It was 2 years ago today that we helped our sweet Shadow cross the bridge. It was a very difficult decision, as all of you know and have experienced. He had cancer and was only 4 years old. He was a ball of fire and the light of our life. Shadow, I am certain, was sent to us to show us how to be the very best doggy parents. He was not our first dog, as we both had pets most of our lives. He was the first since the kids had left home and we got him as a puppy. We spent lots of time training him and working with him and loving him. He was our heart dog. It was hard on us both and thanks to all of you, and especially to Callie for telling me about the Rainbow bridge, I was able to express my grief. My dear hubby was at home with Shadow most of the time and took his illness and loss very hard. We couldnt talk about our loss much without both of us shedding tears.
Even though it was a tough loss, some good came from it later. The night Shadow went to the bridge was a yucky cold snowy night. A few weeks later a puppy was on petfinder that I just couldnt let go of, he was constantly on my mind. My sweet hubby said it was too soon but the lack of noise and fluff, hair and drool in our house was almost too much to bear. We had already made the decision not to get another Rottie as both of our Rottie's met with health problems that ended their lives early. We had discussed adoption, and types of mixes that might fit our lifestyle. I finally wore him down, he let me call about this adorable boy. Turns out, he was rescued by an angel with a heart of gold, from a bad winter storm, on Tues night, Jan 21st that same yucky snowy night that Shadow went to the bridge. This lady was full to the brim with fosters when she got the call about a puppy crying in the cold winter night. Full or not she went out into the storm to get him. Of course, after hearing his story, we had to travel the 150 miles to go "see" him because I just knew that Shadow had picked this little one for us. We went to see "Guy" now named Rocky and of course came home with him.
I put together a few of my favorite pics of Shadow and our short but fulfilling time with him.
Dear Shadow
How we miss you so. We love our Rocky and Hot Shot so very much, but we will never forget you and the way you changed our lives forever.
The first hour you were ours
[IMG]http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg203/shadowsgin/Ournewpuppy007.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg203/shadowsgin/Ournewpuppy001.jpg[/IMG]
Shadow's 1st bath, as soon as we got home on Dec 10th. He would go on to love the water and we would often find him asleep in the empty tub:)
[IMG]http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg203/shadowsgin/Ournewpuppy013.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg203/shadowsgin/Ournewpuppy032.jpg[/IMG]
The next few were some that my dear hubby took and sent to me at work. What a way to brighten my day!
[IMG]http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg203/shadowsgin/MoreofShadow020.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg203/shadowsgin/MoreofShadow029.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg203/shadowsgin/MoreofShadow018.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg203/shadowsgin/Ididntdoit.png[/IMG]
Shadow's Obediance class 4 months old
[IMG]http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg203/shadowsgin/Easterforkids.png[/IMG]
Graduation Day
[IMG]http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg203/shadowsgin/Graduation013.jpg[/IMG]
Helping Mom in the yard was a favorite of his
[IMG]http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg203/shadowsgin/Shadowisgrowing024.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg203/shadowsgin/Shadowisgrowing015.jpg[/IMG]
Shadow helping with flooded kitchen, mopping up water, lol
[IMG]http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg203/shadowsgin/waterinkitchenJuly132003002.jpg[/IMG]
A few other favorites
[IMG]http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg203/shadowsgin/MayFlowers003.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg203/shadowsgin/shadow4.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg203/shadowsgin/shadow5.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg203/shadowsgin/shadow072503frisbee014-1.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg203/shadowsgin/shadow072503frisbee030.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg203/shadowsgin/Shadowandthefootball011.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg203/shadowsgin/MomDadsJune013.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg203/shadowsgin/MayFlowers017.jpg[/IMG]
Thank you Sweet Shadow until we see you again!
[IMG]http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg203/shadowsgin/ShadowforPhotobucke2.jpg[/IMG]