Linda, I almost feel guilty to still be able to hug my boy when you can no longer hug your beautiful girl. We both know that we have always needed to love them everyday, because we never know. I have cried so much since reading your post. I am here, when you are able and want to talk. I know myself, that when I lost my Bubba before ever getting Woody (and he was 13 and lived a long good normal healthy life) that I hurt so bad I did not want to live without him in my life. 5 years later, I still hurt and long for him. People are crazy if they do not believe that this is every bit as painful as losing a human child. You need time to grieve, and it is ok to do so. I love you and would give my right arm for you to have her back. Hang in there. Love Crystal

dearest linda... i am so truly sorry to ready this email...little shishi was such a sweet little furbaby..and i know that you and lobo have spent your lives trying to keep the monster from taking her... she is in a wonderful place now...free from the horrible trauma that our little ones have to suffer...one of these days maybe someone will come up with a cure...or at least a treatment that will allow our epis to live without the threat of the monster... i truly believe that shishi is now YOUR GUARDIAN ANGEL..and that she will be there to help you through this transition... please know that you are always part of this FAMILY...and my deepest sympathy comes with lots of prayers and understanding and love...for you now... take care and rest your weary body for now...shishi's soul is at rest and she wants you to be at peace... i'm including a poem i wrote for another epi furbaby..and i hope you'll accept it with love ... for little angel shishi :O) love & wags helen & sissy & the colorado pom pack :O)

Hi Linda and Don, I just finished putting Angel Shishi's photo and your dedication to her on the website. Oh, your tribute brought tears to my eyes, I could feel your feelings...... she was so lucky to have such a loving home and a family who cared for him so. The link to view Shishi on the Memorial Page is
Guardian Angels ShiShi Memorial
- PEPPER
If you would like, you can announce to the list that Shishi's photo is now forever memorialized on our website. Please include the link in your message so everyone can find her easily. Shishi will forever be in all our hearts. Take care and please do not hesitate to let me know if there is anything I can do for you both. Wags, Julie & Aisha

Dear Linda and Don: Tears well in my eyes, how loving you were to ShiShi and her love for you was genuinely given by her I am sure. She is a beautiful girl, how sad it must seem to be without her awesome presence. Truly, I do not want to make you more sad than you are today. But instead, I hope you fondly know how blest you all were by her, and may you feel her loving presence always. Those days and nights filled with thoughts of your precious ShiShi will move like the ocean in it's beauty. It will give you waves of sorrow, waves of peace, and waves joy for ShiShi. With each wave a fresh awakening will come as time passes on. Thank you for sharing her beautiful memorial page with us. Love and Hound Hugs Louise, Angel Chaka (08/08/2003) and non-epis: Roman and Roz

Dear Linda and Don, I am so very sorry about your great loss. I know how hard you have worked over the years to keep Shishi free of seizures. You have gone beyond what many others would have done to help your girl. Please know that I will keep you both, as well as your sweet girl, in my thoughts and prayers. Please take care... Mary Jane, Maggie May, and Lily Epi Guardian Angels

Dear Linda and Don, I was so saddened to read that Shishi has joined the other bridge angels. That was a beautfiul poem. I know you both must be devestated. Its not easy losing our beloved furbabies. These special souls burrow so deep into our hearts. You both were perfect parents and did everything humanly possible to battle those seizures. Take comfort in your precious memories. Shishi runs freely and healthy in heaven. I know my sweet Angel Tahoe was there to help her get acquainted. I am so deeply sorry for your loss. In time you will smile more than tears when you think of her. Hugs and more hugs, Nancy & Angel Tahoe Epi-Guardian Angels

Linda, Your poem is beautiful. It made me think of my Angel Nugget who went to the bridge over a year ago. I know how very hard it is to lose one of these babies. It is such an empty feeling. I will pray that you will have the strength to get through this. Pat & Angel Nugget

Dearest Linda, Words can not express the heartfelt sympathy I am feeling for you right now. I know how much you have worked to keep your beautiful girl healthy. And it tears me apart to know that you have lost her to the Whackadoo Monsters. I know that you much be just devastated at this time. Please know that Shishi was an important pup to us and we will miss her dearly, especially myself! Well there is now a bright star in the sky and I will be thinking of your girl tonight as I look at them. I pray she has made it to the bridge and is running around free of the monster that plagued her here on earth. May she forever be happy and healthy at the Rainbow bridge. Please know that she is looking down on you both with the love she always had for you, here on earth. Nothing can change that, not even death. I hope when the burden of loosing her does not pierce your heart so badly, that you will be able to remember all those wonderful memories with happy tears, not sad ones. My love to you and your family!
Love, Rita and Wolf

