Posted July 7, 1999

It was difficult to write Sheldon's happy ending, knowing how brief it was going to be. He was found wandering around an industrial site in Maryland. He was in bad shape. His ears and eyes were full of infection and painful to the touch. He was matted to the point that he could hardly get around. And he had a growth in his mouth that made it hard for him to eat.

In spite of everything he had endured in the harsh outside world and all the pain he was suffering, he was as gentle and meek as a lamb, as loving a dog as any of us had ever seen. No matter what was done to him, he managed to give kisses and wag his tail. This poor old boy deserved a chance, and we desperately wanted him to have it. 

With the help of Partnership for Animal Welfare, Sheldon was treated for his multiple problems. We feared the worst about the tumor in his mouth, and those fears were confirmed when he was diagnosed with a melanoma. The prognosis was three to six months. He made it just a little longer than that.

It is comforting to know that during his final months, he was a happy little guy, knowing love and attention probably for the first time in his life. A kind woman who works at the vet hospital agreed to take Sheldon home. She was with him right until the end, and he died gently in her arms. It was the best we could do for this precious one, who really deserved so much better from life.

I pray that Sheldon is romping happily at Rainbow Bridge now. I'd like to think so, anyway.