I first met my Shadow when she was four weeks old. There had been an accident with the young lab mother and a relatives golden retriever. It turned out to be a very happy accident that brought Shadow into my life for almost 13 years.
There were times she was an 8 year old boy in a dog’s body. She was the happiest when wet, dirty, and exhausted from playing. I can see her standing in water, soaking wet and breathing hard from swimming. Her whole being seemed to say…”this is the greatest thing on earth…throw it again.” Or,” I’ll just dive in over here and bring up a rock”.
There were so many adventures that it was hard to keep track. Her Achilles Heel was thunder. Thunder, even in Kansas, would send her into a panic to find someone anyone to comfort her fear. This led to numerous escapes from the house and yard. She escaped once to find the trash haulers that were coming through the neighborhood. They would stop she would jump in the truck to sit quite happily between the two men. They would get her out and when they stopped again she would jump back in. Finally a neighbor rescued her and the trash haulers.
She jumped out the second story window and over the fence without a scratch. She went through the ice on a frozen lake in pursuit of a goose. When she went pheasant hunting she was all business. We spent numerous hours hiking, snowshoeing, canoeing, swimming, and just being. She was my constant companion.
Shadow had the most beautiful and gentle soul, she loved everyone and it was returned.
At twelve and half cancer went to work with a vengeance in her body. Within a few short months we were separated with heart wrenching finality.
My puppy, your bed is empty and my heart is full. I love you Shadow girl and miss you.