(A beautiful baby)"Better to have loved and lost than never loved at all". At least that is what the expert wrote. I think it is correct but once something so precious is lost, it is a very, very long time before one is capable of this sentiment with sincerity. The *knowledge* or it's rightness is there but, oh the damn pain that persists. One day though, just as I do now, you will look back and speak fondly of this departed darling and though the tears will again come, they will travel down the creases of lips upturned in a loving smile. It is the days in between that cause the confusion. May you continue to receive comfort. Shirley&epi-Xena and pack

Dearest Linda, Please accept my deepest, heartfelt condolences for the passing of Angel ShiShi. I know the heartache and pain you feel now, but please know that time will ease that pain, and it will be replaced with only the fondest memories... You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless and take care... Hugs from us, Terrie, Angel Cassaday, Carsyn, Pippy and Dejah I shall see beauty, but none to match your living grace; I shall hear music, but none to match the droning song with which you loved me; I shall not, Cannot, Forget... Sleep soft, Sweet ShiShi... Hugs, Terrie, Angel Cassaday, Carsyn, Pippy & Dejah Please visit Cassaday's Memorial Page at http://www.canine-epilepsy-guardian-angels.com/memorial_page_2003_4.htm#Cassaday
Oh my dear friend, I am so sorry about Shishi, so sorry Linda, I knew when I did not hear from you yesterday that she was gone, better this way ( I am shivering writing this Linda, I know how much your girl meant to you ), than to go on because that is all it would ever have been Linda, the constant fight that you were losing, the meds not controlling, they dont deserve to have to go through all of this, and especially Shishi, I was looking at her pictures today, she was a doll and I am so so sorry Linda. I will be in touch later, no point writing just now, doubt you are in any need to read anything, but if you do read this, it is lovely. My dear friend I will be in touch soon.
All my love Ann+++
Dear Linda and beloved angel Shishi, I know how much you must be suffering at this time with the loss of your precious Shishi. There are no words of condolence to ease your pain at this time. The only consolation is the love you gave her, the caring and affection you shared. You can only be grateful that your blessed Shishi is now running freely at Rainbow Bridge with all her beloved friends.....and will for now and always be watching over you from above saying "Mommy thank you for giving me such a good life, and for now and eternity I will be there for you. As the pain eases a little you will be left with precious and beautiful memories of Shishi whom you loved and adored for now and always. My deepest condolences Linda.
God bless you. Cherry and Candy
Dearest Linda and Don.... I am absolutely devastated that you have lost your beautiful Shishi. She was like one of my own. You worked so hard and so long to keep her as happy and healthy as possible. I cannot tell you what a loss this is to me. I always admired the great effort you made in her behalf. It is so painful to loose part of your heart. I can't tell you how very sorry I am. It's always so hard to lose these special babies, no matter the reason, no matter how young or old. Know that you did all you could for her, and she knew how much you loved her. Time will fade the pain, but never the memories you will always carry in your heart. I've lit a 7 day candle for Shishi to light her way "home". I know the love and devotion Shishi held for you in her courageous little heart will keep you warm with memories the rest of your life. At the Rainbow Bridge there will be rainbows and butterflies surrounding her always, blue skies and fields of buttercups to run though . The pain you are going through is unrelenting so you must be very kind to yourself. It takes a tremendously long time to get through that excruitating pain and be able to think of the wonderful times you two had together. Be patient with yourself. It took me a whole year after I lost Asia to stop crying. Remember that the bonding with an epi is exactly the same as the bonding a mother has with with a sick child. You have lost your baby so please patient with yourself. Tears are very healing. Shishi will always be by your side and if you ever find a feather anywhere, it is just to let you know that she is still there. I am also always here with a listening ear if you would like to talk. Just pick up the phone and dial 310-476-1235 When I lost my beloved Pooh Bear someone sent me "The Star" which was very comforting and helped tremendously when I lost my beautiful China and my exquisite Asia. I am going to enclose it here for you with the hopes it will be helpful to you in trying to deal with the inconsolable loss of your precious baby... With love and understanding, Joanne, Lucy, Zoe and Angels Asia, Pooh Bear and China Epi Guardian Angels ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *******THE STAR******* by Doug Coulter I have used the star three times in my life and it has worked every time. I used it when I lost both my parents and July 1996 when I lost my Golden Retriever- Tammy. Part of the blood that flows through my veins is Native American. What I'm about to tell you was told to me many years ago by a wise old lady. I believe I must share it with people who have lost their dog because I know of the great pain they are going through. I am sure you loved your dog dearly when she was alive and upon her death you feel like your heart has been ripped from your body. When a loved one passes they must take a journey to the Rainbow Bridge. The following will tell you how to know if their journey was a success. Go into the night, the first clear night in your area. Go to a spot where there is no noise, maybe a place you and your dog used to