Ode to Shiloh
Adapted from Brian McGrory’s “Brown Eyes of Wisdom”


Throughout her life she showed me sunrises and sunsets that I wouldn't otherwise have seen. She taught me that snow is a gift, that streams are there for swimming, that the coldest winter mornings and the hottest summer days are never as bad as people say.
She introduced me to people, kind people, whom I otherwise wouldn't have met. She forced me to take time every morning to contemplate the day ahead. With her tailless swagger, she taught me to slow down, to pause in a prairie dog field or on a park bench, the journey being as good as the destination. The big ruse, which I think she figured out years ago, was that all these walks were meant for her.

She was an anchor in bad times and a dose of humility when things might have been going a little too well. She was a sanctuary, a confidant, and an occasional excuse. She regarded it as her personal mission to make me laugh, whether by a ritualistic dance over a pig's ear or a gushing lick to my face. She never once said the wrong thing, and it was impossible to be in a bad mood around her.
All along, she lived by one simple mantra: Count me in. Anything I did, she wanted to do as well, no leash or nagging required. At home, she preferred to lie on the grass just outside the front door, presiding over the world around her.

Maybe I should be embarrassed to admit that a dog can change a person, but I'm not. So as the curtains closed on a life well lived, I look back at the lessons learned from this calm and dignified creature, lessons of temperance, patience, and compassion that will guide me to the end.

Oh Kathleen,
That was just so beautiful. And so is your precious little boy.
Love,
Marcia
I love that part about living by one simply mantra -- that was Hannah too!

Dear Kathleen,
The words about your little girl Shiloh are just beautiful. It is amazing how full and rich our babies made are lives and how hollow and empty we feel without them. Yet the love we carry in our hearts for them are worth more than all the gold in the world. I would not trade it for anything.
Love, Ann

Kathleen,

That was so beautiful. Ann and Marcia - I wouldn't trade that love for anything, either.

Lynn XXOO

Hey, Shiloh-

I just wanted to let you know that I'm going to give your soccer ball to the mastiff puppy that belongs to that nice ceramics teacher at school (she's the one that kissed you last spring and left lipstick on your cheek). Her puppy's name is Sienna and she's HUGE! She's only 6 months old and she already weighs about 100 pounds. Your soccer ball has been laying out in the front yard all winter long and it seems kind of lonely with out you. I know that you would want Sienna to have it...I'll make her promise to take good care of it.

I love you, Shiloh Bilow Biddy Biddy Bilow.

Dear Kathleen, What a gorgeous picture of Shiloh playing with her soccer ball. I think she would like for the puppy to have her ball. It must be hard for you to give it away but I think your baby would really like another baby to have as much fun with it as she did. I bet that was so cute with the lipstick on Shiloh's cheek, did you get a picture before it wore off? Hugs
Love, Ann

Dear Kathleen,

What a GORGEOUS furdog!!!! She must have turned alot heads
What a cute imagine, just picturing the lipstick on her cheek.

That is SO caring of you, to offer Shiloh's ball to another furbaby. I know how much that ball must mean to you. I'm sure Shiloh would like another precious furdog to enjoy it too.

I just LOVE seeing the photos you post of Shiloh. What a unique and beautiful dog!

Cheri

Great pic, Kathleen of beautiful Shiloh with her soccer ball. So nice of you to offer it to the mastiff puppy. Shiloh would have liked for you to do that.

Lynn

Hi, Shi Shi

I took your soccer ball to school today to give to Sienna, but I just coudn't go through with it. I looked at the soccer ball and it has hundreds of your teeth marks in it. You know, I don't have anything with your paw print on it, and when I saw all your little teeth marks in ball, I decided that I wasn't ready to part with it just yet. I think Sienna will understand.

I sure miss you, Baby Shiloh.

Hi Kathleen,

This is a beautiful tribute to your beloved Shiloh. She was such an elegant lady, very dignified and judging from the pictures, carried herself with such grace. She was much loved by her mommy and it shows. I'm glad the two of you had your "moment in time" and I know you'll always cherish the wonderful memories.

I can completely relate to your changing your mind about giving away Shiloh's soccer ball. Shortly after I lost Little Man, I thought I should remove the little box I had made for him to ride in while we did "our" chores with the tractor.....I thought removing it might help bring some closure but I still haven't had the strength to remove it and I've come to believe I probably never will. As my friend, Denise, pointed out, the box was made with love by me for my best buddy. I now view the little box as a "monument" to my great love for him. I have such great memories of him riding in the box, keeping me company, and mostly just being happy to be spending time with me.

Shiloh's soccer ball, with her many teeth marks, serves the same purpose for you. I think you should keep it always....seeing it and holding it from time to time will bring back wonderful memories of your time together and as Martha Stewart would say: "That's a good thing."

Thanks for sharing your story, Kathleen, and thanks for being such a great help to me over the past few months. You, like many others here, have proven to be a wonderful asset to LS.....you have helped so many of us. I'm very honored to know you and the special love you shared with your beloved Shiloh.