Shadow came into our lives at the age of 12. It was our honor to have had Shadow for the last 2 years of his life. He grew to be an amazing, smart, handsome, and loving dog.
Our Aunt sent us a picture of him from the rescue shelter she volunteers at. She asked if we would consider adopting as we had lost our dog Mack in Spring of that year. We completed the application and were approved.
The Director talked at length about his condition. He had lived with an Autistic person with rage issues. He lived outside and when surrendered was matted. They had him shorn by a groomer, he had places that were so tight he ended up with scabs. They also discovered he had a bad ear infection and was being with treated with antibiotics. The vet also gave him a steroid injection the day before to alleviate swelling and irritation.
The Director informed us we still had to do a meet and greet at the shelter. We decided to drive out to Massachusetts to meet him. The shelter folks were surprised. We arrived on a Saturday and spent several hours walking, and talking, and getting to know Shadow. He was anxious and expressed his apprehension of Paul. Paul was not concerned as he has a long history of dogs in his life. As he told the staff, Shadow will adopt me eventually.
We went back the next day to visit again. Spent several hours again, walking, talking, petting, and getting to know him. The staff suggested we take a break and talk amongst ourselves. Shadow was on a lead and I looked down at him by my side. He looked up at me and his eyes were so deep. All I could see is his soul full eyes telling me “I want to be a good dog, but I just do not feel good.”
We went out for a snack, I told my husband and his Aunt I wanted to adopt Shadow. But it would not be a good move with his current physical condition this weekend. His system was loaded with medications, he had been there a month with all kinds of people, treatments, animals etc. to adjust to.
So, we made the suggestion to the staff we would be
back the following weekend. Told them exactly why, and they noted if alternate came, they could not hold him. We noted we understood.
The next Saturday, my daughter and I returned to the shelter. Shadow was outside in his kennel. As soon as he saw me he started to jump up and down and barking like crazy. We walked and talked, then let him practice getting in and out of the car. It went great, the next day the Director met us to bring him for his 6 hour ride home to New York.
He arrived and the first week was challenging but all settled and fell in love with each other.
He became our dog on September 2, 2019. Little did we know we would need him as much as he needed us. He got us through overnight shifts, Covid seclusion, major surgeries (Paul and Shadow), and general day to day stressors. He just wanted to be loved, touched, fed, cared for and talked to. He loved to be groomed and came out oh so HANDSOME. He was loved by a lot of people from NY, MA, RI and even AK. He will be forever part of our hearts and family.
RIP SHADOW, we love you!