go. Close your eyes and think of all the wonderful things that you and your dog did together, talk to your dog as if she was right by your side, let tears flow like a giant river---all at once you will feel a strange sensation, it will feel as if your dog is sitting right by you. At this point open your eyes and look to the sky. Look all over the sky but mostly in the North-North East portion. All at once you will see a blinking star, it will be the brightest and warmest one in the whole sky, it will draw your attention to it. At that point close your eyes, then open them again. If you see that star again you will know your dog has had a successful journey. This star will stay in the same spot every night. It will stay there until your grieving is over, then it will disappear never to be seen by you again until you too have made a successful journey. When you go to the bridge you will also put this star into the sky. Look for the star, your dog is waiting to give you the sign.
Dear Linda, I cant believe what I just read ...haven't had puter on few days. Oh I am so sorry you and Don have been fighting tooth and nail for your sweet girl and last I remember your Shishi was doing better. Just looked at Shishi's Memorial page and she is so beautiful and words so touching.!! This disease sucks its taken so many of our sweet babies. Your precious Angel will be looking down from above and with little signs letting you both know she is FOREVER with you !!!! God bless and take care!
Love and big hug..Linda,Xander, Nala and Britt
Dear Linda and Don,
I am so sorry to hear of Shishi's passing. I am sure she is playing with my Tucker pup who went to the bridge in August. My heart is breaking for you because I know how hard it is to lose someone so dear to you. My thoughts and prayers are with you both. It will get easier in time but I know the hole that Tucker left for me will always be there. Take time to greive and don't be hard on yourselves. I know that Shishi loved you very much. Perhaps one day her spirit might come back to you in the form of another special pup. We are getting ready to open our hearts to another pup. My neice has a pup who looks just like my Tucker did and her female just had 8 puppies last week and her Tucker look alike is the daddy. They are lab/ shepherd/gorden setter pups. We are hoping that one of the pups will pick us out. I will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs,
Mary, Mollie (12 1/2 year old German Shep) and Angel Tucker
Hi Linda,
Just to let you know I have the poem you posted for Shishi printed out and saved in my drawer. I keep saying I try to enjoy Dayshus TODAY, because I don't know what will happen tomorrow. I am in tears still for you. If you could, can you help me find the Memorial page for Shishi? I think I have looked all over the GA site...the memorials stop in 2002 I think. I'm not so good on the computer. :)
Thanks, Hugs from Michelle and big sloppy kisses from Dayshus
I know the feeling as you listened to me w/Hannah. It's the hardest decision to make, but we know it's better for them. I know you'll be lost & just remember those last few months with the change of meds & how spry & playful she was. Hope this doesn't affect Don w/his heart problems know w/the added stress. For what good it is, you all have a happy holidays! Send me your address again as we're going to take the annual Christmas family picture & I'd like to send you a picture. This way you'll get to see the brat Brooke too. She's teething real badly right now, so she's been a real problem. I will keep in touch. Hope all goes well & Don's mom is doing okay too.
Your friends, Phyllis & Lee & dogs
Linda,
I am so sorry to hear about ShiShi. I lost Aja in May to this horrible disease. There is not a day that goes by that I do not think about her, but I also know she is in a better place and most important, she is seizure free. These epi pups teach us so much about how precious life is. I was told many years ago that god sends us our pups to fill a need that we have at the time. When they have completed their mission he calls them home.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Phyllis, Lucy and angel Aja
Hi Linda,
What a lovely memorial to Shishi and what a "foxy" looking girl she was!! The words brought tears to my eyes but what a lovely tribute to her!! Our thoughts are with you all.
Warmest wishes, Sue & Tara.
Dear Linda and Don,
Forgive my delay in writing to you to express my condolences on Shishi going to the Bridge. She was so young, as was Angel Duncan, I truly couldn't even believe it when I read your post. It brought back many of the feelings I had when Angel Duncan went into status and I had to let him go. Please know, I am sure Angel Duncan met her there, and is showing her all the best places to chase bunnies and lie in the sun to wait patiently for us. Shishi fought the hard fight and is now in a place with no epilepsy, no ataxia, no drugs. She is free, and you will see her one day, I truly believe that. I read Shishi's memorials and the poems made me cry, as I knew they would. I am here, and thinking of you both, much love,
xxxxx Vicky Foltz Laddie and Lucy (rescued collies extraordinary) & Angel Epi-Collie Duncan (@ Bridge 8/22/01, age 2 1/2 years) & Angel SusieQ and Gilbert the bulldog who thinks he's a collie
Linda and Don--
What beautiful words....What a beautiful girl. Someone wrote just a day or two ago, that time doesn't heal....love does. It is evident how much you loved your little firgirl. She was lucky to have such wonderful parents and you were blessed to have had her for the short time you did. Remember her ..... and laugh often. We learn so much from our epi kids. Knowing she is running free from the *monster* with all of our epi Angels doesn't stop the pain from not having her here with you. We feel your pain and hope that although time won't *heal* it does dull the ache in your heart.
Wendy and Sadie

