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Posts: 1,836Our menagerie is minus one today. My good old girl Shelby was not herself for a few days and today she took a very sudden turn. Within hours she became weak and unable to stand up for more than seconds, started drooling cold saliva, and her gums went white. She was unable to keep down water. We sat with her outback in her spot in the shade right next to the shed and then took her to our vet. He said the cancer was causing anemia...we knew her lungs were affected as well.
It's exactly 15 months to the day of her diagnosis of TCC**. We're happy that we got to spoil her rotten for that nearly year and a half....but we're still very very sad, heartbroken. In May 2005 I only wished that she got to play in the snow again. Shelby's favorite thing in the world was always snow..the deeper the better. She made it to winter snow, spring and a new summer. She's the toughest dog we've ever known. She beat out a disease that usually takes a dog out in weeks, a few months if they're lucky. Of course we did what we could with her care, various medications to slow the tumor growth and we are very thankful we're so close to the University of Penn .... It just sucks, sucks big time, we're heartbroken. Shelby was my first dog..I had dogs as a kid, but she was mine, my girl. I just turned 20, still lived at home and had to call my folks (while they were on vacation) to tell them I just bought a puppy. She was a bandanna wearing, jeep loving, trouble finding pooch and I am going to miss her more than I can even imagine right now.
**TCC is a type of bladder cancer. Usually dogs are lost due to not being able to pass urine because of the tumor growth, not because of the "cancer" symptoms. We're lucky to be near Penn where Shelby under went a new minimally invasive procedure that allowed her to urinate. A small stent was used, it open up her tubes and allowed urine to pass...without that we would have lost her well over 6 months ago, when she was still able to play, run, eat and be happy.
This is Shelby this winter, after the stent had already been placed. She's an amazing dog. because we were able to do this new procedure other dogs may be able to use it in the future too. She was one of only 15 dogs to have this done...it's only done at Penn right now, but with further study it could be done more often. That makes us feel better today too, that Shelby's case may help other dogs.
Bear Paws by RoxanneOh goodness.... I am so sorry... :hug: :hug:
Pumpkin & Pickle BearsChrissi, I'm so sorry. 
It's never easy when a pet passes away.
Sending you lots of hugs..... :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:
Sunnie BearsOh Chrissi
I am so sorry. It is so hard to lose a pet even when you know it is coming and think you are prepared. :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:
Sonya
Past Time Bears I'm so very sorry, Chrissi. Peace and comfort to you.
LuxembearsChrissi, I am so sorry for your beloved pet. Just know that she must be so happy to have such a loving mommy like you. Bless her heart. :hug: :hug: :hug:
Hearts Ease Bearsi too want to ad my deepest sympathy..we lost a beloved malamute to cancer three years ago and our english setter died a year later..it just broke our hearts. his name was Ice Winds Hearts Ease,,hence the name of my business,,Hoover was the setter,,born deaf,,they had relatively long lives but they are never long enough!
always swear we can't have our hearts torn out again,,but we have a much loved 18 mos old springer spaniel now,,Snickers and loving all of them has been a high point in our lives,,i believe all dogs ( and other pets) go to heaven, many frineds have found that the rainbow bridge helped them grieve, she was a lucky dog to have owners who loved him and cared for him so well! BIG HUGS deb
Posts: 8,574Chrissie, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your beloved dog. They are so close to us they are just like children. The pain is just awful, but you must take comfort in the fact that you gave her all the love and care that you could and helped her fight the best fight she could against this awful disease. You were both lucky to have had each other, and I know you will treasure her memory. It hurts so much though doesn't it.
Posts: 3,540 I'm so so sorry you've had to say goodbye to Shelby. They're never with us long enough, no matter how long they live
Bears by EdieOh Chrissi,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss of your beloved dog, Shelby. Sending lots of comforting thoughts your way.
Dolls N DreamsI'm so sorry for your loss.
It is so hard to let a fur baby go to heaven!
Sending hugs your way!!!!!!!! :hug: :hug: :hug:
I am so sorry Chrissie - I know how heartbroken you must be feeling.
Sending hugs and love your way.
Hugs
Carolyn
:hug: 
:hug:
Kassie Bears TM/Creations of MysticismHi Chrissi
I am also very sorry hon. I know how that feels and I can only send you a lot of hugs and then more hugs.
Shelby is a sweet looking dog.
:hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:
kassie
Chrissie, I'm so sorry about Shelby. It's so hard to lose a beloved pet.
My heart goes out to you.
:hug: 
:hug:
Sophie Z'OursPoor Shelby...
Well, think you shared 20 long years with her and that''s not too bad!
Loosing such a beloved pet is horrible, but you have to be brave.
Remember all the good time you spent with her...
I send you lots of hugs,
Beary hugs,
Sophie.
Baird'sBears I'm so sorry about Shelby, Chrissie--I know my Lucy hasn't got very long, and it tears at me
But she was lively and greatly loved until the end, which is all a dog really wants.
You gave her a wonderful, long life, and she'll be there waiting for you at the rainbow bridge.
I hope the pain eases for you soon :hug:
DoodlebearsPoor darling Chrissie, my heart is breaking for you. Beautiful Shelby, such a sweet looking friend. I know just how you are feeling as I lost my darling Holly five months ago and my heart still breaks.
I'm sending you the biggest hug ever, you must really need it right now.
Higs Jane. :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:
If she got regular excercise ,ample food water and love then she got all a dog needs and more than most get.You gave her the best life and who could ask for more.One day when you feel better whistle for her on your walk.I do this regularly and sometimes get a feeling my late Nettie is with me.
Take comfort in the fact you are able to bond and love your animals some people mss out on that.
Diane xxx
Terries BearsI am so sorry to hear of your loss Chrissie. It is never easy, big hugs to you :hug: :hug:
Bumpkin BearsI'm so very sorry Chrissi, my thoughts are with you :hug: :hug:
Catherine
Im sad and sorry you had to say goodbye to Shelby Chrissi...
SHE WAS LUCKY TO HAVE HAD YOU TO LOVE AND CARE FOR HER SO MUCH...
:hug: WARM THOUGHTS AND HUGS ARE SENT YOUR WAY.... :hug:
Lanie x
Posts: 2,203chrissi, So sorry about your dear doggie friend. Hugs and comfort to you! :hug:
Bears by JodiSo very sorry you lost your Shelby. I know the feeling when my most favorite cat died. A part of me died to. I send you huggs and teddy bear kisses. But it was so nice you had the extra time. No more suffering now . She is at rest.
:hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:
Jodi Falk
WienChrissi, I´m so sorry, and I can so much feel with you :hug: - I guess I´ll have to make the same decition like you sooner or later since one of my 14 years old dogs is in bad shape since sunday...we´re seeing the vet now every day.
Shelby looks like a very happy dog and she had a wonderful live with wonderful people and now that she´s gone over the rainbow bridge she is without pain, and she´ll be in your mind forever.
Sometimes, when you´re out there in the sno or in the sun, you´ll feel a light puff- she´s telling you that everything´s all right.
All the best for you and the rest of your crew
Gaby
