The Chair is Empty

Today, I am saying goodbye to our dear old German Shepherd, Shilo. Shilo was 11 years old and was diagnosed with lymphoma in July. Sadly, last week Shilo started to deteriorate and by Sunday, it was clear he was ready to go. Unfortunately, Gord was away fishing on the west coast so was only able to talk to Shilo over the phone. It was heartwarming to see Shilo's response to Gord's voice, even in his weakened state.


We have many wonderful memories of Shilo. He was a big beautiful boy - with a glorious sable coat. Shilo weighed in at whopping 115 lbs. and I loved to tease folks who met him for the first time by saying, "they were safe because Shilo had already eaten". He was the perfect dog - beautiful, friendly and kind. He got along well with other dogs and after we lost our other Shepherd, Sparkie, last year, his best friends became our cats, Clover and Brutus.

You are probably wondering about the title of this post. "The Chair" was an old recliner that was headed to dump after Gord bought himself a new leather recliner. Minutes after Gord set the old recliner out on the deck, Shilo claimed it as his "Chair".


I can't tell you how embarrassed I was by the condition of "The Chair", and often mentioned how glad I would be when it was gone - not really considering what that implied. Now, I would gladly keep that ugly old chair forever, if it meant that Shilo was still curled up in it. Seeing Shilo and the cats curled up together on "The Chair" always made us smile.


I came upon the following poem a couple days after losing Shilo - I hope you enjoy it.

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author Unknown.


The affection and love Shilo gave us over the years, far out outweighs the pain of losing him.

Good-bye Shilo. You were a great dog and we'll miss you forever.