2nd Anniversary

19 July 2005

Dear precious little SHADOW,

Two years ago today, (July 19, 2003), you left us on your journey to heaven. It seems as though just yesterday, you were cuddling in our laps or running and playing with Lucy.

The past twenty-four months without you by our sides have been difficult and lonely. Not a day goes by that we do not talk about you Little One and we smile at the many beautiful memories that you gave us. We have imagined how our lives would be today if we had not witnessed the horrible and cruel shooting that took you from us. You brought us joy and laughter in every moment of our days together.

Lucy has slowed down quite a bit. Every now and then, she will play with the boys, Spirit and Sam, but she never plays the way she did with you SHADOW. Spirit has been quite a challenge, but we know that you have been watching over us and helping us to teach him patience and gentleness. He has come a long way and is now a delightful little guy. Sam is a little lover. He loves his Mommy, his Daddy, his Lucy, his Spirit, his Grandpa…he is thrilled to be a part of our family. SHADOW, we see a lot of you in Lucy, Spirit and Sam. You truly are whispering in each of their ears. We are certain that you are asking Lucy to appreciate the youth and energy of the two young boys (Spirit and Sam). Clearly you are helping Spirit to learn to be secure and proud of who he is. It is obvious that you have let Sam know that he has found his forever family and that his affection toward us melts our hearts. Thank you for your guidance – you continue to amaze us!

While trying to overcome our tremendous sadness, we have met a wonderful woman who is helping us tremendously. She is an animal communicator, a Reiki Master, an agility trainer and animal behaviorist. We met her through a pet loss grief seminar and she has been amazing. We have been learning to focus on positive energy and the beauty of the world around us. We will never stop thinking of our precious little boy…but we are trying not to think of the moments surrounding your killing. SHADOW, we want to honor you with the joy of your time with us…not the terrible sadness without you. For every step forward, we seem to take two steps backward, but that too will take time and work.

The SHADOW Law is still our major focus in our quest to seek justice for your killing. We have been back to Vermont for depositions in the case against your killer, Lewis Dustin. Our attorney, Heidi Groff is doing an incredible job. She is extremely knowledgeable and very dedicated. We are most fortunate to have her handling your case. The Animal Legal Defense Fund continues to be tremendously supportive and caring. The legal road ahead is still a long and difficult one. We make progress each and every day because we are bringing awareness not only to this particular animal cruelty case, but to the fact that the legal system needs to recognize pets as companions, not mere property.

We are grateful and appreciative to the many, many people who continue to support us in our quest for Justice For SHADOW. Friends, family and even strangers who have heard about this important quest have been generous beyond words. Cassie and all of your friends at Pet Valu are amazing SHADOW. You will always be their most favorite customer!

Your graduated midshipmen from the Naval Academy now tell our new midshipmen all about you. They smile as they recount your funny antics and your wonderful friendship. You were their most very special companion.

Roy is a new friend that we met who was so touched by your story that he is helping us create a new and updated website. We are gathering data from different states in the country regarding their animal rights laws. The revised website will provide all sorts of information and resource links so that people will be able to learn how they can help to bring awareness of the need for new legislation in animal cruelty cases in their home states. We hope that The SHADOW Law will eventually be a national one.

SHADOW, you are such an inspiration to all of us. Your zest for life; your appreciation of every day as a gift, has taught us to value our time here on earth. Life is too short to worry about unimportant issues. We must each cherish the magic that you taught us during your too-brief time with us. You loved everything in your world. We have learned so much from you and we must continue to keep our eyes and hearts open to appreciate the joy that each new day can offer us if we choose to believe.

Thank you for the incredible joy and laughter that you gave to us each and every day we shared with you. Thank you for continuing to guide us to a new understanding of how precious and short life really is. Thank you for showing us how important it is to have a positive attitude; to open our eyes and hearts to the environment around us; to appreciate the nature right in front of our eyes. Thank you for sharing your strength and courage to help us continue to fight for your justice. Because of YOU…society will one day recognize the important role that our beloved companion animals play in the family unit. Because of you…The SHADOW Law will make is so that the law recognizes pets as companions, not mere property.

Each day without you running next to us, playing with Lucy, cuddling in our arms is more difficult than the day before. We think of the beauty of your soul SHADOW and we know that we have the courage to face tomorrow because you will forever be our loving guide. We love you Sweetheart…we love you with all of our hearts.

Mommy, Daddy, Lucy, Spirit and Sam