Shamus, (Rick's Celtic Major Shamus, AKC # HP20441007), my Irish Wolfhound, was the best dog I ever owned. I had always wanted an Irish Wolfhound and traveled to Tennessee with my wife and son in order to pick him up when he was 8 1/2 weeks old. At that age, he was 42 lbs and had a big head, pot belly, long spindly legs, huge feet, and a long whiplike tail with an appearance promising the potential of an infant giant. He had a beautiful dark striped coat of wheaten and brindle. By the time he reached age 2, he stood slightly over 6' 4" standing on his hind feet to greet me home from work, and had obtained a massive 179 lbs. He had awesome strength in his jaws, and managed to tear apart and eat a Christmas ham bone within 11 hours that my father-in-law, Larry Moody, gave him for the holidays. He rapidly became top dog in the neighborhood and easily intimidated the local pit bulls, rottweilers, labs and other dogs. I often talked about him at work, calling him, "His Majesty, Mighty Shamus, King of his Kind." Shamus was the 3rd member of an odd pack that included a black Scottish Terrier (Angus) and a black Cocker Spaniel/ Coton de Tulair mix (Rhett Butler). He was extremely territorial and ran off, caught or killed anything that entered our yard that he deemed did not belong there, especially if he believed it to be a threat to the 2 smaller dogs. Mighty Shamus greeted me home from my last deployment to Kuwait/ Iraq/ Afghanistan in 2010, marched in the Palatka, Florida St Patrick's Day Parade in 2008, 2009, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 was his final appearance. Shamus loved Christmas, usually laid by the pool table and watched Caleb and I put up the tree, and patiently waited for his presents on Christmas Day. During his prime, his strength and endurance were glorious. When he was set loose in the morning, he would run 45-50 laps around the house at a blistering speed before tiring out and resting with a relaxing roll in the grass on his back. Then, he would stand, shake the grass from his coat, and crash on his side with a loud thud to bask in the heat of the Florida sun. Shamus was very cunning and often tried to beat me out of my couch to the point we had a running war for it. If I had to take a phone call in the kitchen or go to the bathroom, I could count on finding Shamus lying on the couch in a dead sleep, snoring loudly. If I woke him up and moved him, he would guilt-trip me to death with a pitious stare from those sad brown eyes. He also loved butter and bacon grease, and it took my wife, Susan, a long time to learn that those items were not safe if she left them on the table, counter or stove where Mighty Shamus could easily reach them. It would infuriate her to find a bone dry skillet on her stove or butter foil shredded all over her kitchen without a speck of butter left in it. His first medical emergency occured at age 2 when he broke his vigorously wagging tail on the side of my pool table, cut an artery in it and had to have it amputated, but the loss of his tail did not dampen his spirit or change his personality. He developed cardiac arythemia at age 5 and was on medication for it for the rest of his life. He also developed cronic arthritis in 2012 which gradually cost him his speed, endurance and ability to run. In July 2015, he suffered congestive heart failure which led to him being euthanized at the Animal Health Center in East Palatka, Florida. My son, Caleb, and I were present and could not leave him at the time he needed love and support the most. It was a time of great saddness at the Animal Health Center as Mighty Shamus was a long term regular who had been a patient since the time of his puppy shot series. His loss was devastating to the entire Family and the 2 smaller dogs he left behind. In human years, Shamus would have been 66.5 years old when he passed away. He was a Gentle Giant, a tremendous friend, a loyal ally, and a dog without equal. Mighty Shamus, King of your Kind, you will always be sorely missed, dearly loved, and never forgotten. I doubt if I will ever get over you. Rest in Peace, big boy.
LIFE: 9 Years, 5 Months, 3 Days
CAUSE OF DEATH: Congestive Heart Failure/ Euthanized
THE RAINBOW BRIDGE
"There is a bridge connecting heaven and earth.// It is called Rainbow Bridge because of its many colours.// Just this side of the Rainbow Bridge there is a land of meadows, hills, valleys with lush green grass.// When a beloved pet dies , the pet goes to this special place. There is always food and water and warm spring weather.// The old and frail are young again. Those who are maimed are made whole again.// They play all day with each other. There is only one thing missing.// They are not with their special person who loved them on Earth.// So each day they run and play until the day comes when one suddenly stops playing and looks up !// The nose twitches !// The ears are up !// The eyes are staring !// And this one suddenly runs from the group !// You have been seen, and when you and your special friend meet, you take him or her into your arms and embrace.// Your face is kissed again and again, and you look once more into the eyes of your trusting pet.// Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together, never again to be separated."
William N. Britton
A DOG'S PRAYER
"Treat me kindly, my beloved Master, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me.
Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should lick your hand between the blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me do.
Speak to me often, for your "voice" is the world's sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footsteps fall upon my waiting ear.
When it is cold and wet, please take me inside, for I am now a domesticated animal, no longer used to bitter elements. And I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth. Though had you no home, I would rather follow you through ice and snow than rest upon the softest pillow in the warmest house in all the land, for you are my god and I am your devoted worshiper.
Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for although I should not reproach you were it dry, I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst. Feed me clean food, that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side, and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life should your life be in danger.
And, beloved Master, should the Great Master see fit to deprive me of my health, do not turn me away from you. Rather hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands grant me the merciful boon of eternal rest - and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I drew, my fate was ever safest in your hands."
author unknown
Note: ***PLEASE DO NOT TAKE THE PERSONAL PHOTOS OR PLACE THIS MEMORIAL ON OTHER WEBSITES WITHOUT PERMISSION***
LIFE: 9 Years, 5 Months, 3 Days
CAUSE OF DEATH: Congestive Heart Failure/ Euthanized
THE RAINBOW BRIDGE
"There is a bridge connecting heaven and earth.// It is called Rainbow Bridge because of its many colours.// Just this side of the Rainbow Bridge there is a land of meadows, hills, valleys with lush green grass.// When a beloved pet dies , the pet goes to this special place. There is always food and water and warm spring weather.// The old and frail are young again. Those who are maimed are made whole again.// They play all day with each other. There is only one thing missing.// They are not with their special person who loved them on Earth.// So each day they run and play until the day comes when one suddenly stops playing and looks up !// The nose twitches !// The ears are up !// The eyes are staring !// And this one suddenly runs from the group !// You have been seen, and when you and your special friend meet, you take him or her into your arms and embrace.// Your face is kissed again and again, and you look once more into the eyes of your trusting pet.// Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together, never again to be separated."
William N. Britton
A DOG'S PRAYER
"Treat me kindly, my beloved Master, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me.
Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should lick your hand between the blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me do.
Speak to me often, for your "voice" is the world's sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footsteps fall upon my waiting ear.
When it is cold and wet, please take me inside, for I am now a domesticated animal, no longer used to bitter elements. And I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth. Though had you no home, I would rather follow you through ice and snow than rest upon the softest pillow in the warmest house in all the land, for you are my god and I am your devoted worshiper.
Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for although I should not reproach you were it dry, I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst. Feed me clean food, that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side, and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life should your life be in danger.
And, beloved Master, should the Great Master see fit to deprive me of my health, do not turn me away from you. Rather hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands grant me the merciful boon of eternal rest - and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I drew, my fate was ever safest in your hands."
author unknown
Note: ***PLEASE DO NOT TAKE THE PERSONAL PHOTOS OR PLACE THIS MEMORIAL ON OTHER WEBSITES WITHOUT PERMISSION***
Shamus, (Rick's Celtic Major Shamus, AKC # HP20441007), my Irish Wolfhound, was the best dog I ever owned. I had always wanted an Irish Wolfhound and traveled to Tennessee with my wife and son in order to pick him up when he was 8 1/2 weeks old. At that age, he was 42 lbs and had a big head, pot belly, long spindly legs, huge feet, and a long whiplike tail with an appearance promising the potential of an infant giant. He had a beautiful dark striped coat of wheaten and brindle. By the time he reached age 2, he stood slightly over 6' 4" standing on his hind feet to greet me home from work, and had obtained a massive 179 lbs. He had awesome strength in his jaws, and managed to tear apart and eat a Christmas ham bone within 11 hours that my father-in-law, Larry Moody, gave him for the holidays. He rapidly became top dog in the neighborhood and easily intimidated the local pit bulls, rottweilers, labs and other dogs. I often talked about him at work, calling him, "His Majesty, Mighty Shamus, King of his Kind." Shamus was the 3rd member of an odd pack that included a black Scottish Terrier (Angus) and a black Cocker Spaniel/ Coton de Tulair mix (Rhett Butler). He was extremely territorial and ran off, caught or killed anything that entered our yard that he deemed did not belong there, especially if he believed it to be a threat to the 2 smaller dogs. Mighty Shamus greeted me home from my last deployment to Kuwait/ Iraq/ Afghanistan in 2010, marched in the Palatka, Florida St Patrick's Day Parade in 2008, 2009, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 was his final appearance. Shamus loved Christmas, usually laid by the pool table and watched Caleb and I put up the tree, and patiently waited for his presents on Christmas Day. During his prime, his strength and endurance were glorious. When he was set loose in the morning, he would run 45-50 laps around the house at a blistering speed before tiring out and resting with a relaxing roll in the grass on his back. Then, he would stand, shake the grass from his coat, and crash on his side with a loud thud to bask in the heat of the Florida sun. Shamus was very cunning and often tried to beat me out of my couch to the point we had a running war for it. If I had to take a phone call in the kitchen or go to the bathroom, I could count on finding Shamus lying on the couch in a dead sleep, snoring loudly. If I woke him up and moved him, he would guilt-trip me to death with a pitious stare from those sad brown eyes. He also loved butter and bacon grease, and it took my wife, Susan, a long time to learn that those items were not safe if she left them on the table, counter or stove where Mighty Shamus could easily reach them. It would infuriate her to find a bone dry skillet on her stove or butter foil shredded all over her kitchen without a speck of butter left in it. His first medical emergency occured at age 2 when he broke his vigorously wagging tail on the side of my pool table, cut an artery in it and had to have it amputated, but the loss of his tail did not dampen his spirit or change his personality. He developed cardiac arythemia at age 5 and was on medication for it for the rest of his life. He also developed cronic arthritis in 2012 which gradually cost him his speed, endurance and ability to run. In July 2015, he suffered congestive heart failure which led to him being euthanized at the Animal Health Center in East Palatka, Florida. My son, Caleb, and I were present and could not leave him at the time he needed love and support the most. It was a time of great saddness at the Animal Health Center as Mighty Shamus was a long term regular who had been a patient since the time of his puppy shot series. His loss was devastating to the entire Family and the 2 smaller dogs he left behind. In human years, Shamus would have been 66.5 years old when he passed away. He was a Gentle Giant, a tremendous friend, a loyal ally, and a dog without equal. Mighty Shamus, King of your Kind, you will always be sorely missed, dearly loved, and never forgotten. I doubt if I will ever get over you. Rest in Peace, big boy.
