A Tribute to Shiloh

            Lynn and Tony Gatlin have the rescue Project Pawz at Corsicana and one of the inpirations and a partner in their work was Shiloh, a fellow who helped guide other dogs into safe havens.
            Here is Lynn's tribute to their great partner and family member:
            "On November 25, the day after Thanksgiving, a single event brought the last 13 years to an abrupt close.  My dog Shiloh fell gravely ill and in an instant, he was gone.
             "Shiloh had an undetected tumor on his liver that apparently ruptured, causing him to bleed internally, and further injuring his liver.  Cancer.  Shiloh had a fast growing cancer that was non symptomatic and we had no idea.  Dr. Wilson and Dr. Boyd did everything they could to save him, but it was not to be. 
            "Shiloh lost too much blood and his tired body simply couldn’t recover.  And just like that, I’m faced with the devastating realization that I’ll never see Shiloh again. But how can that be? Shiloh was ALWAYS available.  He was always there when I needed him.  Shiloh and I still had things to do.  More 4 wheeler rides to take.  More steal-away trips to Sonic for his beloved plain and dry children’s cheeseburger.  More walks.  More rides in the country.  More trips to our land.  More time together doing absolutely nothing.  I want more time. 
            "And yet, he’s gone.  Very suddenly, and much too soon, Shiloh is gone.  The sadness is immeasurable.  The guilt…. Even more.  I save dogs. That’s what I do.  But I couldn’t save my own.  I couldn’t save my very own dog that’s been my unfailing constant for the past 13 years.  Didn’t I owe it to him?  After all, he saved me time and time again…. Mostly from myself.
            "Tony and I certainly weren’t looking for another dog when Shiloh showed up on our doorstep all those years ago.  We even tried to find a suitable home for Shiloh rather than take in yet another dog.  Looking back, I realize now Shiloh was placed in our lives for a reason.  He was the catalyst that sparked my desire to rescue other homeless animals, just like him.
            "Shiloh and his pal Buzz, both rescues, are the very reason I do what I do. 
            "Time passed and Shiloh settled into our home and gained our affection. He was one of those remarkable dogs with the most generous, loving heart.  He only wanted to please.  He was smart, faithful, and completely devoted to our happiness. In the beginning, he was this frightened, innocent creature who was extremely shy and noticeably unsure of himself.  Through the years, Shiloh developed into a self-assured gentleman of a dog with the most amazing, devoted spirit. 
            "I’m not exactly sure when the tables turned, but somewhere along the way, WE became the pupils.  It’s only in Shiloh’s death that I’ve come to realize this… To truly recognize and appreciate all the things he taught me. If only I could have one more day…  Just so I could appropriately thank him.  I’d thank him first for being a good listener.  Countless times Shiloh was my sounding board.  He’d sit quietly and listen to everything I had to say, occasionally giving me that look with his head cocked to the side as if to assure me, on some level, he understood and agreed.  I’d thank him for being obedient.  Shiloh was the envy of our friends.  The perfect dog.  Well behaved.  Affectionate.  Appreciative.  Wonderful with children.  Loved other dogs.  Shiloh was even nice to cats.  Shiloh saw no differences and held no prejudices.  He offered equal opportunity acceptance and never once waivered. 
            "His heart was pure, and so was his love.  He made no demands whatsoever.  For years, he welcomed scads of foster dogs into our home and patiently taught them to use the doggie door, to potty outside, and that jumping up to greet someone is inappropriate no matter how excited you are to see them.  He rallied behind the slow learners and always shared his treats.  Shiloh wasn’t a pushover though… Oh no.  He just managed to always strike that perfect balance between maintaining his place in our pack and being kind to the newcomers.  He did it in such a way that the newbies loved and respected him.  In fostering dogs, he offered me his guidance.  He helped me with difficult dogs.  He babysat them while I was at work.  I’m convinced he may have even cleaned up their messes before I got home.
            "I wonder now, how will I continue to rescue without Shiloh??  We’re a team. And we were a good team. Time and time again I brought many a wounded soul home and handed them directly over to Shiloh.  Without fail, Shiloh transformed each and every one into a perfectly well-rounded and highly adoptable pet.  I’m not sure I can continue to be a successful rescuer without him. Shiloh played an important role in our home, and he did it dutifully, without even realizing it.
            "There are so many things we can learn from a dog, if only we allow ourselves….
            "Without a forethought, and by simply living his life, Shiloh has left me with many fond memories.  Time spent with Shiloh was ALWAYS time well spent, and a surefire guarantee to emerge feeling better.  He was my sidekick on 4 wheeler rides. He excitedly jumped on behind me even if I was simply parking it inside for the night.  It didn’t matter to him if we were traveling for 1 minute or 1 hour.  He was up for the trip.  He was my constant co-pilot on the mule.  A single crank of the engine would bring Shiloh running from wherever he was, to take his assigned position on the passenger side.  We had an understanding, he and I.  He exhibited sheer delight in a simple afternoon jaunt around the neighborhood, always watching for any sign that today was the day for a drive.  If I even so much as headed for the mule, his face lit up as if to say, “Save me a seat!!”  It simply won’t be the same without him.  I have a feeling everything we shared will now be plain vanilla without Shiloh.  He added so much fun and flavor to my life. 
            "Tony and I buried Shiloh today.  We agree we buried a piece of our hearts right along with him.  What we wouldn’t give for just a little more time.  To share.  To appreciate.  To love.  Our pets are only here for a short while.  Cherish and savor every precious moment, realizing that one day there will be no more.
            "Rainbow Bridge received a true gem of a dog this weekend. Our loss is most assuredly their gain…. And I have a feeling Shiloh has already made quite an impression by assisting some stray puppy through Heaven’s great doggie door.  Atta boy Shiloh!!  Wait for us there.  Be well.  And know that we love and miss you so very much.
            "And Shiloh….  Save me a seat!"

Comments

[Dianne]

What a fantastic tribute to Shiloh. Tears are streaming down my face as I type. I know in my heart that Shiloh knew he was well loved. He'll be waiting for you and keeping that seat ready for you at all costs. Bless you and Tony. RIP, sweet Shiloh.