Obit for Ellie Mae Shields———————Best Dog Ever!
Our sweet girl crossed over on December 22, 2020
We are not sure exactly how old she was but when we adopted her in January of 2016, the staff at Albemarle Animal Hospital thought she was between two and three years old. Though we really don’t know Ellie Mae’s whole story before she arrived at the Albemarle Animal Hospital, it was obvious that she had given birth to and nursed several litters of puppies— and she was pregnant again when she was found. From the beginning, she exhibited strong maternal instincts which told us she had been a good mom.
Along with being allowed (or perhaps used) to have multiple litters of puppies– it was also evident that Ellie Mae had not been well cared for. Besides not having been spade, she also presented with heart worms which we began the long process of treating as soon as we got her. Over the first 6 months that we had her, she rode in the truck with Jimmy every day—to keep her inactive while undergoing her heart worm treatment. Her truck time made for good bonding with us as her new family. Over the course of her nearly 5 years with us– Ellie Mae logged thousands of truck miles which included “going to work” with Jimmy; lots of runs for provisions; visiting family and friends; and a recent trip to the beach.
Even though she couldn’t tell us her story in words, she revealed much about her former life as time passed and she became more comfortable and secure. Ellie Mae’s reactions to sudden motion, loud sounds and gunshots all told us, she was likely subjected to unkind treatment before she came to live with us at Shields Farms.
There is so much that we could say about Ellie Mae—she just really was the easiest dog! She never messed up in the house—she never chewed anything up (we still have the very first toys that we gave her, still intact)– she was much better behaved than some children!
Ellie Mae was fondly known by a number of aliases—Mae, Maybelline, May Belle, Belle and EM. Her favorite things to do were spend time outside with her family and take walks and truck rides with her people. Of course, she also liked “special treats.” She was the most dignified, patient dog we had ever seen waiting for a treat or some special attention. She really was one of a kind. As we lived our lives with her—we just kept saying to ourselves, she is the best dog ever—and she really was.
She is survived by her devoted parents, Jimmy & Carol Shields, of Scotland Neck. She also leaves many special friends which include: the staff of Albemarle Animal Hospital who loved her as much as we did; two Aunt Susans and Aunt Marion; and a host of other family & friends. She dearly loved all her people!
As we lay Ellie Mae to rest and honor her legacy, we encourage those who read this to consider adopting a rescue dog or cat if you have room in your heart and home and/or to making a contribution to your favorite animal rescue in memory of “the best dog ever.”
We are indebted to Albemarle Animal Hospital in Tarboro for their role in her rescue, placement with us and for the loving care she received from them—right until her last breath. We were lucky to be her parents and we cherish every minute that we shared with her. Ellie Mae Shields will live forever in our hearts!
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So eloquent, Carol. Ellie Mae will live in all our hearts as you share your love with all your friends.
Thanks Beverly– I appreciate all the love and support shown to Ellie Mae and all of us during this sad time. There is no doubt she was a dog to remember!
Carol, this is a beautiful tribute to an amazing dog from two amazing people who gave her the best home in the world! I know you both miss her very much, but try to smile when you think about how much joy she not only brought to you both, but that she also brought to all of us on Facebook through the posts you shared about her throughout her time with you! Hugs and prayers to you and your family, as I know this is a very painful hurt for your hearts to carry each day!
Thanks for your caring comments Ted— You are right that we miss her terribly but at the same time we are so grateful for the time we shared with her. We are still walking around with tears in our eyes at the thought/mention of her but— with time, we will heal. Happy New Year to you & your mom! ♥️
Lovely, I share your love of nature and animals. I don’t remember not having a dog or cat and I’ve lost many also along the way. Ellie Mae was beautiful and blessed to have been a part of your family and I know you and your family will missed her. I’m grateful you adopted this sweet girl and returned honor to her last years . We should all strive to bring the good into lives whether animals or human, never knowing when our last days may be. May The Shields Family have beautiful and unexpected blessings in 2021💝 Happy New Year 🎊
Thanks for your expression of care and concern for our Ellie Mae. We, too, have had lots of rescues over the years. Most of them found us and we simply added them to “our pack.” Ellie Mae was a little different in that she came to us at a time when we are more settled with more time to connect– and she was our only “child.” We are grateful to have had the chance to give her the life she deserved over the past five years. There is no doubt the gift was ours– Happy New Year to you too!