Dobermann Welfare: caring

The
Dobermann Welfare
Association

Caring Hands - Sheba

Sheba

Sheba was adopted on 21 May 1996. She was put to sleep on 22 January 1998. She was with us for 20 very short months, but what love and joy she filled them with.

After looking around several rescue centres, we went to the RSPCA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) near Potters Bar (Greater /North London). It was love at first sight for her and my husband Clive. She was a beautiful black and Tan, and estimated to be eight years old. She was in a sorry state; depressed and underweight and with a list of medical problems. The previous owner had given her up after owning her for 8 months for being destructive and unable to travel. It was undecided if she would be rehomed or put to sleep. For the next few weeks we saw her as often as possible, and I think we practically bullied them into letting us have her.

She settled in almost straight away, just learning a few ground rules like who's bed was who's, and not getting on the furniture. We soon learned her eating preferences, and that she could never have enough walks (so long as it wasn't raining of course!) She was also partial to stealing food if we were daft enough to leave it around. She made short work of the christmas turkey the first year!

The destuctiveness and bad traveller never materialised (surprise, surprise), as she loved travelling, and went practically everywhere with us. A townie to start with, she loved the sea, woods and especially muddy puddles.

From day one, she had numerous medical problems and became a regular visitor to the vet's, on average once a month. Her main problem was a slipped disc in her neck, and a trapped nerve in her back which painkillers controlled.

Unfortunately, in November '97, lymph cancer was diagnosed, and despite the best of care, became too much for her. We then decided to do the hardest and kindest act of all.

I'm sure all owners could regale you with stories and happy memories at what a character their dogs are, but those are our special memories. I'm sure everyone understand the loss and hurt that we feel. Although it was a very short 20 months (almost like waking from a very special dream; did it really happen?), we feel privileged to have known her.

We have lost a true friend, a real character and a wilful monster all rolled into one. Unjudgemental, loving Sheba. Till we meet again. All our love Sheba.

Clive and Rosemarie

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