Friday, July 24, 2009

Pet Pride ~ Memories of Shenzi

Shenzi in front of her home.
This winter while I was house/pet sitting in Picton, Ontario I made friends with a little dog called Shenzi, which in Swahili means "mongrol".
Fresh from a swim in Lake Ontario

She was a funny little dog with a mind of her own but oh how she made me laugh when she wanted me to do what she wanted. Walking with our friends Chloe and Ziggy at Sandbanks Provincal Park.

Her "mom" had said because she was mature in age (13 years) she would only be able to walk for about 30 minutes at a time. "Do we really have to go that way?"

I love to walk. The second or third day after her mom had gone Shenzi and I went for a walk in the Conservation Area not far from her home....it was not an easy walk, early March, thin ice, melting snow, mud but we walked an unbelieveable 12 kms on our first day! Mid March in Sandbanks Provincal Park.
We were both exhausted, hungry and a little sore(at least I was!) when we got home. When it came time for bed I went to let Shenzi out for her pee. When she went to get up she dragged her backend. I thought "that's it...I've killed her!" But she pulled herself up and managed to get down and back up the deck stairs and then upstairs to bed. I worried all night about her but the next morning, like me she was raring to go!
On the beach with our friends.

From that day on, every day for seven weeks we walked from 8 to 15 kms/day and Shenzi was always the first one out the door and always leading the way.

She was always the first one in the water(Lake Ontario).

She was simply amazing. If I chose to do a bike ride instead of walk she would be downright annoyed, dumping her water dish which I walked through in my stocking feet every time or she would ignore me until she got her walk which she inveritably did! She wormed her way into my heart with her determination and her antics. She was deaf (I think it was selective hearing), her ears smelled, she would bite if you picked her up the wrong way but she was loyal and oh so funny and she made me laugh everyday! As I was packing up after seven weeks she was determined she was going too!

On Thursday, July 23, 2009 Shenzi was hit and killed by a car in front of her home in Picton, Ontario going out for her bedtime pee. As my heart aches for the loss of this little gem of a companion it also aches for her "mom" who she shared 13 years with.
Rest in peace little one!

For other pet companions why not visit Pet Pride

16 comments:

jabblog said...

This is a lovely tribute to a very special and determined little dog. Rest in peace, little Shenzi.

Gemma Wiseman said...

Such a beautiful post! It brought a few tears! But I so loved it! You travelled for a while with a wonderful, precious friend!

LadyFi said...

Oh, what wonderful memories of lovely long walks and cool dips in the lake.

Deborah Godin said...

Wonderful farewell and tribute to a sweet little one!

ms toast burner said...

RIP Shenzi...

Beautiful post, Carolyn.

Sylvia K said...

What a lovely tribute to a lovely, spirited friend! And what wonderful memories she left you with! Yes, indeed, rest in peace, Shenzi!

Cedar ... said...

I'll add my sadness to yours. They are our friends and constant companions. Their love helps make us a better person. Tears here.

Dianne said...

Peaceful journey to a safer realm Shenzi!

what a lovely tribute

hugs to Shenzi's Mom

The Island Cats said...

Oh we are so sorry to hear about Shenzi! What a sweet dog she was! Purrs to all of you who are missing her so much....

(pee ess. thanks for visiting us!)

Anonymous said...

Oh how awfully sad, but at the same time a wonderful tribute to a special little friend. RIP Shenzi.

Janie said...

Oh, I'm so sad to hear she's gone. Your post made me want to meet her. The photo of her curled up in the suitcase is adorable.

Shenzi's "sister" said...

Thanks for such a sweet message about the silliest little pup. My mom sent me the link to you post. She really must have enjoyed her walks with you, she had lost a lot of weight the last time I saw her!

Vagabonde said...

What a lovely and sad post. We can get so attached to animals, cats and dogs, and it is so hard when they leave us. To some people who are alone it can bring major grief. Your post was very thoughtful and delicate.

Gattina said...

Getting so old and being in such a good shape and then ran over by a car, that's really too sad !
I think I would have killed the driver !!

magiceye said...

such a beautiful tribute to a beautiful pet. may her soul rest in peace in pet heaven...

bozo
Pet Pride

Cezar and Léia said...

Hello friend, cool post with adorable shots!
I came here to visit you from Pet Pride meme!
purrs and love
Luna

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