Thoughts from the Bark Side

We just didn’t think another dog could ever fill the void in our hearts that was made when Shilo passed away. I think we have bigger hearts than we can know. We can never fill the holes made by those that have passed on, those of the human or animal variety. We just find new places to put the newcomers.

We had registered with the Southern California Golden Retriever Rescue (SCGR Rescue:http://scgrrescue.org. We had our home visit and passed, whew! We made inquiries about a few dogs, but none of them came through, until Pinky Tuscadero. The volunteer emailed us asking if we were interested in meeting her, we said, “of course” and a few days later we were in front of the Rose Bowl meeting our new dog. Pinky said, “OK, I approve, now let’s get out of here,” and off we went. We made a quick stop at the pet store. She selected a nice bed, new collar and a few toys. We also had her name changed to Shelby for the engraved tag. Pinkey was the name they used at the rescue and was not her previous name so we figured it was OK. She very much agreed with the change.

When we arrived, Shelby immediately approved her home and yard. That evening she was greeting by a large raccoon peering over the fence at her. No barking (from Shelby, not the raccoon), just staring until she got bored, and called it a night. However, she does remember where the raccoon had been and now revisits that spot every outing just in case he returns.

So it seems we have already gotten into a routine. She seems to love her walks. I’m not sure she has ever had one of those before. She knows how to sit, but we definitely have to work on stay, heel, and down. She is now curled up at my feet under my desk. Oh, she is only 65 pounds, half the weight of Shilo when we adopted him. Whereas Shilo was bigger than a normal golden, she is smaller. She is just past 3 years old. Her owners had dropped her off at the pound saying they just didn’t have the time to take care of her. And she does bark, as we discovered when the gardeners came by. It took Shilo over a month to let out a bark.

So we will continue to get to know each other. We do want to be the best humans possible for her, and I know she is equally trying to be a good dog, and she is, a very good dog indeed.
Cheers,
Susan

Hi all,
Yes, we haven’t written for a while. Our lovely Shilo passed away yesterday. We are heartbroken as you can imagine. I really don’t have any words, but will let my wonderful husband say it all with his “Tribute to Shilo.”

Shilo, a faithful friend and companion passed away peacefully in his home of nearly 9 years and in the arms of his loving humans on a beautifully sunny California morning on August 10, 2009.

He was born on November 15, 1997 in Moreno Valley, CA, to Buster Brass Weigand and Rebecca of Sunnymead Orchard and later adopted by Susan and Bob of Sun Valley, CA on November 20, 2000.

He never graduated from college or even high school but did get high marks from his doggie training classes. Although he never won any awards, other than getting an “A” after coming home from an appointment with his groomer, he did receive fantastic and delightful accolades from authoring his first and only book, E-Mails from Shilo.

Among other things Shilo loved music. In his younger years he would sleep under the piano while Bob practiced. It seemed to put him in a very special and peaceful place. He especially loved jazz…the music of choice to be played while Susan and Bob were both out of the house.

He was eternally happy and loved his home and especially his back yard where he could lay out in the sun, chase balls or an occasional squirrel and take a nice leisurely swim in the pool. Giving him a pat on the head, a rub on his tummy, a nice walk, going out front to get the newspaper, a favorite treat or a plush toy to tear apart made him the happiest dog in the world.

He LOVED people and would greet every human…adult or child…with extraordinary respect and affection. It was his special way of putting smiles on their faces and happiness in their hearts.

Shilo had an incredible sense of humor and enjoyed showing off his “theatrics” and other “talents” to anyone who would watch. Because he was such a special spirit, he always left people feeling happy and better about themselves. He created warmth and affection in others but asked for nothing in return. His compensation was putting grins on faces and a “gee wiz” spirit in their souls.

Because of his daily neighborhood walks he soon became known as his community’s unofficial mayor. Neighbors would come out of their homes and even walk across the street to greet him and seemingly share in his love and wisdom.

In his local doggie park he was famous for stepping in to break-up over-aggressive, playful and rambunctious dogs with the intent of preventing fights or injuries. As a result he was soon given the nickname of “Fun Police.”

He was a brave little soldier having become a cancer survivor on two of three occasions but in the end lost his final bout. He was the world’s most wonderful dog, playmate, buddy, companion, chum, pal, sidekick and friend. Shilo, with his grace, sweet kisses, wit, hugs and sense of humor will be missed by many. He had class and style in everything he did.

