Emanuel Tsikalas

August 17, 2003

To whom it may concern,

I have known the Denis and Sarah Scheele for over 4 years. They were kind enough to accept me into their family during my freshman year at the United States Naval Academy. They are two of the most loving and caring people I have known in my life. They accepted not only me into their home, but over 10 of my friends as well. It was a place for us to go to relax and get away from the vigor of Naval Academy life. Spending time at the Scheele’s home meant that I spent plenty of time with their two dogs, SHADOW and Lucy. SHADOW and Lucy were fun, playful dogs who were in every way part of the Scheele family.

SHADOW had a playful demeanor and always happily greeted guests at the door. He was outwardly friendly to everyone, but remained very calm and obedient at all times. I know that he was very important to Denis and Sarah, as they treated both of their dogs more like children than simply pets.

No living thing deserves to have its life terminated earlier than expected due to unnatural causes. What happened to SHADOW highlights the heartless side that humans can show when only thinking of themselves. Denis and Sarah are good people who would never wish what happened to SHADOW on any living creature. SHADOW is deeply missed by Denis and Sarah, as well as all who knew him.

Very respectfully,

Emanuel Tsikalas
Ensign, United States Navy