FOR THE LOVE EVERYONE FROM PETLOSS.COM HAS SHOWN FOR OUR LITTLE GIRL SHISHI

ShiShi Starting Her Journey to the Rainbow Bridge:-)

Happy Trails......
Some trails are happy ones
Others Are blue
It's the way you ride that trail that counts
Is a happy one for you.

Happy trails to you
Until we meet again
Happy trails to you
Keep smiling until then

Who cares about the clouds if we're together
Just sing a song and bring the sunny weather
Happy trails to you'Til we meet again...

Happy Trails to you, ShiShi from All Your Friends at Petloss.com. We Love You too! Give Hugs to All of Our Other Babies Up There! :-) MagicWolf
ShiShi's Journey

WE WERE SO SORRY TO HEAR OF YOUR LOSS OF SHISHI..YOU WILL ALL BE IN OUR PRAYERS. I REALLY THINK WE ARE THEIR PETS, RATHER THAN THE OTHER WAY AROUND. THEY TRUST AND LOVE US THROUGH EVERYTHING AND ARE ALWAYS THERE FOR US. THEY ARE IN CONTROL IN THEIR KIND AND GENTLE WAYS ALWAYS FORGIVING AND LOVING. SHISHI, IS AT PEACE NOW AND WILL NOT EVER FORET YOU. THE CORLEYS

Hi lobodad & shewolf, I have heard about the passing of your beloved Shishi. Someone forwarded a poem about Shishi and I cry as I write you this. I am so very sorry for your loss. Nothing I can say will take away the pain and sadness you feel at this time. I just want you to know that I am deeply saddened and care. I wish I did write poetry, I was not given that gift. Lobo since the first time I met you when I first came to pet loss a while after I lost my Abbey, you supported and helped me through that difficult time. You let me know the feelings I had were normal and the grief I was feeling was expected by those who love their pets as we do. For that I am grateful to you and thank you. Even when I got Heidi and tried so very hard to keep her, you were supportive and gave me insight to things you said you don't tell many about wolves. I have not said anything to anyone about that which you told me. In December will be the first anniversary of the loss of my Abbey. It does not seem possible that it has been that long yet I miss her as always. Does the pain ever go away Lobo? Probably not. I had a bond with Abbey that no one else in our family did. Probably why it still hurts so much. No one understands why I still grieve for her. At times when I am alone I cry for her still. I don't know if you know this, but I have put a deposit down on a german shepherd pup in a litter of 10. I am not sure if I will choose a male or female as yet. I think I shall choose possibly this weekend if the breeder and I can agree on a time when to meet. Lobo I have mixed feelings. It has been almost a year since Abbey has left me and I feel I am ready for another. Some have criticized me for not getting a rescue pup. I have looked at our shelter and on line rescues, but I want another german shepherd, I happen to love the breed and that is why I went to a breeder who has been recommended by my vet and others. I know that in my heart I will never replace Abbey, I can't replace her. However I feel I can love another. Does that make sense? I know getting another pup will be bittersweet especially since I will be getting it so close to the anniversary of Abbey. Just the timeframe I guess. I saw the picture of your beautiful ShiShi on the Pet Loss Page. What a beautiful dog! Lobo, Shewolf, she will be missed by me although I did not know her but feel as though I did. Please know that I care. Take care. Love and hugs to you! Abbeywolf/Georgia

