In the summer of 1999, my Aunt Diane, Mom, and I decided to stop at our local SPCA in Eatontown. As we were looking around, my Aunt noticed a sad little Sheltie in a cage on the second row. We walked over to him and immediately fell in love.

The lady at the shelter explained to us, someone found him wandering on the street with a scarf on, and he was flea ridden and someone had beaten him. Our hearts went out to him, and we had to adopt him.

So my Mom and I filled out the paper work, and after a few weeks the SPCA let us adopt him. Before we were granted the adoption, I would go over to the SPCA everyday and walk him, and spend time with him. I couldn't wait to bring him home and give him the love and care he deserved.

We brought him home and named him Shelby.

Shelby was life of my family, everybody loved him. Shelby was always there for me and my Mom. He always slept in my Mom's doorway, and protected her. Shelby was a great watch dog in the house and always on duty. We always knew if someone was coming to the door and we knew when someone was leaving the house as well. Being a herder dog, Shelby always knew where everyone was in the house at all times.

We had 10 wonderful years with Shelby and a lifetime of memories, I miss him so much.

During the winter of 2008 and 2009 Shelby's health was declining, then he got to the point he couldn't walk anymore. On April 15, 2009 my mom and I had to make a difficult decision to put him down.

It's only been a week and every morning since then, I wake up in the morning for work I quickly think Shelby will be downstairs waiting for me. This is going to take some time to get used to.

Your mourninglight gives my Mom and me a warm heart. It's a wonderful memorial to reflect on and when we look at it and light the candle, we know Shelby is in a better place and not in pain anymore.

Thank you so much.