside or to even eat anywhere but on my bed.

During that time Shelby saved my life. Pain and depression can sometimes make a person think the unthinkable. If not for Shelby I would not be here today. Shelby was 6 pounds of pure courage, intelligence and love.

Shelby fought for 2 years to stay with me. My Vet told me to put her to sleep after 2 serious illnesses. I looked Shelby in the eyes and knew she wasn't ready. Shelby fought back death and returned to her happy playful self.

Then Shelby got kidney failure and still she fought to stay with me. The very last thing I would ever do was make Shelby suffer, so when her small body began to succumb to the kidney failure we both knew the end was near.

FULL story at link above.

[BigmanPigman]

1. As soon as I saw the words "Rainbow Bridge" I started to cry.

I hated those words when Max died on Dec. 15, 2002 in our home. I received many cards and flowers from friends and even my 6 year old students. I hated that Max was alone without me to comfort her and keep her safe. I was her mommy and she needed me as much as I needed her. Like you, I needed someone to cheer me up and always be by my side through thick and thin. We are soul mates. After she died I saw, felt and heard her for 10 days. Since then I have heard from others that sometimes this happens when loved ones die at home. I am an Athiest but I experienced several things that have convinced me something happens after you die. I DO know if it was her and it wasn't spooky or creepy. I heard her at the closet, I felt her under and against my bed, I saw sunlight and leafy silhouettes on my wall where there was no light or reflection. I believe she was trying to tell me she was OK and would be OK and not to worry. She was my life and everyone knew it. Of course I was desolate for a very, very long time. Everyone said that she died at home for MY sake because I could never put her down. She kissed me under the mistletoe the night before she died. It had been hanging there for 14 years. My sister accidentally threw it out when I was in the hospital last August. Now I have my Spike and she is 14. I was given a diagnosis that I won't live much longer (especially when the ACA gets repealed). I am at peace knowing that where ever/whatever happens after we die , we will be together. I experienced it and know that something happens that is tangible and inexpainable and it was real and pleasant. I am so grateful that we will die around the same time since neither of us can possibly go on without the other. Max's ashes are in a special place at her favorite park and I have already drawn a map of where I want Spike's and my ashes to be as well.
I am still crying but they are content tears and I miss her and can' t wait to be with her again as well as with Spike forever. They have both saved me in a million different ways and I wouldn't be here if it weren't for them.
I found so many comforting people after Max's death, often total strangers! Everyone has empathy and know how you feel. Whether it's the operator on the phone or a person behind you in line at the store, everyone seems to understand the enormous grief and pain of losing a loved one. Time doesn't really help but I do look forward to being together forever...all 3 of us. I am smiling through my tears.

[thecrow]

2. Thank you for that story, BP

I was already crying from the OP, but yours just tore me up.
This is a fragile life we all lead on this plane.
My husband died at home from a freak fall. One minute here, the next, gone.
Now my faithful Sheltie is having major health problems.
It's been 18 months, but every night she goes out in the yard to greet his bus..
But he is not on the bus, of course. It shows that love lives on, though life is short.
I wish you the best... it sounds like you have made some sort of peace with the rest of your life
and that you have found the beautiful comfort of your fellow humans (and animals).
God bless you and keep you, and may you be reunited with your precious Max.

[Omaha Steve]

3. Yes thank you

[BigmanPigman]

4. I hope Shelby's spirit/love will be with you as Max's was with me.

Please let us know how you are doing and if you experience Shelby's presence with you in various forms/ senses in the next few days. I truly hope you do. Don't shoo them away and dismiss them as "coincidences" but acknowledge and find comfort in them as this is their true intention. You know how it is...when you don't actually experience something yourself you don't really believe it to be true or genuine.