A Tribute To My Prettiest Girl in the Whole World: "ANGEL'

Bear

Berkeley a.k.a "Berks"

Angel was born January 1, 2005 in Foam Lake Saskatchewan. She came to live with us on January 28, 2006. At the time I had two other dogs named Haida, a German Shepherd and Teddy, a Toy Poodle.

I first met Angel when I answered an ad in the local newspaper. She was so friendly and excited to see me; it seemed like she had been waiting for me to pick her up. It was love at first sight. She was a quick study as Haida and Teddy showed her the ropes when she joined the pack. I decided to rename her “ANGEL”, a name which was so fitting for her as the years went on. Shetland Sheep Dogs are very high energy and Angel was no exception to that fact. They are very loyal and devoted to their owners and love rounding up people at a garden party due to their herding instincts. Angel loved everyone she met. She was so friendly and loved children. She was the happiest when kids came by the fence to talk to her and pet her. Angel was always happy and had a smile on her face.

Did I mention she loved treats? Hope they have treats at the Rainbow Bridge. LOL Angel could be outside in the yard and hear me open a treat bag. I think that sound is imprinted in all dogs. Angel enjoyed barking with the best of them. She learned how to howl from Haida as did Teddy. They howled together as a trio.  Years later Angel founded another trio: Angel, Bear, & Teddy, followed by Grover and then Berkeley who recently mastered the art of howling. They became to be known as Two Hits and a Miss”, trio. Angel adapted readily to change as members of the trio moved on to the Rainbow Bridge; Angel always welcomed the new comers.

Angel loved going to Doggie Daycare with Bear & Teddy. She made so many friends and loved to play. I would drop them off every morning on my way to the city for work. My dogs became well socialized as a result. The dog park was a favorite or theirs also. I had to chase Angel a couple of times as she would follow other people and their dogs when we were at the dog park. I had to have the “talk” about not going with strangers and to keep her safe.

Shortly after Angel moved in with us she discovered a “dead frozen mouse” outside in the yard. She brought it in the house and dropped it on my bed. Angel was so proud of herself and very happy for bringing me a little present. However, she couldn’t understand my less than enthusiastic response. Needless to say, I was totally freaked out and almost had a heart attack right on the spot. My house guest at the time offered to remove it to more suitable surroundings outside. A few days later Angel brought me a second “present”; she drop the “frozen mouse” at my feet. I called my neighbour who happened to be a firefighter, to come and remove my present. I told him I was too afraid to touch it. I am sure I made the firehouse news as the hero firefighter saved another day and heroin in distress. I did have a long talk with Angel that she didn’t need to shower me with gifts.

As the years went on Angel loved being the boss of the boys. She let them know it by showing her teeth if they pestered her too much.  She never growled at them but always flashed her pearly whites. She knew how to keep ‘her boys” in line! They respected her: Bear would back off, and Berkeley would make a wide berth around her to get to his doggie bed. The boys knew when to back off. The three of them got along just fine. There were never any fights among them, just “looks”.

Angel was a real protector of her flock. Sometimes during the night when my aviary birds were in distress she would wake me up. She took her job seriously. Angel also alerted me when Bear started seizuring during the night.  She would be fast asleep in my room and then she’d hear Bear in the front room flailing against the wall or furniture. She was a real life saver for all concerned.

She could be sneaky and grab unguarded treats from the others making sure they saw what she had done. Angel would often hide her treats around the house and of course Bear and Berkeley would sniff them out. Angel loved playing with Bear and Berkeley they had an understanding.

Angel was like Velcro as she was with me 24/7, especially when I became ill. I always told her she was my prettiest girl in the whole world. Angel was camera shy; she always looked away when she saw I had the camera. I have very few pictures of her facing me. I usually got those shots by accident. When I had a brush or scissors in my hand, Angel would run the other way. Hence, I hired a groomer.  

When Angel’s health problems became more serious a few months ago we became regulars at the vet’s office. I have a wonderful vet, Dr. Melanie Roth whom my dogs love.  When Dr. Roth wasn’t available Dr. Ball would see her. Angel liked her right away.  Angel had many health problems: repertory issues, an enlarged heart, and bladder and kidney problems. Angel underwent many tests and lab work to determine a best course of treatment for her. I had many discussions with my vet about Angel’s quality of life as it was very important to me. She was on many medications and a special diet.  It was clear to me I had to get Angel her own Capitol One MasterCard!!!

As a pet owner I had to, yet again, face the most difficult decision about ending Angel’s suffering and letting her cross over to the Rainbow Bridge. When I said “yes, it’s time”, I had a sick feeling about having such power over Angel’s life. I told Angel when I was alone with her for a few minutes that she would feel so much better soon. Teddy, Haida, Grover and Grandma would be waiting for her and I would see her again too.

I have had to make this decision a few times over the years. It’s never easy. But knowing my pet’s suffering would end and replace their tired sick body to run again and be free of all pain makes it worth the trauma I feel each time I am faced with this choice. We do it because we love them and it’s in their best interest and not ours. When it was done and I was leaving the room I saw her laying on the table all alone. I hesitated and hoped she wouldn’t fall off the table or jump off.

My sweet Angel you have given me so much joy, happiness and unconditional love, I will never forget you. Angel came into my life a week before my mum’s sudden passing. I may feel sad today, but I have many memories of my sweet girl and I know I will see her again. Angel, you will always be my prettiest girl in the whole world. I will never forget you. I love you sweetie.  I know you are happy and having a great time with your many friends. Till we meet again.