Having lost a wonderful girl at almost 17 as well, I am so sorry for you. Loss is so difficult when it is a heart dog who has shared so much of your life and taught you many life lessons. Shelties are precious that way, they impart so much to our lives. There is really no comfort for the ache, it just seems to lessen a bit with time. I too remember the pictures of your beautiful boy in pastoral surroundings and thought how fitting for a sheltie. He was so handsome in those shots. I am sitting here with tears flowing remembering those, because I thought they were so pretty. Blessings on you during this sad time!!!!