Some of you may know about Shandy my rescue Sheltie.

He was an 11 year old dog with health issues that we got from Dogs Trust on full foster, he had chest problems.

He died last night completely unexpectedly.

OH took all of our 6 dogs for their early morning walk, Shandy ambled through the fields peeing aginst everything as usual whilst all of the girls ran ahead. When they got back after having cooled off I gave them breakfast, then we both went off to work.

OH is is self employed so he comes back regularly to check on the dogs and let them out, Shandy seemed fine.

When I got home and let them out he was a bit quiet and didn't bark at the chooks when I let then out into the garden, something he's done ever since we've had him which was just over a year. He poo'd a horrid poo and seemed quiet.
I got the dogs their tea and although he ate all of his he didn't create as much as usual whilst waiting for it.

About half an hour after he'd eaten he vomitted everything up and wanted to just lie outside in the cold, I thought he just had a bad belly from eating deer poo over the fields.

I let him stay outside for 10 mins to get some air and then I brought him in.

OH had a very late delivery job and so was out until 1am, I stayed up with the dogs as Shandy had been sick again.
When OH got in we went to bed, Shandy was quiet and sleeping by the fire.
When I came down this morning he was dead.

We buried him this morning in our garden by the aviary which is the only shady spot and he used to lie there last summer out of the sun.

I so wanted him to have another summer with us, when we got him his first few months were full of vet visits and surgery to remove lumps and bumps, he hated the vets and would get very stressed, a vet visit would knock him back several weeks.

Now the silly old fart has gone and although I know his last year was good I just wish he'd had a bit more of it.

Rest in peace dear Shandy xxx

Oh bless his little heart, it was clearly just his time to go. I know how heavy your heart is tonight, I lost my old lad just 3 weeks ago.

Night night Shandy, sleep tight.

Big hugs for Pinky. (((( ))))

Dawn R.

So very sorry for your loss.  RIP Shandy.

It's stupid how you can be sensible all day about it and do your job at work but when you sit on the settee in the evening and there's more space you notice it, and yet it's the very space that 2 nights ago you said to yourself 'these bloomin dogs have got the settee and where am i going to sit'.

Oh I'm so sorry for your loss.  I well remember Shandy Valentine - his arrival, his naming, and his first days out with you all.

RIP darling boy xxx

The space in your house is equalled by the gaping hole in your heart.  You know it'll heal but it never quite goes away does it?  Love to you all

Thank-you so much for that dogs a babe, it seems daft that I can be so upset about a dog that I've had for only just over a year, but he was such a soppy old fart and settled so well with my girls.

I think there's something very different about my feelings towards taking on an old unwell rescue dog to those of buying a healthy young pup.
You know with a young pup that it will get a good start and live a healthy life but with an old rescue job you hope that you can fix some of the things that were wrong when he was young, it just didn't last as long for Shandy as I'd hoped

I'm so sorry for your loss , he has had what sounds like a lovely year with you where he has been loved soo much.
I think you have done amazing giving an older dog a comfy home and the chance to be loved as all dogs should be.
Run free at the bridge Shandy

Massive hugs.

The 'silly old fart' may have gone but the memories of him will forever remain
for you to treasure...

At least he had a lovely time to share with you, OH and your girls.
Take comfort in that.

Sending you hugs Pinky,

I remember your stories when Shandy first arrived with you, your fondness for him from day one was obvious through your writing.

He had what sounds like a wonderful year with you - treasure the thought that the 'silly old fart' went off to rainbow bridge as a happy & contented lad, surrounded by your love.

Thinking of you,

Claire

Really sorry for your loss, run free at the bridge Shandy x

So sad and sorry to hear of your loss...run free little Sandy xx

Im really sorry but at least he went in his sleep and happy.

Run free Shandy Valentine in the sun at Rainbow Bridge

so sorry for your loss, i know your pain i lost my first girl 3 weeks ago.

Try to take comfort that if he hated the vets so much, it is a blessing that he just went off to sleep at home and feeling warm and safe, i wanted that for my girl too but sadly that didnt happen.

You gave him a wonderful time while you had him and that is what would of mattered to shandy.

Run free shandy x

I too feel your loss.  I lost my beloved 10 year old GSP 7 months ago today.  I still speak to him every day but take comfort that he is with his friends at the Bridge.

Run free Shandy x

Very sorry for your loss, it sounds like he had a fantastic life with your family.

Love n Hugs Lois xx

Pinky,
So sorry to hear about Shandy. I also remember the effort you put into rescuing him. At the time a number of us commented how lucky he must have felt to land a great new home and his very own flock of girls. You gave him the best year right through to the end of his life.

aww Pinky what a sad story. I'm sorry for your loss.

As the others have said, he passed away in the comfort of his home rather than getting stressed at the Vets.  You didn't have him for long enough, but the time you have had with him, and vice versa, was one of quality and clearly he was loved by you both and your other dogs.

RIP Shandy xxx

I too remember when Shandy became part of your family.
It was obvious he immediately stole a big part of your heart
I'm so sorry for your loss,.
Run free, Shandy.

He's settled now in his favourite spot in the shade by the aviary.

We've phoned Dogs Trust to inform them and they tell us that by looking at his medical records and from what we describe they think he had a massive heart attack.

I'll always remember him and still find myself going '1,2,3,4,5,6, at night as I count the dogs in but that will fade down to 5, I expect in time.

so sorry for your loss Pinky.
Run Free old boy.
xx

So sorry Pinky ..

> He's settled now in his favourite spot in the shade by the aviary.

Oooh Pinky, I'm so very sorry to hear your sad news. I too was a Shandy Valentine groupie ( ) But I am heartened he passed so peaceably and finished his days in such a good home...x
(((Gert big HUG)))

I'm so sorry xx
I lost my boy Khan last June, he was a Newfoundland, just three years old (and a week).He also died of a massive attack, right in front of me.
I cry even now, I miss him every day of my life and feel for you immensely.
Hugs xxx

So sorry for your loss. Run free Shandy.

Sheila xx