My Belbin'

shelby came into my life in the 6th grade. I remember seeing her at the pet store where I volunteered. She was the most shy and timid puppy i had ever seen. It was shelby or a golden retriever...duh, shelby. Her and mom would greet me at the front of the school every sunny day. People would try to pet her, she would bark of course. But when she saw me, she became a totally different dog-confident and happy. I remember I would cry EVERY time I had to leave her. She came with me on my big move to Texas. At the beginning, she was my only company and would snuggle with me as I would cry myself to sleep. Bark if anyone was around. and pawed at me when she wanted to be pet. On Friday, at 11 pounds and 11 years old, she passed. I stayed with her. I didn't want her to leave this world alone. I wanted to be by her side, just like she was always by mine. SHe was my first dog and I will never forget her fur everywhere, her bark, her teeth that stuck out or her rubbing up against the couch. I wish I would have seen her go in better conditions, but it was her time. SHe was my best friend, even if I didn't always treat it that way. I stare at her food bowl a lot. Love you shelby.