“Shilo, our time together was much too short but thank you so much for your unconditional love, loyalty, tremendous joy and wonderful memories. Good job! Now that your physical aches and pains are gone, we know you’re enjoying an unrivaled and new variety of California sunshine along with the long awaited reunion with your old pals Laddie, Snickers and Crackers. Even though cats are not your “thing” give a great big shout out to Calgary, Scooter and Harley when you see them. We know you’re having a great time chasing squirrels and maybe a rabbit or two. Have a ball (pun intended), let your fur down a little and take great delight at Rainbow Bridge. May God bless and watch over you. Peace be with you always.” — Susan and Bob

Shilo is survived by Susan and Bob, his human parents, caretakers and friends.

Hello, Shilo here,
Have you heard? There is a small, white dog in our house. But here is the strange thing… I have gotten even more attention than normal, and normally I get quite a bit. I think it is because they fear I will eat the other dog. Truthfully, he would not even make a good appetizer… BOL! I know I have shocked my humans with my tolerance, but holy heck, Sandy Claws is due to appear and I just cannot risk messing that up! This little white fur ball is actually rather cute and extremely well mannered. He never tries to take my food and only goes after my discarded toys, which is OK with me.

I understand he is waiting for his new forever home. He has another appointment tomorrow morning to interview another family. Not sure what happened with the first one, but I have to admit, he would make a great addition to the right humans. He doesn’t even talk much, just a few well thought out comments here and there. He is very grateful for anything that is done for him, which is more than some of the humans I see. Any dog that is a rescue, me included, knows how precious it is to be adopted into a new home and given food, vet care and that most important thing all creatures understand… love.

So keep your paws crossed that Mickey has a forever home for Christmas. And believe it or not, I’ll actually miss the little guy. Man, have I changed in my old age or what?
Your buddy,
Shilo

Another Dear Shilo Letter!

Dear Shilo,
I was raised on a farm, but now I hear that is a bad thing, to be a puppy on a farm. I love my farm, the horses, the cows, the goats not to mention all the great chickens to chase (never catch them though, heck to pay if that happens.) So what’s the deal?
Puppytized in Iowa

Dear Puppy,
I too was confused by your letter, so Sammy explained that it is not the animal and growing plants type of farms that are bad, it is “Puppy-Farms” that are bad, very bad indeed. He says sometimes humans call them “puppy-mills.” You see some bad humans think it is OK to make girl dogs have lots and lots of puppies… to (hold on to your leash for this one) sell them! So they have lots and lots of puppies, the puppies are not taken well cared of, the girl dogs get worn out having all those puppies, and with people buying these puppies, the poor dogs in the rescues and the shelters aren’t being adopted. So just remember, Farms-Good, Puppy-Farms-BAD!
Your buddy,
Shilo
(I’d post up a photo of one of those puppy-farms, but too sad, can’t take it)

From Susan,
Please during this Holiday Season, if a pet is on Santa’s list for your family, please consider visiting a shelter or a rescue organization. So many dogs and cats would love to come home with you, just ask them! Many pet stores get their animals from puppy mills. Please visit this important page on the ASPCA site on Puppy Mills!
Thanks so much,
Susan

Hi all, Shilo here,
OK, a few days ago I felt terrible, and lost my breakfast AND dinner. Considering it was all over the furry floor, I thought my humans would be upset, but they really didn’t care, they worried about ME! The bad part was that we had to go to the doc, and do you know what he said, no food for Shilo for an entire day. Can you imagine, a dog with no food. That is cruel beyond reason. I was so thirsty and all my humans would give me was a bunch of frozen shredded water. The doc also gave me a shot, and … horrors, shaved my tummy due to, what he calls “hot spots.” OK, I must admit the smell was even more than I could take, but taking away my fur. I am humiliated.

I have all these stupid little pills to take and today, I get a “special” bath. This very strange stuff is put on my fur and left there for the longest time. But you know what my human woman did? She gave me a doggie massage while we waited until she could wash it off. Oh heavenly dog, is there anything better than a doggie massage. My back hip isn’t what it was in my pupper days, and when she massages my hip, I feel like I could race a greyhound.

So, still not feeling geat, but am well tended to. Sorry about the big mess on the furry floor, I didn’t mean it, honest!
Your buddy,
Shilo

Susan here…
Shilo is soooo much better, and he really has been a trooper through this whole “very sad tail.” Here he is pouting:

But quickly, he feels so much better, so “happy ending!”

it is a good day!
Cheers,
Susan