Dear Angel SHADOW

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