1 Yr Anniversary

SHADOW Scheele
March 3, 1999 – July 19, 2003

It is almost impossible for our family to realize that on July 19, we will reach the one-year anniversary of the cruel and violent killing of our beloved little boy, SHADOW.

The support of so many family, friends, and even strangers has been tremendous. We are thankful and grateful to each of you.

The criminal case, December 18, 2003, State of Vermont vs.: Lewis Dustin, SHADOW’s killer was charged with animal cruelty and he was sentenced to one year jail (suspended), one year of community service, and one year of counseling. SHADOW’S killer was court ordered to pay the emergency veterinary and cremation fees and our expenses directly related to SHADOW’s death. He was not fined any monetary amount. SHADOW’s website (www.justiceforshadow.com) is a great way to stay in touch with each of you and to continue to update you on the progress of our legal actions in SHADOW’s behalf. Hopefully, you will visit the site often and please feel free to communicate with us directly through letters or emails.

We continue to honor SHADOW’s memory through our efforts with our attorney in Vermont, Heidi Groff, and the guidance of the Animal Legal Defense Fund to create “The SHADOW Law” which would provide legislation acknowledging pets as companion guardians, not mere property. Because SHADOW was killed in Vermont, we are taking legal action in that state first, and then working toward the same goal in the state of Maryland and every state thereafter. Hopefully, state legislators will realize the value of pets…and welcome the opportunity to create this important law. Most important, we hope that SHADOW’s death will not be in vain and his wonderful spirit will live on forever by helping prevent another innocent creature from a violent death.

In honor of SHADOW, we have posted a letter on his website and we hope that you will have an opportunity to read it. If you were lucky enough to know SHADOW personally…or if you have come to know him through his tragic death, please know that the magic of his presence will live on forever in our hearts. He was an amazing little character and we feel blessed to have been touched by his love.

The Scheele Family