SHANDA'S PAGE

I found Shanda in a pet store in the fall of 1984 and it was love at first site! She was mostly black with lovely tan markings - a ball of fluff and exactly what I'd been looking for. She reminded me of a panda bear, hence her name - Shanda. Within the very first day after bringing her home, she became my baby. Refusing to sleep in her new dog house outside, she insisted I sleep with her on the floor in the house! Riding in the truck, she had to be curled up on my lap (making it a little difficult to steer!) She was always stubborn and very hard to train, even refusing to come when she was called. Now, I know the experts say there's no bad dogs, only bad owners, but I have to take exception to that in her case! She was a real character and kept me on my toes for her whole life. She would chase any animal that would run from her, but if they stopped she'd hold them down and just lick them. I brought a 3 week old kitten home and he became her baby. She'd place him between her front paws and become most upset if someone tried to take him away from her. Once I found her with a baby sparrow who had fallen from his nest. As with the kitten, that sparrow was quite safe between her paws and she always took an interest in his feeding etc. until he was old enough to fly away a month or so later.
A few months ago I had to make a very hard decision. Shanda was suffering from degenerative nerve damage to her hind quarters and could no longer get up by herself. I stayed with her to the end, as she had always stayed by my side throughout her 13 years with me. I am dedicating this page and "THE DOG'S PRAYER" to her.

A DOG'S PRAYER

Treat me kindly my beloved master, for no heart in the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me.
Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I lick your hand between the blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me do.
Speak to me often, for your voice is the world's sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footstep falls upon my waiting ear.
When it is cold and wet, please take me inside, for I am now a domesticated animal, no longer used to bitter elements. And I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth. Though had you no home, I would rather follow you through ice and snow than rest upon the softest pillow in the warmest home in all the land, for you are my god, and I am your devoted worshiper.
Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for although I should not reproach you were it dry, I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst.
Feed me clean food, that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life should your life be in danger.
And, beloved master, should the Great Master see fit to deprive me of my health or sight, do not turn me away from you. Rather hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands grant me the merciful boon of eternal rest... and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I drew, my fate was ever safest in your hands.


The picture on the Left is Shanda at 8 wks. old, Oct. 1984. The other is Shanda, my son, Calin and Shanda's pup, now our dog, Boomer - April, 1987.
(Sorry, the pictures turned out very dark after loading!)

SOME DOGGONE TASTY LINKS

:MSANIMALUVR'S PERSONAL PAGEBack to Main Page

:LINDA'S DARK WORLD OF FANTASYThe start of my fantasy series!

THE GERMAN SHEPHERD DOG WEB SITE
B.C.SPCA:The Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Educational Site


B.C. Canada