Dearest Black Dog Animal Rescue,
I don’t know where to start, but with a simple thank you. On September 5, my soul dog, Shelby, was laid to rest. Shelby was adopted from BDAR in 2016, and she has always been one of the best decisions I have ever made.
In 2016, I had just finished my associates at Casper College and to continue my education I had to transfer to the University of Wyoming. So, there I was moving to Laramie at 20-something feeling like I needed a companion. I reached out to a friend, Andrea Sullivan, for any suggestions. She suggested BDAR and sent various adoptable dogs. I remember seeing Shelby’s picture and thinking “THAT’S MY GIRL.”
On moving day, I was able to schedule a meet and greet before I left town. I will always remember that morning because I was so nervous to move out for the first time and I wasn’t sure if I was taking on too much by getting a dog. However, at 10:30 AM at Wolf Creek Park I signed the papers and my life began with my best friend.
Boy, was Shelby crazy! That dog ended up needing emergency surgery a few weeks later from all the nonsense she would chew up. From sprinkling systems to college books she had no preference in making my life harder and less financially stable. Shelby was a pro at jumping the fence and making Houdini look like an amateur. But, with all her crazy adventures she had a heart of gold. Everybody that met Shelby loved her. So, with her being so social and loving I signed her up for doggy classes and she quickly became the most well behaved pooch. Shelby and I began traveling more often and she was able to experience places like California and Las Vegas.
Life with her was a dream, we had our daily walks and routines that made Shelby thrive. She stopped chewing on random items and didn’t ever need to be kenneled. She rarely barked and when she did it sounded like she was yodeling. Quirkiest dog I have ever known, but damn, she added so much joy to my life.
Three years later, I had graduated and was heading back to Casper with my girl. Time definitely flies. I blinked and we had settled into a new routine in Casper. From hikes on the mountains to being my running buddy as I trained for marathons, she was always by my side. Eventually, in 2019 our little family of two became a family of three. I met my now husband and Shelby had a new best friend. Those two were inseparable.
The COVID-19 pandemic started and as registered nurse it took a toll on my mental health. Shelby was an essential part of my well-being. We would go on walks and enjoy nature together. Although, the unknown was scary and tearing people apart, we could at least count on each other.
In mid 2021, Shelby began growing a suspicious tumor on her neck. The tumor was cancerous and it was a reminder that my sweet girl was aging too quickly. Surgery was performed, but I was warned that these type of cancerous tumors could come back.
Fast forward to 2023, Shelby is thriving and our family was growing! We welcomed a little blessing that Shelby immediately couldn’t get enough of. Where ever the baby was, Shelby was right there. Shelby was especially fond of the little one when he began eating solids! The baby loved seeing Shelby catch the food, so he would sneak her some bites.
At the beginning of 2024, Shelby started having trouble going up stairs and I noticed another small bump on one of her hind legs. The Veterinarian prescribed arthritis and pain medications, also, surgery was suggested once again. Within two months, the bump had grown at a massive rate. From there, Shelby’s love of life changed drastically.
Fetch had always been Shelby’s favorite game. One summer day, as my husband played fetch with her she refused to put any pressure on the leg with the tumor. We took her to the vet and everything spiraled down from there. The Vet had high hopes that surgery would help, but as dog owners we can sense when something is “off”. More of those bumps slowly started growing. Even with pain medications, Shelby would refuse to go up the stairs and struggled to keep her food down at times. She began having accidents at home, and one of my worst nightmares became a reality.
The final decision was made on September 5th.
Shelby, my best friend, needed to rest. I owed her that after so many beautiful years. It’s crazy to think that a random “college decision” would become my family dog and then later my child’s childhood dog. My son’s love for dogs began all thanks to our Shelby. This family is beyond grateful for the opportunity to share those years with her. She blessed us with more than we could ever express. Our home is empty without her, but grief is the reminder that love was present.
Once again, thank you so much. Your organization has brought years of happiness and memories that are irreplaceable to our family. The impact that BDAR has made in Wyoming is priceless. Our furry companions could not be more thankful for all your hard work. Shelby participated in the 2018 Jackalope 5K (AND won the fastest female dog). In that fundraiser, passion and dedication could be seen with all the volunteers. When the time comes to add a companion to our family, we will honors Shelby’s memory by adopting again from BDAR.
Lastly, we will make a donation to honor our girl. And, if you guys are needing a name for a female dog our suggestion is Shelby. She was the goodest girl, in our eyes. In our Shelby corner at home, we keep her portrait and Jackalope trophy (picture included).
With Much Love,
Joann Colina (now known as The Stuarte Family)
