I have borrowed most of this post from my personal blog. Today I went to see Shelby Angel for our weekly visit. It is always so wonderful to see her and so hard to walk away. My deepest prayer that I hold is for her to find a good home. Below are just some snippets of my personal blog and some thoughts of my internal struggle and sadness when I think that I have not done enough and that Shelby Angel has not found her forever home.

Shelby Angel has adjusted well to the Memphis Humane Society. She is still a beautiful, loving dog. Nothing fills my life with more gratitude than spending time with animals in need. And nothing hurts more than leaving and KNOWING that I have not made enough of a difference.

Shelby Angel goes crazy when I come to visit. I go at least one time a week to see her. She just can't contain herself when she sees me. It is pure happiness- reserved for me. She loves me.

And after we snuggle, and kiss, and play, and snuggle...I have to walk away. And boy is that awful. My most painful tears are the ones I reserve for her. Or are they for me? Mad at myself I have not done better- found her a home- given her every single thing she deserves.

She gets so upset when I leave. When we are separated, she sometimes even tries to bite and chew through the fence in a panic to get back to me. And at that point I am crying like crazy. And I do the best I can- and I will be there to see her next week, and the next....until we find her a loving home.

"Please let me be the person my dog thinks I am."

Hi!!!

Shelby Angel has received a warm welcome from the Humane Society of Memphis, and she is a current resident and ready for adoption! Why the Humane Society?

I knew when I met John, the current director, that Shelby Angel would be in good hands. He had heard of her story, and he immediately took to her with a great attitude. He instantly believed that Shelby was a good dog- he did not view her as aggressive or a problem dog- rather he said she was incredibly sweet and just seemed to be intimidated at times. This sentiment has been expressed many times by the vet's office and Shelby's foster families. She is a great dog that is looking for the right home.

Dave and I had run out of adoption options, and Shelby was not fitting in at our home with our high-strung, sometimes aggressive male. The Humane Society will now be able to help her find some more potential adopters while giving her any training she may need in the meantime. So now she has a safe place to live with access to potential adoptees and loving volunteers. We are grateful.

The day prior to moving to the Humane Society, Shelby Angel was playing in my parent's backyard while everyone was at work. When my dad got home, he found Shelby in the backyard- playing with the neighbor's dog that had managed to squeeze through the fence into his backyard. Every time my dad put the other dog in her yard, she would find a way to get back through to play with Shelby. Again, it just illustrates Shelby's potential.

And here is just a cute picture I had to post of my dad at the lake with Shelbs. How funny is this! :) They enjoyed playing so much!

We certainly miss her around her. I go and visit her every single week, and there is no limit to her happiness when I walk through that door. The bonding we have experienced has been incredible- and we know we love each other. She is going to make someone a very faithful and loving dog. You should see her hug and kiss me when I visit now. She won't even budge a step on the walk if I am not right by her side.

She is doing well- everyone loves her and says great things about her. We hope the right family comes along soon. I promise to keep writing- Shelby's journey is not over yet! Thank you for visiting and spread the word about this great dog.

Updates :)

Wow! It has been a long time since I posted- and we have been through a lot around here! As readers have known, Shelby Angel has been through a journey that has lasted over one year.

And every day I would pray that her real family would come to get her. Shelby and I asked out loud every day "where are you????"

Through the year, we have contacted many rescue groups for assistance in placing her. We had the door closed on us many, many times. We were the recipient of hurtful emails and words. We were bogged down in the negativity and ugliness of others. It was draining for both Shelby and I- we just about lost all positivity, even in ourselves. At one point this month, we thought we would have to put Shelby Angel down as we could not find an appropriate home for her and had no resources.

Fortunately there have been some really great people that stepped in to pick us up when we were down. This is not an inclusive list by any means, but I would like to say thank you to Tracy Gullett, Toni, and my father and sister. Extra thanks to those of you that sent kind emails, offers to foster, and offers of support (there are too many of you to list, but you know who you are!). It was amazing what the network of POSITIVE individuals did to assist us.

I will give better details shortly, but I wanted to quickly let you guys know that Shelby Angel has a place to stay and we now have some assistance in the adoption process. Thank goodness!!!!!! Details to come.

Again, thank you for all of your help. Thank you for giving us hope.