Hi~ I have thought of both of you so much the last few days,and seems like I cannot catch up with you,to see how you both are doing... I hope this poem does not make either of you sad....I was sitting here this morning about 7: a.m. and this came to me....Seems that happens when I can't sleep....
Up to the Rainbow
and on the other side.
In the beautiful meadows,
now you reside.
No more whackadoos,
for you shall there be.
Only your health,
and pride shall all see.
Enjoy your new friends,
and please tell the Silver One.
To take care of our ShiShi,
until we are called home.
Go run and play,
and have a good time.
Do not be sad,
we were left behind.
The day shall come,
for us to meet again.
And together forever,
we will be then.
For in my heart,
your love always soars.
Today,tomorrow,forever,

and then one day more.
I do not know why,but I just had to send this to ya'll...It is very unusual for me to share my poems with anyone,but I hope this will help bring ya both a little peace...You are both in my thoughts,and prayers....Peace Be With Ya Both....Love ya's....Love and Hugs, Kat-SiderBugWolf

Love&Hugs, Dear Lobo I'm so sorry for the other night, I did not know about your loss ((((((((((((((Hugs to you and Shewolf)))))))) I will now whisper to the stars for Shishi and tell her to have fun in new place, and I will ask Angel to welcome her and I'm sur ePooky and Troubles will show her all the fun spots:). Once again I'm so very sorry for your loss my friend I will try to be on line again soon. My Love to you and Shewolf may you take comfort from the stars as Shishi's is the brightest one that shines. Take care my friend.

I am so saddened by the news that your beloved Shishi has gone to the bridge.... I hope the words to the following song can help if only a little......I am also sending the song....

Angel Flying Too Close To The Ground:

If you had not have fallen
Then I would not have found you
Angel flying too close to the ground
And I patched up your broken wing
And hung around a while
Tried to keep your spirits up
While you were feelin' down
I knew someday that you would fly away
For love's the greatest healer to be found
So leave me if you need to
I will still remember
Angel flying too close to the ground
Fly on, fly on past the speed of sound
I'd rather see you up
Than see you down
Leave me if you need to
I will still remember
Angel flying too close to the ground

Please know that you will remain in my thoughts and prayers my dear friends Hugs and love always..... MaraWolf

Hi my friend Lobo, I just got the horrible news about shishi, I am so sorry , and wish to give my deepest sympathy to you and your familly. I am lost for words cause I know how much you all love shishi. I am not good with words but I do know you mou must be hurting real bad and if I could I would take all that hurt upon myself cause I do not like to see my friends hurt. But I will pray for you and your familly and ask god to ease your sadness. Again so sorry and know that even if you dont see me much anymore I do care a great deal for you. Brother Michel-WhiskeyWolf

Dear Don: I just learned of Shishi's passing and I am so very sorry from the bottom of my heart. My God, the pain that must be inside your heart. I wish I could take it away from you. Please know that I will be lifting you and your wife up in my prayers. If there is anything I can do, please let me know. With much love, Sondra a/k/a Iveys Mommy

My Room

There is a room inside of me
A place that no one else can see
It is the place for me go
When I need to be 'just me'.
Sometimes I go there often,
And then sometimes not so
I go in there to 'soften'
and then 'ride out' the blow.
I go in grief, in loss, in pain
I go in all my sorrow.
I hope that you will understand
Look for me some dear tomorrow.
I need to be there for a time
Right now, I'm sure you know,
To mourn my Shishi, blue-eyed baby,
Most loving one, oh Little Epi.
She was the child of my heart.
We fought so hard,and still did part.
My soul is battered, broken, bleeding,
For the little red-furred one.
So to my room I go when needing
My time to mourn, my time alone.
I will come back, you can depend,
Just please be patient my dear friend..
SugarWolf and InkyWolf

"Cry For Happy"