R.I.P Shadow. we love you very much!
Dear Family & friends,
I thought I would upload my address book and send one email, since most of you have been so concerned about our dog Shadow. After coming home from a short getaway for my birthday a few weeks back, Shadow had taken a turn for the worst with his hip dysplasia, spinal condition and more recently a hematoma (severe ear infection) causing swelling to his right ear & excruciating pain. I did my best to focus on work, the kids and keeping him comfortable. I was beyond upset, in denial and not always accessible just wanting to be left alone:(........
It goes without saying that this has been a very sad household the last 3 weeks, but I wanted to say thank you to those of you that have asked, prayed and been so graciously concerned about us. It would have been very selfish of me to let him continue to suffer so I did the hardest thing I think I've ever done, I said goodbye today:(.... I tried to tell the kids that it's part of life and even though it was heart wrenching saying goodbye, I just couldn't keep him sedated anymore. He fell getting out of my car coming back from the vet and has had me up most nights not feeling well and crying. It was inevitable that this day would come but I had hoped it wasn't this soon!
When we moved to Ashton, Brandon was 2 years old when we got him. Luckily, he survived his tail being pulled and Derek (3 at the time) thinking he was a horse! I think he gained a few pounds being the kids garbage disposal when they were toddlers and he also lost a few hairs LOL but he loved those boys unconditionally, I don't think I have ever seen a more loyal companion or a better friend.
He was a trooper and a part of our family and will never be forgotten.
He spent the last 4 years loving life at our newer home, chasing deer in a big yard and scaring off the UPS man (for some reason, he didn't like that uniform) I guess he won't have to throw our packages anymore:(.....
I'm trying my best to be strong for the boys, I don't think I have ever cried this much! Just keeping it together myself has been a pretty big challenge. He would have been 8 years old on February 5th and I didn't want to bear the thought that he wouldn't make it until his birthday but God had other plans for him.
We will celebrate his life and the joy that he brought to our family, there could never be another to replace him. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers, he's in a much better place now! May he rest in peace now without any further suffering.
With love,
Lorraine, Derek & Brandon
PS: If you click on gallery you can see more photos