LIFE: 9 Years, 5 Months, 3 Days
CAUSE OF DEATH: Congestive Heart Failure/ Euthanized
THE RAINBOW BRIDGE
"There is a bridge connecting heaven and earth.// It is called Rainbow Bridge because of its many colours.// Just this side of the Rainbow Bridge there is a land of meadows, hills, valleys with lush green grass.// When a beloved pet dies , the pet goes to this special place. There is always food and water and warm spring weather.// The old and frail are young again. Those who are maimed are made whole again.// They play all day with each other. There is only one thing missing.// They are not with their special person who loved them on Earth.// So each day they run and play until the day comes when one suddenly stops playing and looks up !// The nose twitches !// The ears are up !// The eyes are staring !// And this one suddenly runs from the group !// You have been seen, and when you and your special friend meet, you take him or her into your arms and embrace.// Your face is kissed again and again, and you look once more into the eyes of your trusting pet.// Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together, never again to be separated."
William N. Britton
A DOG'S PRAYER
"Treat me kindly, my beloved Master, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me.
Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should lick your hand between the blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me do.
Speak to me often, for your "voice" is the world's sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footsteps fall upon my waiting ear.
When it is cold and wet, please take me inside, for I am now a domesticated animal, no longer used to bitter elements. And I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth. Though had you no home, I would rather follow you through ice and snow than rest upon the softest pillow in the warmest house in all the land, for you are my god and I am your devoted worshiper.
Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for although I should not reproach you were it dry, I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst. Feed me clean food, that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side, and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life should your life be in danger.
And, beloved Master, should the Great Master see fit to deprive me of my health, do not turn me away from you. Rather hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands grant me the merciful boon of eternal rest - and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I drew, my fate was ever safest in your hands."
author unknown
Note: ***PLEASE DO NOT TAKE THE PERSONAL PHOTOS OR PLACE THIS MEMORIAL ON OTHER WEBSITES WITHOUT PERMISSION***
LIFE: 9 Years, 5 Months, 3 Days
CAUSE OF DEATH: Congestive Heart Failure/ Euthanized
THE RAINBOW BRIDGE
"There is a bridge connecting heaven and earth.// It is called Rainbow Bridge because of its many colours.// Just this side of the Rainbow Bridge there is a land of meadows, hills, valleys with lush green grass.// When a beloved pet dies , the pet goes to this special place. There is always food and water and warm spring weather.// The old and frail are young again. Those who are maimed are made whole again.// They play all day with each other. There is only one thing missing.// They are not with their special person who loved them on Earth.// So each day they run and play until the day comes when one suddenly stops playing and looks up !// The nose twitches !// The ears are up !// The eyes are staring !// And this one suddenly runs from the group !// You have been seen, and when you and your special friend meet, you take him or her into your arms and embrace.// Your face is kissed again and again, and you look once more into the eyes of your trusting pet.// Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together, never again to be separated."
William N. Britton
A DOG'S PRAYER
"Treat me kindly, my beloved Master, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me.
Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should lick your hand between the blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me do.
Speak to me often, for your "voice" is the world's sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footsteps fall upon my waiting ear.
When it is cold and wet, please take me inside, for I am now a domesticated animal, no longer used to bitter elements. And I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth. Though had you no home, I would rather follow you through ice and snow than rest upon the softest pillow in the warmest house in all the land, for you are my god and I am your devoted worshiper.
Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for although I should not reproach you were it dry, I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst. Feed me clean food, that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side, and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life should your life be in danger.
And, beloved Master, should the Great Master see fit to deprive me of my health, do not turn me away from you. Rather hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands grant me the merciful boon of eternal rest - and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I drew, my fate was ever safest in your hands."
author unknown
Note: ***PLEASE DO NOT TAKE THE PERSONAL PHOTOS OR PLACE THIS MEMORIAL ON OTHER WEBSITES WITHOUT PERMISSION***
