In honor of “National Dress up Your Dog Day”… some of Shelby’s best outfits

How was it possible I never knew this was a thing until this year? From the day I brought Shelby home, she was a patient girl. She let me put Mardi Gras beads and feather boas around her neck, put her in a jacket and cowboy hat in public. Dressing up was our thing! Shelby and I would attend monthly “Yappy Hours” near our home in New Orleans. There was *usually* a costume contest and Shelby always rocked. From her bikini (first prize) to cowgirl to 4th of July in a Fez cap… Shelby was the world’s most patient dog.

I never went for the store bought costumes. It was always more fun to ‘create’ my own. Never mind that I cannot sew a button on a pair of pants let alone use a sewing machine, most of Shelby’s costumes were created by simply wrapping stuff around her. Yet she never snapped. She never got angry. In fact, I think she looked forward to my pulling out the box of treasures (clothes) and seeing what we could put together. Despite the look on her face (“I will murder you in your sleep), I think she truly loved dressing up.

I still have that box of stuff. It’s under my bed. I don’t know what I will do with the sweaters, the antlers, the Santa costumes. I can’t bear to get rid of them and I can’t bear to look at them. But the memories that reside within that box. When we went to an event in New Orleans around Easter called “Hats and Hounds” and Shelby got her first southern girl bonnet. From the denim jacket that I had to bedazzle to make it even more tacky than it was. To her last Christmas dress… a beautiful velvet plaid dress that she wore so proudly just weeks before her amputation.

I miss my dress up buddy. When I spoke with the animal communicator a few months back, she let me know that Shelby is wearing a ‘crown’ over the bridge. It comforts me and brings me peace knowing that my girl is still in style.

So a few of our favorites … I miss you Shelby Lynne. But your life and style will live on forever!

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Tutu, tiara, race medal!
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First dress-up… cowgirl Shelby!
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Mardi Gras bead and a her feather boa!
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Valentine’s Day. Another feather boa!
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Happy Easter from Shelby! The looks from the people driving past while we were doing her photo shoot was priceless.
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Mother/Daughter Tiara Day
Halloween 2011, Los Angeles
Halloween 2011, Los Angeles
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Halloween in Seattle. Butterfly ballerina!

 

Author: mom2shelby

Mom to 13 year old Shelby - Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. A rescue dog that was born in New Orleans. Shelby is a spirited, smart and happy little dog who loves to run, play, go to the beach (we live in LA) and ride in the car! She is my best friend and the true love of my life!

4 thoughts on “In honor of “National Dress up Your Dog Day”… some of Shelby’s best outfits”

  1. I absolutely love these pictures. She definitely did love to dress up. I think my favorite is you 2 wearing your crowns but I love each and everyone of them. I think this holiday was made for Shelby.

    I have a box with each one of my dogs favorite toys, collars etc don’t ask me what will happen to them if I die but I still will have them.

    Hugs
    Michelle & Angel Sassy

  2. Wowser! Ain’t nopawdy ’round here puts up with anything like that. We shake ’em off and try to eat ’em! ‘Specially the antlers 😉 The only thing my maw can get us to wear are those holiday collars. But Shelby Lynne, I hafta say you look pawesome in all yer outfits. You done your mama proud!

    xoxox,
    Codie Rae

  3. This blog came up and went down waaaaay too fast….but I went back and found it!!!!

    This was so much fun to scroll thru…bittersweet for sure…but always delightful reading more stories and seeing more pics of our Shelby Strong!

    The Easter Bunny…ABSOLUTELY PRICELESS!!!! She really embraces “being the bunny”!

    And Valentine’s Day….OMD! So cute!

    The expressions on her face and the way she stands perfectly still…unbelievable!!

    Alison, the bond you two shared is like no other. You were both each others soulmates and best friends. She was loved by you so well…and you by her so well!

    And we all love you both!!

    Sally and Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle too!

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