My beloved Sheba,
You taught me so many valuable lessons in life. Like never give up on your dreams…you were one when we brought you home as a puppy. Like the value of a family pet…you brought a lot of much needed love to our family.
Like perserverance…you suffered through epilepsy, arthritis, deafness, and laryngeal paralysis, and lived to be 100 in people years! Like always doing your best…you stood guard by the front door even when you could no longer hear, and relied on your sense of smell instead. Like your show of loyalty, lying by the shower in the morning, lying by the tv or my desk at night, always faithful.
Like acceptance…when Rosie came into your life and you treated her like your own child. Like patience… always waiting for us and greeting us when we came home. Like love…always giving more than you received.
I’m sorry we didn’t give you a more loving home. I’m sorry I didn’t clean your ears enough, as much as you hated it. I’m sorry that I quit playing frisbee with you. I’m sorry I didn’t pet you more when you came up to me. I’m sorry I couldn’t save you when the laryngeal paralysis closed up your larynx and you suffocated. I’m sorry I didn’t stay by your side when you were put down. It all happened so quickly and I couldn’t bear to see you leave me for good.
I can never come close to repaying you for what you gave me. You were steadfast, regal, strong, loyal, loving. What more could we have ever asked for. I love you. I sure hope to see you again someday, my darling Sheba.