Shanna, A Story of Love, Devotion, and Courage

          Every one of my pets is special, to me.  Each has brought pleasure and enlightenment into my life.  I have learned something from each of them, and have received an abundance of love.  I can only hope that on some level, I have given them a piece of what they have given to me.   All have left me with a gift, a lesson, a memory.   I am blessed to have had each one in my life, as I know they were a gift from God.  Shanna was my first gift, and the last months of her life filled me with tremendous anguish, and personal and spiritual growth.  I never expected to learn life’s most intensive lessons from a dog, but I did.  (This is an excerpt from Shanna's story)

A Gentle Soul

Darby came to us at almost two,

Fearful and troubled and shy.

The panic and sadness visualized,

Was witnessed by the reverence in her eye.

With patience and kindness and teaching,

We led her to perceive,

That no one here would hurt her,

Only love we hoped she’d see.

As the days passed she grew secure,

Realizing life had some fun.

She began to enjoy playing with toys,

And relaxing basking in the sun.

Still quite sensitive she remains,

Her eyes often stare in awe.

But she surely knows she’s safe and loved,

As she sleeps in our arms in a ball.

The Little Dog that Could

I had a dog named Shanna,

Who was smart and strong and good.

She always had a joy for life,

To live the way we should.

She never seemed sad nor blue,

Her tail it always wagged.

Even when she was so sick,

She showed life was meant to be had.

Shanna gave her love to all,

Her message was quite clear,

No matter what we face in life,

Enjoy all while you’re here.