Sheila

Sheila had an extremely hard life. She was rescued in September 1999 during a puppy mill
bust in south west lower Michigan. There were 11 dogs pulled and 3 had to be destroyed right
away. Carol was asked to go down and ID the dogs to confirm they were all Alaskan
Malamutes. Sheila had lived in a basement all of her life and the only thing she did was have
litter after litter of puppies. She was approximately 9 when she was pulled so she probably had
at least 18 litters of puppies during her life! When rescue had her spayed the vet found several
mammary tumors which were removed at that time.

Sheila was VERY vocal and this caused problems in 2 homes that tried to adopt her. Rescue
was very close to making the decision of euthanizing Sheila, but Shirley found out about her
and said "bring her to me". Sheila arrived April 15, 2000 where she was to stay for the rest of
her life.

She was placed in a pen with Rio for company and they got along great. Soon Sheila's
constant vocalizing tapered off.

Sheila was the perfect ambassador for the breed. She was on TV 3 times and was featured in a
rescue video by an all breed rescue group in Florida. Sheila was never one lost for "words", and
she took every chance to express her latest opinion! We adored her and we had every hope
she would be with us for the grand opening of the new facility..........sadly it was not to be.
Shirley found 2 small mammary tumors in early 2004 and sure enough it was cancer. It spread
very quickly and we knew the time to say goodbye was close at hand. Carol brought her video
camera and took many digital photos on Sheila's last Saturday with us. True to form, Sheila
had an opinion of the building. Shirley brought her inside for pictures and Sheila walked right
over to where the kennel runs would be and proceeded to "mark" the floor. It was only right that
Sheila should be the very first dog to pee in the building! Later that evening after Carol finished
work at the building for the day, she went into Sheila's kennel to say her goodbyes and Sheila
soaked her in kisses while Carol soaked her with tears, It was incredibly heartwrenching for
Carol to walk away knowing she would never see Sheila again.

Wear your silver harness with pride dear girl. We will see you again in Heaven.