Lazy Saturday!

With the Memphis heat index reaching 114 this week. Yes....114, the dogs have spent a LOT of time inside. The little pumpkins have definitely been bored.

Today we are having a lazy Saturday together. The Dog Whisperer is on TV, we have some doggie popcorn, and everyone is ready for some good TV watching/napping.

Assume your position!!! :))))))

Please Adopt Me!!!! Please Adopt Me!!!!!

Shelby Angel is still in need of a good home. She is a true sweetheart, and a good friend. She is looking for someone to spend a lot of time with her, snuggle with her, and just continue to show her that life is good. She has made leaps and bounds as she has healed and become more secure in her trust that every day will be a good day.

Time is of essence to help this gorgeous dog with a heart of gold. Please consider adopting Shelby Angel, and pass along her blog to anyone you know that may be able to help Shelby Angel find a home.

Back!

I sincerely apologize for the lack of posts. We have returned from our out of town vacations and are settling back into our routines.

Shelby Angel is doing great! She has finished her heart worm treatment and we are scheduling her last follow up this week. She was fine for her first check-up, and will no doubt be just fine for this one too. She has never been healthier or happier! It has been so much fun fun to watch her personality emerge over the past month or two. She is just a happy little, I mean chunky, thing.

You know, Shelby and Cayenne have been good friends since day one. Rooney, however, was a little mad we brought in a big female that stole his toys and took away a lot of attention. However, I found them sleeping together on the couch the other day.... could there be a friendship forming? And, I caught him licking her ear yesterday- the first sign of affection he has ever shared with Shelby. Yesterday I watched them steal bones back and forth from each other- no animosity. It was game to them! And just now, I watched Roo steal Shelby's toy right from under her nose. Shelby just looked like..."dang! how did I let that happen." And she searched the room for Roo's toy. ha ha!!!

Today Dave and I bought 2 more dog beds from Lazy Bones Beds. They donated a bed to Shelby Angel last year, and all of the dogs loved it. If you are looking for a stylish, dog friendly, small business product that supports local materials- please check them out. The beds are beautiful and are great accessories for a house, as opposed to ugly, furry cushions that just get in the way.

Here is Shelby Angel, checking out the two new beds on the left. Of course I liked the traditional patterns, and Dave picked out the dog pattern for Rooney because he wanted Roo to have a manly bed. Ha ha!!!

Here is Rooney-still stealing Shelby's bed...chewing on his new toy.

And Cayenne- enjoying her brand new bed...with a demolished toy. :)

Bath Time!!!

After a long day at work, I came home with "wash the dogs" on my to-do list. Ughh...I can hardly wash my own dishes.

But, as usual, Shelby Angel's handling tolerance was amazing. She is also such a good girl when it comes to grooming and such. Just yesterday I clipped her nails, and she just stood there patiently. Same thing with the bath! She just stands there for me like it is no big deal. (while Rooney and Cayenne act like it is the worst thing in the world...squirming and pouting the whole time).

I try to make bath time fun. I scratch, scratch, scratch in all of the good spots!!!! Ooh, ooh scratch more!!!!!

And I sing goofy songs while we wash everything off. :))))) Even bath time can be fun around here!

Morning Love!

Home from an early morning bike ride...ready to get some kisses from the doggies.  
Shelby on the left- sitting like I told her to sit. 

Cayenne in front- rolling around like a maniac.

Rooney on the right- siting on command, and then getting ADD and bringing me a stick to throw.

Shelby and Rooney get it right.  Cayenne just can't help herself.  

:))))

Life And Times

This picture cracks me up. I was home one day and just happened to look out of the kitchen window to find Shelby eating crusty charred stuff-weeks old- off of the grill. What a goober! Some of the things these dogs do are so funny when they think I am not looking.

Shelby Angel just finished her second round of heartworm treatment. She seems to be doing well so far. She has definitely been pouting because she does not get to play with Cayenne and Roo outside during the day. Earlier today I was outside with the other two dogs and I heard the saddest little howl coming from the house. So pitiful! :) She goes back to the vet in one more week for a check-up, so hopefully she will be on the road to life long health after this! And then, we need to keep looking to find her a great home!!! She is definitely an Angel, and she has not yet met a person that did not fall in love with her.

