I am writing this memorial for my friend Florence King who just about 3 weeks ago lost her young Sheltie, Bobby. Florence purchased Buddy a Sheltie pup from a farmer in our area. When she got home she told me about the little brother that she probably should have taken instead as he had a deformed front leg and she was afraid he would be destroyed. I contacted Sheltie rescue and they said they would take him if we went to get him and Florence could not keep him. We drove through farm country and came to a farm where we saw 2 small Shelties running around. She said that was the place. We got out of the car and I said to the man do you still have the Sheltie with the front leg that did not grow right? He said yes. I said I’ll give you $20 for him and he said okay.
We found him and put him in the car and headed home. When we got to Florence’s house Buddy was there and right away seemed to know that Bobby was his brother. They were both so happy. Bobby did well and had the small leg amputated. He was very happy and curious and one night got himself trapped under the hutch in the kitchen. Florence called me and I went over and we worked and worked to get him out but at last we did. She placed cardboard all around the bottom of the hutch to keep him out. He was also not worried about exploring and a couple times got out of the fence and then it was repaired to close up the holes. Bobby and Buddy enjoyed their time in their home.
Bobby’s neck appeared to be swelled a few weeks ago and she took him to the vet where he was diagnosed with lymphoma. They started treatment and he got a little better and then worse. Knowing that he could not get well we took him to the vet almost 3 weeks ago and let him go peacefully to a better place where we know he is pain free and loving life once again. I know there were people and other dogs there to meet him. That was a really hard day for everyone and to lose Bobby at such a young age was tragic to say the least. He was a brave boy and never let his handicap get him down.
He was always happy and wagging his tail. I like to think that is just what he is doing now. Florence gave him the final gift of love and let him go gently before he started to suffer too much. I was honored to be with both of them at the end. Bobby went quietly and gently. He is buried in the backyard of her home where my husband and son buried him that Saturday afternoon. Everyone misses Bobby and he will always be remembered fondly and with love.
You are dearly missed,
| Bobby |
| Florence King/Vicki Manker |