Shawnia may not have been the smartest puppy or best doggie with kids or knew a bunch of cool tricks but she was my first dog and she was the best. As some of you may know Shawnia was not doing too well the past several weeks and yesterday we found out why. Jess took her to the vet yesterday morning where she had an ultrasound and blood taken. What we found is that 
Shawnia had multiple tumors on her spine and was bleeding internally. That explains the recent lack of appetite and general sluggishness from a Border Collie mix who was maybe the most spaztic dog and as Jessica puts it- escape artist.
Shawnia was a pound puppy (the ONLY way one should get a dog)and Jess had her since she was several months old. Apparently there was another person looking at getting Shawnia who owned a ranch with a bunch of other dogs where she could stay outside and could run around and play and run and spaz and run and stuff. Good thing she went with Jess instead since she was obviously an indoor dog. She grew up on the mean streets of Antioch where she learned to be a good girl with a bunch of annoying cats and a little punk yippy dog. Her best days were in Richmond when she would get to go to the Disneyland of dog parks- Point Isabel. She would run, run, run around off-leash, sniff a bunch of butts, get a nice warm bath and then some turkey sausage treats from Claudio. Those really were the best days. She lost a lot of weight then and was at her fittest, able to run full speed at times and loving every minute of it.
Some thoughts:
We're sorry Shawnia tore up the carpet at Dave and Nadia's place in Berkeley when she was freaking out during a thunderstorm. She may have been trying to save the cats in the bedroom from the booming noise. While down here in Pasadena she did a similar freak out during 4th of July and New Years fireworks though she would just run a hide under a desk.
I'm glad Shawnia was able to hang out in San Diego, meet the kids and keep them all herded onto the grass. Although I didn't approve of all the tasty treats she begged for during BBQ's at the Grande's, at least I know she was enjoying the grilled meats as much as I do and that she was making friends with adults and kids alike. We know she liked staying there.
I'm sorry I was not more attentive when she got into a very brief scuffle with another dog at Pt. Isabel and we didn't find her wound until the next day. It wasn't the first time she would have to wear an e-collar but it looked oh so cool. Yeah, right.
I'm glad she was able to visit Las Vegas and get a few washes at Pricipessa Pets. Although it was too hot to hang out outside, she was able to enjoy the plush surroundings and lavish hospitality at THE Silaogio. You just feel better after a stay there. There was a one time that Shawnia had to stay outside when Amara was getting her superpowers when she tore up the screen door. I think she was just concerned for Amara and wanted to comfort her like only a stinky dog can.
I'm glad Shawnia got to be a SoCal dog. She got to see celebrities at Runyun Canyon, get all sandy at the beach and just relax by the pool. It may have been a little hot for her at times but she knew what hot was. She grew up in Antioch.
I'm glad Shawnia got to become friends with Zeus, a real friend who could keep up with her running and keep her mind young and fresh. You always need good friends to take naps with and compete for treats and who you can blame for making pee dots in the grass.
Thank you to everyone who has watched Shawnia over the years from the Bay Area to San Diego whether we kindly asked for you to babysit or if we forced her upon you for days, weeks or months. I know she has had an effect on you and has made you consider getting a dog, or not get a dog, or get another dog but not so big or energetic.
Shawnia was all we could ever want. We'll miss you little girl.
