How do you say good-bye to your loving friend? We adopted Shadow almost 10 years ago from Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Utah. He was one of 22 dogs rescued from NFL quarterback Michael Vick's infamous dog fighting ring back in 2008. Nobody knew his history, but we think he was a bait dog because he was so totally shut down and bore some telltale scars. We gave a home where he was loved and protected from all the evils in the world. With love, time and patience he learned to be a dog again . He loved his sofa and he was a total homebody because he knew that he was safe at last. He would rest his large pit bull head in my lap and sleep. His eyes, which were opaque slits when he first came home, became soft and brown again. He followed us around wherever we went. He learned to love us back, just as we loved him--unconditionally. He was the last Vicktory Dog standing until he succumbed to an inoperable mass in his lung, just a year and a day after our other rescue pittie. Shadow passed away at home, in the arms of those who loved him. Dogs are such a healing, comforting force in humans' lives....they teach us so much about kindness and quiet strength. They are family members whose presence is treasured, and their passing is heartbreaking . We are still grieving, but we decided that the best way to honor them would be to bring another homeless pit bull into our home. Until we meet again at the Rainbow Bridge....
FAREWELL, SHADOW: How do you say good-bye... - My MSAA Community
FAREWELL, SHADOW
I'm so very sorry for the loss of your Shadow. Thank you for rescuing. Adopting another rescue is a great way to honor the memory of Shadow 🐶 My thoughts are with you as you grieve the loss of Shadow ❤️💙
So sorry for your loss. Dogs truly are man's best friend.
That is a beautiful picture of Shadow. I want a friend.
leapsnbounds , just visit your local shelter. There are so many furbabies just looking for new BFFs and you would be doing a wonderful good deed....As the Torah teaches, "Whoever saves one life saves the world."
Suki, I am so sorry, I truly understand what you are going through but the realisation of what you did for Shadow , over the years, the love that you bestowed on him, you must have some wonderful memories. Your heart will always carry the paw prints left by Shadow. Big, big hug my friend, 🤗🐾
Thank you, jimeka . Loss is a hard road, but the 10 years we had with him were a gift from G-d. Hope you are feeling better!
🌺🌷💖
Going through a tired stage and the cold 🥶. Just opening the door and the cold air sets my face off. I think I will start wearing a mask just to open the door. When are you getting your new pup and what’s it’s name? I still have Razor, 15.5, he is fitter than me 😷 🤗 thank you for asking.
I can only imagine how cold it is there. I can honestly say that the coldest winter I ever spent was an August in London. 🥶 What about a ski mask? Whoever is at the door will think that you are coming to rob them! I hope you find your energy again. Fatigue is just miserable and just brings about a general yucky feeling all over....
We did bring a new 6.5 year old pittie into our home--she was a homeless stray. Her name is Ginger and she was used to it already so we kept it, although years ago we had a rescue yellow Lab whom my son named Ginger and we don't like to use the same names. She is really cute and gentle but needs to learn some manners so we are sending her to a board and train probably next week. She also needs basic obedience; she ignores us when we call her! She thinks she is too good for us! A real princess in training--that's why they call them PIT bulls! Will post pics after I figure out how to transfer them from an iphone onto an Android computer....back to that again! So glad you still have your pup. There is no greater love! Shadow would've been 16 next month. Stay safe and well, my friend.
🤡
I've always wanted to go to the Shelter to get a friend. As soon as things get better for me that I can take care of my friend that is where I am going. Thank you for your story.
You are welcome, and good luck. I have always believed that out dogs choose us, and I am sure that your new BFF will be waiting for you when you are ready.
I’m sorry you’ve lost this treasured pup. I admire you for giving so much to him and many others.
I am so very sad for your loss. I pray your good memories will help you. You will be in my prayers. Much love, Kelly xx
It is deeply painful to lose a trusted friend like Shadow. Many of us know the special pain of losing a companion rescued from abuse, a companion who had to learn how to trust, who had to learn what love is. To lose such a friend causes heartache that may fade but never really disappears.
Sorry about your dog.
You gave him a good life.
Thank you, falalalala . He was a gentle giant who was very easy to love.
Aw!
I'm so sorry for his passing, but you gave him a safe family life where he knew he was loved forever. Bless you for saving him and bless you for planning to save another pittie! ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Thank you, elaineinqueens .
Sukie...this is heartbreaking. It sounds like Shadow was your soul pet. Fur buddies become a part of you. We said goodbye to our Harvy last October and we’ll miss him forever. It was the very first death in the family that my children experienced. My oldest daughter wanted a bunny in 2013 so we went to the Asheville Humane Society Adoption Center in North Carolina where it was Harvy who chose her. She gave him a kiss to seal the deal☺️-called him her Superman.😁
Our pets choose us, and somehow when we have to say goodbye to one, it opens our hearts up wider to another.❤️
tiffortat , you are so right!! When we went to adopt Shadow, he wasn't playful, didn't do tricks, didn't focus on anyone or anything, just sat there with his opaque, slitted eyed cast downwards. Our relationship started with him learning to feel comfortable in my arms where I could hug him tight. After he came home, he would not come out of his crate, except to potty outside, for two years--until one day he just did! The years we had with him were glorious, and now are treasured memories. Superman--what a great name on so many levels--your little one must be very smart!👩😇💕
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. It is so hard to lose a four-legged family member/ friend. We love them unconditionally, but they love US unconditionally as well. Never any emotional baggage. No grudges held. Just sharing love.
That's so true, CrazyCatWom ! Thank you.
Definitely the best idea to rescue another! A house isn't a home without a dog to me. It's lovely that Shadow found his forever home and will not be forgotten- what a lovely looking little dog. RIP sweet dog. Caring wishes for your grief. 🥰
I am so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful tribute to your furry friend.
I'm sorry for your loss. I know it too well. Last year, 3 days after Christmas we lost our dog of 15 years. She was my safe place. I could go to her when there was no one else and she would just let me hug her & she would then hug back. I've never had a dog like her, I was very blessed. I still miss her but as she passed I did tell her we will meet again at the Rainbow Bridge. We too adopted another rescue named Jack. He is an awesome little dog & once again blessed with a good friend.
That's what we do. We allow ourselves to grieve, then go get another because we miss that love that only a dog can give. They can't be replaced, but we can continue rescue, one at a time. Since we lost Shadow in September, we did bring another rescued homeless pittie into our home. More later....
I’m so sorry for your loss. Much respect and admiration that you adopted one of Michael Vick’s dogs. So many people feared they would always be vicious but Pit’s can be the most loving dedicated dogs. Your Shadow has such sweet eyes in that photo.
Sincerely offering my condolences 💐 Those furbabies become a major roll in our family’s and become just like our children 🥰. Remember you gave Shadow a great life and place to live 👍🙏🙏👏 Ken 🐾🐾🐾🐾
Makes me cry. Esp since i still miss my little bumper car. So sorry for ur loss
The loss hurts so much when it's fresh. I do hope that you heal soon!
You too 😘
I am so glad you got one of the Vicktory dogs! My heart broke for them when that happened and was so glad when Best Friends stepped in. You gave Shadow back his life and made it wonderful and you were there until his end. Bless you...
To be honest, we were the ones who benefitted most. Having this gentle, broken guy to love and protect was a sheer joy. He taught us many valuable lessons and so enriched our lives. I used to put my head in his crate every night for those first two years and sing "Blackbird" to him. Eventually his wings did heal and he did learn to fly, in his own way. Interestingly, I was dx'ed with RRMS during the adoption process. I can't tell you how much he helped me to cope....
What a sweet story. It's nice in any relationship that both parties benefit. Have you told Best Friends?
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