Shelby

Shelby was never supposed to be an indoor dog. Rob insisted on that from the beginning, so Tina wisely brought her home in January, knowing he would never leave a puppy outside through the winter. Her plan worked. Shelby quickly claimed her place inside—and before long, the house belonged to her.

As a puppy, Shelby had wonderfully oversized, floppy ears that seemed far too big for her. By her first birthday, she had grown into them perfectly, and they became part of the unmistakable look everyone loved.

To those who didn’t know her, Shelby could seem intimidating. To her family and friends, she was gentle, affectionate, and incredibly patient, especially with children. She loved visiting Grandpa in the nursing home, where she happily soaked up the attention of residents and staff alike. When she was approved to visit Rob’s dad in the hospital, security even made her a photo ID badge to wear around her neck. The family always joked that Shelby had a higher security clearance than they did.

Shelby also had a particular love for ice cream. During the years in Cambridge, she could hear the ice cream truck long before anyone else. She would race to the door, stamp her feet, and howl until someone grabbed the spare change so she could greet her favourite summertime visitor.

Over the years, Shelby moved with the family through four different homes, making each one her own. When the family eventually built their house in Ingersoll, they affectionately called it “Shelby’s Dog House,” and the builder even submitted the modified plans under the name “The Shelby.”

For all her strength and dignity, Shelby could also be wonderfully clumsy. She might trip over her own feet, stumble over nothing at all, or walk into a wall when she wasn’t paying attention—then recover with the unmistakable grace of someone hoping no one had noticed. Those moments never failed to bring a smile.

Wherever Shelby went, she brought joy. She was a loyal protector, a confidante, a therapist, a friend, and, above all, a cherished member of the family. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by everyone who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.