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CARA's Little Star

Shelby Martz

 

Submitted by: Mike, Audra and Chance

Story:  We brought Shelby home when she was 12 weeks old.  She was from the same litter as our little Chance whom we rescued when he was only 4 days old.  Shelby was the opposite of Chance.  While he was outgoing and everybody’s friend, Shelby was shy and backward.   
 

For my 30th birthday, my family gave me a trip to Disney World.  We decided that this would be the last time that my Grandmother would be able to watch the dogs as her health was declining.  The day after we left, we learned that my Grandmother was missing with the dogs.  When she was finally found over twenty four hours later, our sweet Shelby girl was not with her.  Granny had become confused and left Shelby at a rest stop.   
 

I contacted my friend at work who is involved in rescue and she sent out a message on rescue group websites as did we.  Our family also began a large search party looking for Shelby.  Just when everyone was about to give up looking for Shelby, Mike’s parents ran into the animal control truck.  He told them he was headed to pick up a black dog that had been killed on the interstate.  Like an Angel from God, he led them to our little princess.  We no longer had to wonder where she was or what had happened to her.   
 

Because of help from rescues, many had already heard about Shelby and people we didn’t even know where out helping to look for her.  Truck drivers were passing the word through CB radio.  Flyers were posted all over.  Emails of support from people we didn’t know were pouring in.  We couldn’t believe that complete strangers would take the time to help out people and a dog they didn’t even know.  We are eternally grateful to these folks who helped us.  
 

While we would give anything to have our little Shelby back, her death has led us into the world of rescue.  We couldn’t save our girl, but in her honor we can help to save others.  Shelby, we hope you are chasing squirrels in Heaven and hiding bones in sofa cushions while you wait for us to join you. 
 

We miss and love you dearly,

Mike, Audra and Chance