Shelby CGC, TD

Doberman Pinscher/Labrador Retriever Mix
Owner: Melissa Torrente
August 18, 2001 – October 23, 2009

Like all of our animals, Shelby was a rescue. We called her a Laberman and we think she did a lot to dispel the myths about Dobermans. Her sweet disposition and gentle eyes touched everyone she met. She would get so excited when she saw her red vest come out of the pantry. Shelby knew she was “going to work” and it was work that she truly loved. Shelby was a very special dog. She will be missed by many children and senior in our community. She will always be her mommy’s “baby girl.”

It is with a heavy heart that I must inform everyone that our dear Shelby crossed the Rainbow Bridge tonight. Just three weeks ago she was diagnosed with a very aggressive form of lymphoma. Mark and I decided against treatment with chemotherapy because this type of cancer is not curable. It would only delay the inevitable. We did attempt high-dose prednisone but unfortunately, this did not bring about the desired short-term remission that was expected. Shelby began to fail quickly this week. Her weight loss was extreme, her breathing labored and last night she told us it was time to let her go. She looked at me when it was walk time and just said “Mommy, I can’t do this by myself.” I had to help her up and down the stairs today with the leash and she shook just trying to go potty.

For those of you who don’t know, Shelby was a dedicated working animal. She was a registered therapy dog through Therapy Dogs Incorporated and had seven years of service. Shelby’s “specialty” was children and Alzheimer’s patients. In her younger year she visited residents of The Hearth at Tunxis Pond in Madison, CT as well as the Masonic Home in Wallingford, CT and Evergreen Woods in North Branford, CT. Most recently, Shelby was the Paws and Read dog for the Killingworth Library.

Shelby was a Lab/Doberman mix or as I always called her, a Laberman. Her soft eyes and gentle disposition did a lot to dispel the myths about Dobermans being ferocious and aggressive dogs. There wasn’t a person who met her that didn’t fall in love with her.

Shelby is now playing at the Rainbow Bridge with Shadow and Kelsey knowing that she will always be her mommy’s “baby girl.”