1st Anniversary
Our Precious Angel SHADOW, 19 July 2004
We cannot believe that one-year (July 19) has passed since you
left us on your journey to heaven. Every day without you running and
playing and cuddling with us…is more difficult than the day before.
The loss of your presence in our every moment is unbelievably
painful. Not a moment passes that you are not in our thoughts, our
hearts and our prayers. Tears flow as much today as every day since
that horrible moment that you were shot and killed. We continue to
struggle with understanding why you were taken from us…but even more
impossible for us to comprehend is why you had to suffer such pain
and fear during your last hour of life.
Lucy misses her best friend so much. She no longer runs and plays
the way she did with you. Her eyes are filled with sadness. She
seems to find no excitement in her life the way she did when you
both rumbled and tumbled. We brought two new little boys into her
life…Spirit (named for your spirit SHADOW, and Sam…a sweet little
miniature of Lucy). Both are rescues…just as you were. But Lucy just
has not connected with them the way she immediately bonded with you.
Lucy recognizes some of your characteristics in Spirit…but she is
not sure about Sam yet. We are working very hard every day to help
Lucy find room in her heart to accept both little boys into her
world. Maybe you could whisper in her fluffy ear if you think it
would comfort her. Maybe she is afraid to become close to any new
puppy-dogs – she loved you from the moment you found her SHADOW.
We continue to work hard to honor you Sweetheart. We are trying to
create “The SHADOW Law” which will make the law recognize pets as
guardian companions…not mere property. This is a very difficult
process but we will persevere until the law is created. We are
starting in the state of Vermont…where you were killed, but we will
continue our efforts in the state of Maryland, your home, and then
on and on and on, until ALL states comply.
SHADOW, you have so many friends. We launched a national campaign to
bring awareness of this horrific act – the ultimate animal cruelty –
to the state officials of Vermont. Hundreds of people wrote letters
on your behalf and so many, many people have generously helped us to
raise money for legal fees. People from Annapolis and all over the
country have shown their caring support…you are so loved “Little
One”.
The Animal Legal Defense Fund has been a tremendous source of
strength, encouragement and educational support for us. We are
amazed at how incredible this organization is.
Many new friends have been made – all who provide encouragement for
our struggle to seek justice for your senseless and cruel death.
Madeline Davis has been particularly involved with our cause and she
even traveled with us to Vermont for the December criminal trial.
She is your ‘Angel on Earth’ we are certain.
Grandpa continues to comment on “what a good boy” you were…always.
Lucy follows your habit of laying her head in Grandpa’s lap but she
no longer rumbles on his living room floor the way you both did.
Spirit and Sam are very rambunctious (they are still both less than
a year old – hopefully they will calm down)…and they are a bit much
for Grandpa still. You were always so gentle with Grandpa…you made
it very easy for him to baby-sit you. Just another example of how
amazing you are SHADOW!
Cris and Matthew helped make it possible for us to retain legal aid
for our campaign. Honestly, without their help, we would not have
been able to initiate the path we wanted to follow to make certain
that your death will not be in vain.
It would be impossible to name everyone who has helped us SHADOW…but
suffice it to say…you left an amazing impression in the hearts of so
many people. Those who were lucky enough to know you personally…and
those who care so much about protecting innocent creatures from such
tragic cruelty. Cassie and your friends at Pet Value honor you every
day Sweetie. Your friends at the Eastport Deli have been
wonderful…and continue to help us out so much. Pit Boys remembers
your smiley face and eagerness to visit. The list goes on and on…it
is heartwarming to see what an impact you made on so many people.
Ron the Mailman retired shortly after you died Sweetheart. Poor Lucy
watches the new mailman from the porch…but we have to coax her down
to the mailbox. The new mailman doesn’t bring any treats and we can
tell how much Lucy misses Ron. How you loved sitting on top of
Mommy’s car almost daily…waiting for your special friend…not for the
treat…but for the sheer joy of wagging your tail and helping Ron
finish his last house on the mail route.
Oh SHADOW…our lives will never be the same again without you. You
truly were the sunshine of our days and the stars in our nights. You
taught us to love so unconditionally. Though we were unable to have
children…you were our child – our furry little boy. You made us
smile in difficult times…and you made us laugh even louder during
funny moments. You filled our hearts with joy every moment that we
shared with you. Your eyes were comfort, your touch was peace, and
your very presence was love.
We will never be able to accept your death SHADOW. Our days will
never be as joyful as they were with you by our side. Our prayers
struggle for answers and understanding…but they seem to be
unanswered. There is an enormous emptiness in our lives. We fill our
days with beautiful memories of your sweetness but our nights
recount the horror of losing you to senseless cruelty. We hold
closely to “Puppy and Bunny” – knowing that they were your favorite
toys. We try to comfort each other and Lucy too. We pray for your
peace and for your justice. We try to teach little Spirit and Sam to
be “good boys” like you.
We will continue to seek “Justice for SHADOW” until we are able to
create ‘THE SHADOW LAW” - legislation acknowledging pets as
‘companion guardians’ – not mere property. This is a promise to you
– our little boy. We are also working toward making a law in the
town of Northfield, Vermont that will make it a felony to discharge
a pellet gun within the town limits. Hopefully, this will prevent
the cruel death of another innocent animal…or even a child or adult.
And so our precious…we close this letter to you…but not our constant
love. Sweetheart…we love you so much. You are in heaven now…but you
are always in our hearts and always in our thoughts. Today is more
difficult than yesterday without you here with us…but tomorrow will
be even more of a struggle. We know that you are watching over
us…and we look forward to being with you in heaven. Our love for you
continues to grow with every moment of every day. SHADOW…we miss you
so terribly. We will always be holding you in our arms and we know
that you will always be our guardian angel on our shoulders.
WE LOVE YOU SHADOW – FOREVER AND FOR ALWAYS
Mommy, Daddy and Lucy |
