Eighteen hours have passed since Shadow left us last night.
We had spoken with his boy and girl earlier in the evening for the daily update of his recovery. He had his best day since his amputation. Normal behaviors. He wanted a drink from the bathtub tap while I dried my hair. Couldn’t get enough ear rubs. Ate heartily. While going outside, he heard his daddy pull up in the driveway, stopped mid-way down the ramp, turned around in one hop and ran to the door before his sister was out of the sofa.
Around dusk it all changed. He went outside with dry heaves. He laid down on the ground. He wouldn’t come in. Finally his daddy carried him in. Shadow was a creature of comfort, so he tried to hop onto the sofa and daddy helped. He was restless and couldn’t get comfortable, finally he got down went over to where daddy was and laid down there so he could be petted. Minutes later he was gone. We were stunned. What happened? How? Why? Questions that will remain unanswered. He died in peace surrounded by his loved ones.
His final resting place is in the backyard, soon to be covered by mommy’s special ornamental black grass.
While preparing Shadow’s special place I read the sad news about Diva, Boomer’s special celebration day, London’s struggles (hang in there), Sophie’s progress and how tripawd hero, Darcy, lives on. Living continues. I know I will hear kind words from so many of you, people I have never met and did not know two weeks ago. For that I am grateful. Thank you.
I am in need of some Daisy loving. She is good at that. I will post a tribute to our dear Spirit Shadow at some time. I will need to do that for myself. Until then, I will be checking in because I know we need lots of pawsitive vibes for all of the tripawds out there.
Spirit Shadow’s mom, Heather
we are so sorry to read that shadow lost his battle. he was surrounded by his family, and all the love you could give him, which was a blessing. life takes such strange turns, and sometimes it seems so unfair. but, as you know, love never ends.
charon & spirit gayle
Thank you for the sweet sentiments. I knew you and Spirit Gayle would be here.
Heather & Spirit Shadow
Sooo so sorry. It is not fair!!
But when I read those words….Love never ends….I find so much comfort. I truly hope it helps you too.
Heather, I am so sorry to hear of Shadow’s passing. He seemed like such a regal dog in the photos and it does not surprise me that he went so peacefully.
It is always hard to lose one of our babies, but my heart hurts so much for you guys just at the beginning of the journey. It seems especially unfair that you just came to terms with the diagnosis and ramped up for the fight to have it end so quickly. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers in the days to come.
Lisa
I am so sorry to hear of Shadow’s passing. As others have already said, Shadow was surrounded by the love of his family, and that is a beautiful thing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Sincere sympathy going out to you and your family. I know it must have been so very hard to lose Shadow in such a quick and unexpected way. You tried to do the very best for Shadow and I know he always felt your immense love for him even until his last breath. You were his life and his memories will brighten your days forever more. I found that the first few days were mostly just shock and it took me a few weeks later to really accept that Valentina was gone. Then it hit me and that was the hardest time. I went through a few weeks of sheer agony thinking I would never be able to feel better. But eventually I started to and now I mostly think of all of the wonderful things about Valentina more than her death. Praying for strength for you as you go through this very difficult time.
I’m so utterly sorry. Shadow seemed like just a love bug. My heart goes out to you and your family.
Angel Comet’s mom
So. Not.Fair. Shadow was a very very lucky dog to have you as his family. Its true, your love for him and his for you will live on forever in your hearts. Our thoughts are with you tonight.
xoxox,
Codie Rae and the Oaktown Pack
So sorry to read of your loss of Shadow. I’m sorry you didn’t get to have more time to enjoy Shadow amazing you with his tripawdness. Shadow will always be with you in your heart.
Jackie, Angel Abby’s mom
I am so sorry for your loss of Shadow. Know that Shadow will always be with you. No time is ever long enough, but know that Shadow knew he was loved.
Jenna & Spirit Chili Dawg
I am so sorry for your loss! What a great family Shadow had, and how lucky he was! He tried his best, but at least he feels no more pain! Hopefully that is one comforting thing! I so admire your strength, and his as well. He will forever be with you. My thoughts are with you!
Alexandra & London!
Words cannot express the sympathy we feel for your loss. Shadow will undoubtedly live on forever in your hearts and in he lives of those who were lucky enough to know him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Oh my gosh, I am so, so sad to read this and deeply sorry that he is gone.
I sincerely apologize for not seeing this post sooner, I somehow missed it and I feel terrible.
This is such shocking news. We were looking forward to having Shadow here in the community. It’s so unfair. How is the rest of your pack holding up?
We send our deepest condolences to you all. When you are ready, tell us more about your beautiful boy. I know you miss him dearly and hope that by sharing his story, it helps you cope with such tremendous loss.
Much love and condolences coming your way.
Thank you for the expressions of sympathy. Our pack feels the loss. It all the little daily moments we miss the most. We are so fortunate to have each other for support, Shadow’s vet and staff, family and friends.
Please no feelings of regret for not seeing this post “in a more timely fashion.” The Tripawd Family has been such a tremendous find for us. I don’t know how we would have managed without the support and insight of everyone else who is dealing with the same moment by moment life and death issues. We are inspired by all the tripawds and their pawrents.