Shadow

The first in a long line of Golden's. My first "son". What could I say to describe that which greeted me every morning with a bark and a wag?

In the beginning...

He was mere hours from death's door at the shelter - paperwork already in the "back" - when we walked teary-eyed past the kennels at the local shelter following a brief discussion on my part declaring my lifelong interest in having a golden. He looked at us and in 2 seconds I gave the thumbs up and he was ours - to care for, to hold, and eventually to miss. Our first rescue.

Shadow as we named him was about 1 year old at the time, released to the shelter by a family who did not even declare his name (paperwork said "no name"). "Shadow" was appropriate for he would follow Dacquiri around wherever she went. He jumped into the truck with vigor and we were off.

After a bath and a combing (plus some clipping) to get out the knots he looked like the regal breed he is. And the royal background came through in all he did, from the two barks at the back door in rapid succession to know it was him ready to be let in, to the complaints at 6 PM precisely every day (you could set your watch - I swear) for dinner. He had this cute "stamping" of the front feet to let us know when to hurry up.

A memorable event shortly after his arrival was a trip to Apple Hill in the foothills. We had a 4Runner and the rear-side window was open for air while Susan and I stopped to buy some apples. Returning to the truck there was Dacquiri but NO SHADOW!! The window in the rear - a sliding one - was open a shade more than normal and as I looked into the apple fields I spied him a 100 feet away ..ummm.. taking care of his business. He completed the task at hand and came back to the truck as if he could steal back inside without our knowledge. A true gentleman from the beginning.

Mid years

He was immediately a part of the family and a close bond grew between us. He would sit on the couch and rest his head on my shoulder with such force it could knock you over. His youth with Dacquiri's mid-age re-ignited her playfulness to the extent that one day chasing around the deck she tore her cruciate - ACL (see Dacquiri's story for that one). A repair meant long recovery - and recovery meant no playing. How could this be accomplished? Only by Shadow's absence. So Shadow went to live with Grandparents' DeAlba for a few months.

Absence means absence and the bond was so tight between us that I could not even entertain going to visit Shadow during this period. This was a long time without my friend, but the next time I saw him I was SHOCKED! He was HUGE! A coffee table was how we described him - being his normal roundness had turned into a flat top due to his size. Grandma had spoiled him - to the tune of trying almost every food known to man on this poor dog. He was reported to like Jell-O, grapes, broccoli, cauliflower, you name it. And from the looks of him he got all he wanted. And he had never been a picky eater. A weight reducing diet and many months later and he was back to his perfect physique.

It wasn't long after this that Dacquiri went over the Rainbow Bridge and for a very brief time Shadow was our solace. His personality changed - being spoiled with affection and lots of hugs. And then there was Steffie. A cute little puppy, she just wanted Shadow to be her buddy and he was appalled that we would bring such a whining squeaking little annoyance into this happy family. But as she grew they became the best of friends and even played at times - although Steffie was powerful and far more strong that Shadow's gentle personality could handle.

Senior days

Shadow entered his senior years when his hindquarters started to fail. It became difficult for him to raise himself, and he would often bark from another room for attention rather than going to find us. He became deaf in both ears and combined with the mobility he would sometimes bark when we were behind us until he felt the vibration of our walk. Or be surprised to see us when he awoke.

One day in late December 2000 he sent us the sign - he refused to get up to eat. And it wasn't stomach trouble, etc. It was THE SIGN. And I said goodbye to my dearest friend - my first boy - and he went over the bridge.

Lessons Learned

I will always remember the things he taught me.

- life is a glorious thing
- comfort is a privilege not a right
- everyday should begin with a good bark and end with a happy sigh

And most of all - love should be unconditional.