h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I'm sorry to say that since last year this time my favorite dog died. He was the only dog I'd ever had so of course he was my favorite. His name was Shel for Shel Silverstein. I acquired him shortly after SS died. He was between 1 and 2 years old when I found him and he was very bad. He had a habit of shredding books. And shoes. He didn't like to be left alone. I tried kenneling him but he barked and cried the whole time I was gone. And he soiled the kennel which was up next to my bed which was also soiled.

I found Shel in the Ford Plant parking lot in St Paul Minnesota in the fall of 1999. I think someone had left him there, probably because he was bad. It was getting colder and I couldn't leave him out there. He was hanging out by the door of the new Union educational building part of the St Paul plant. He wouldn't come to anyone who was coming or going but he seemed to hope something would happen. I don't know what he was thinking really. He wouldn't come to me, but I was able to get him to follow me. He followed me out to my truck (a Ford Ranger made right at that plant probably). I offered him some cheeze crackers I had in my truck to try to get him to come to me but he rejected them. I went around to the driver's side of the truck and opened the door. He must have decided I was OK, cause then he jumped into the truck and he was then Mine.

We drove across the street to the Petco where I bought him a collar and a leash and some bowls. I didn't buy food as my neighbor had a dog about the same size, and I thought I could use her food until I decided what to do. He was wearing a flea collar but no ID of any kind. I thought someone might be looking for him and thought I might find that person so I didn't want to make a big commitment to buying supplies for him.

I took a picture of him and made a poster which I posted around town especially in the area where I'd found him. I got a couple of calls from people who rescued West Highland Terriers who said they'd take him off my hands if I didn't find the owner. I'd already decided that if I didn't find the owner, I was going to keep him

He was a buff colored terrier mix. I always thought he was probably a Wheaton Terrier/Westhghland Terrier mix, but it was never confirmed. I even bought a kit to determine his heritage, but I never sent it in.

It is always sad to lose a loved pet, just remember all the wonderful time and how he always made you smile

Oh dear, that is sad. But he sounds like a dog with personality.

He lived a good long life, he must have been 13+? Sorry he's gone, though, it must be hard

I suppose they have to die eventually, that's what I tell myself every time I look at the increasing grey around Harry's muzzle. He's only seven now so I'm hoping for at least another 5 years out of him. My mum's dog died when she was 17!

Deb

[Amy P]

He was about 13 when he died. Being that he was a fairly small dog, I was hoping to get a couple more years with him, but that didn't happen. I hope Harry's around for you for a long time.

Thanks, me too!

Deb

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