Back to Extras
(Or page back on your browser)
A tribute to Shadow----
In September of 2006 we celebrated our 8th
anniversary. Shadow had been with us for 7 & 1/2 of those years. She
brought us many smiles, and was like our own child. We had found this
Basenji mix abandoned by the roadside. We gave her a loving home and
obviously spoiled her as well. In October, her health was struck down
out of the blue. She could no longer live a healthy life, so we had to
face the decision that all pet owners dread. We've had to say goodbye to
her. We'll miss you Shadow. I wrote this for her.
We
found her on an empty stretch of road, few houses around and she was all
alone,
Her furry head perked up in hopes of a caring person to take her home.
We asked the closest farms if anyone knew her, and the same story was
retold,
Many of their cats and dogs had arrived after being abandoned to the
road.
We got her fed, and offered her water, and she followed us as her new
friends,
Shadow always stuck close to us, worried that she might ever be
abandoned again.
The warm bond formed between us, as she offered us a wagging tail and
licks,
We were happy with the gem we found in this basenji-border collie mix.
Shadow loved to tug rope and walk on her leash down any offered path,
The thing she always ran from was when she heard water and we said,
"bath".
She was our guardian who slept with us and barked at any threats near
the yard,
Whenever we ever told her it was a time for a "ride", she
jumped right in the car.
Our happy life was disrupted when she was scared by fireworks' sound,
For six worrisome days and sleepless nights we hunted the area all
around.
We found her again, and thanked the community; she was so hungry and
tired,
We nursed the scratches and wounds from unknown struggles that had
transpired.
Our baby was back and never again strayed from her cushioned lifestyle,
Food scraps, ice cream, family, exercise and rest, kept her happy all
the while.
Her brown eyes always watched us, she snuggled close on many nights,
Even in each hair she shed I could count the joys she brought our lives.
Then out of the blue we were reminded how precious sweet time can be,
She spent the night between us struggling against a foe we could not
see.
She sees and hears us stay beside her, our hands comforting her with our
caressing,
To realize there is only one thing left to do has made everything so
depressing.
To know that our next friend's path is one we aren't ready to walk
together,
We only have numerous sweet memories to sustain us through forever.
The long journey is over that was set forth beside that road long ago,
We've had to say goodbye to our friend, our companion, our child, our
Shadow.
