Sheeba
December 2004 - January 2015
I'll be honest, this post has gone through my head so many times, but never about you Sheeba. You were the last one I expected to go, and so soon. I remember my first time walking into FMAR to volunteer and you and Spunky totally ruled that roost. You had been adopted out as a ppy and returned when you were around 2 for fence jumping and growling at a toddler. Those are two fairly large strikes against you and it didn't help that you were a black lab, pit border, collie mutt. Those black dogs, they never photograph so well do they? Well don't worry, it's those black mutts that we love so much here at the Pitt. You were the best dog at the shelter and it quickly became apparent that a volunteer would take you home because you were just so special that we always wanted to know what was going on with you. Fast forward 4 years. Pepper was getting so old, and Scamp was still such a scamp. I had my eye on you for so long and the time had come for us to try it out. And it was perfect. My only regret? I didn't take you home the day I walked into the shelter. That you had to wait so long for a home to call your own, your own people, your own space.
We love you so much. We'll miss your late night bed cuddles, the romps through the yard with Scamp chasing squirrels, leaves and really anything else that moved. The way you picked out one of Ani's toys every couple of months and just decided to eat it. You were the most vocal of the dogs and always made sure your house and your people would be protected. Always a great walker and even a better running companion. You loved having a toddler around and let her love on you without any restrictions.
You were the dog that was rock solid, could eat anything go anywhere, not have medical problems. When you got sick in early December, I was surprised, surprised that your liver looked so bad on the ultrasound and you've never shown any pain before. Surprised that it was you, but was certain we could make it through. You hung on for another 4 weeks and even decided to eat again and run again and act like your old self.
I knew there was something really wrong in the morning. It came on so fast and you didn't want to move, I knew even before I called the vet that this was it. Your breathing was so labored, your eyes so sad, and when the Dr. Hui poked your belly and I saw blood fill the syringe, I knew you had given us all that you can and you made the decision as easy as possible.
Three and a half years just wasn't enough with you. You were one of our kids right away, Scamps trouble making companion, Pepper's competition, Ani's big sister. We love you, and we'll miss you everyday.
Lots of love,
All of us at the Pitt