Here is a picture of me (exhausted) with the animals. The dogs LOVE my bike gear because it is nice and sweaty. They found my sweaty arm warmers and ripped some new holes in them. I swear they can get away with almost anything, but when they destroy bike gear it really goads me. So, this is a picture of me, tired, sewing my arm warmer back together that the dogs tried to chew up. I think all of the animals were trying to come and love on me so I wouldn't feel so mad. :))))) It is hard to stay grumpy at this crew.

Hello Water!

The grandparents called me this week to say they were going to take Shelby Angel to the lake to "give me a break." Since I didn't need a break from her ? ( because she is the easiest, loving dog ever), I thanked them but said we were just fine here. They came and got her anyways, so I guess giving me a break really meant giving themselves some time with Shelby Angel.  Funny how they never want to "give me a break" from Rooney and Cayenne, my two psycho dogs.  I don't blame the grandparents, I would take the calm dog too! 

Here is a picture of Shelby Angel and her first boat ride ever.  :)

And here is a picture of Shelby Angel with her grandmother in the paddle boat.  Looks like Shelbs needs to move her chunky self over to the other side before they capsize!  

My dad also has some hilarious videos of Shelby playing with another dog at the cabin and helping my mom do yard work.  I will try to post a video if I can in another post.  

Happy Spring!

Shelby Love

Dave and I went on our 5-year anniversary weekend

And Shelby Angel went to stay with her grandparents.  

How would she get along with the two cats?  Would she behave on walks with my mom?  Would she be a sweetie in a new environment?

Well, when I walked into my parent's house on Sunday to pick her up, I found Shelby lying on top of my dad on the couch all snuggled up.  She was of course very excited to see me, but mainly I could just tell that she was happy overall with her weekend.  Her tail was wagging more in the the 3 hours at my parent's home than I have ever seen.  I mean, she had two grandparents doting on her.  (I am sure they over-fed her).  She looked like she was in heaven.  

Her weekend away made me realize even more how much she will blossom in her own home.  She is just searching for love!

Of course I had to steal some kisses from her tonight...I don't want to be outdone by the grandparents!

Adopt Me! Adopt Me!

Not only am I am Saints fan- who dat?!!!!  ......


But I am also a BFF, best-snuggler in the world.  

Shelby Angel Is Ready To Be Adopted!

Hi! Shelby Angel is doing great! She has enjoyed a full holiday season with new friends and fun, and she is now ready to go to her forever home. Please feel free to pass this blog along to any friends that may be interested in taking a sweet, loving dog into their home. Thanks! Damie

Hi!  My name is Shelby Angel.  I am about a year and a half old spayed female, and I am a great mix of puppy and adult.  My foster dad likes to describe me as a "cool dog" since I act so calm, but I love to play with my toys and play games with other dogs.  A friend on a bicycle found me abandoned and starving in Shelby Forest, and I was in really bad shape.  My rescuers could tell right away that I had a heart of gold, and they helped nurse me back to health with medicine, love, and peanut butter.  I had to have a few toes amputated, and I have just successfully finished my first round of heart worm treatment.  I am so excited, because this means I am ready to go to my home!

I mostly love to snuggle and cuddle.  I am good at taking care of other puppies and foster dogs.  I have gotten along with everyone that I have met, and I have even lived with two cats!  I kind of just fit in wherever I go, and I am eager to be in a loving household.  Of course I like to go on walks and play outside, and I will do basically anything for peanut butter...sit, stay, kiss...   I have to admit, I can be a little shy at first.  But, for every day that you love me and earn my trust, I will add 10 extra tail wags to the deal.  Think of how that will add up!  I am looking for my forever home.  Can I come live with you?    

If you want to learn more about me, you could read about me in the Commercial Appeal

at

http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2009/sep/10/heartbreaking-sight-heartwarming-rescue/

Of course, we could just meet in person which would be great for me!  Just contact my foster mommy, Heike, at heikepopeke@gmail.com or my friend Damie at krull17@hotmail.com for more information.

New Friends

Shelby Angel is playing with a really fun friend right now.  

It is very possible that these two want to make this a permanent play date...

I will keep you updated!

The New Year: 2010

My plans for the new year are to continue to make new friends!!!   xxxxxooooo Shelby Angel