My Shadow, a Golden Retriever passed over the Rainbow Bridge not long ago after giving and receiving 4 years (only 4!!!!) of pure love and happiness from all that had the enjoyment of knowing her.

She was a unique one in that she was not your typical golden(at least from ones i've had in the past ), yes she loved her ball and toys but her one true love was me. Funny huh? All she ever wanted to do was be my side looking up at me with her cute smile(yes she smiled) no matter where we were, right next to me. Car rides, boat rides, hiking, you name it. Even the bed, she would even try to put her head on my pillow next to mine, which was the one thing I wasnt sharing, neither were any of the now ex-girlfriends(now i think i see why they never worked out).

Shadow was completely healthy, running and playing until one afternoon she seemed a bit  goofy, yes I know Goldens are goofy but not her. I figured she had a long day and was tired so i didnt think much of it. I wish I had. The next morning was a Monday and Shadow didnt seem right, pacing restlessly, walking in tight circles, and didnt even acknowledge me, which was not even possible with us. Concerned, i called the vet and tried to get her in that day, booked I made an appointment for 2 days later, keep an eye on her. That day became a nightmare for me and I am having the hardest time even thinking of my emotions. By about 8 pm she was a wreck, circling worsened, walking into walls/corners and would get stuck and had somehow lost her vision, yes blind in a day. Off to the ER, not knowing what the heck was going on. Hours later I find out that she has a disease that has affected her nervous system and that i'll need to go see a neurologist, great. Next day, Tuesday, meds, worsening condition and I'm freaking out. Still no opening at the vet till tomorrow, i cope somehow, giving her the love and attention that she was used to. Wednesday, BAD. I know that I had made the appointment to get her looked at 2 days earlier but little did I know an hour before the appoinment I realized that Shadow isnt herself, and would probably never be close to herself again, so I called the doctors office and barely able to speak I told them to prepare to...... Go to the vet and he couldnt believe his eyes with Shadows condition, he was feeling my pain now.  We discussed options of making her better but with her condition and the odds of a successful outcome we/i had made the choice the it was only fair to Shadow since she had lived a purposeful, loving and dignified life to be true to her and let her cross the Rainbow Bridge. I was left with Shadow to say a final farewell to her and let her know how much I love her, how great of a friend she's been,  and to thank her for being the sunshine of my life. I left the vets office with her leash, collar and an broken heart. Shadow was cremated and I am planning on scattering her ashes at her favorite places to play when I am able to let go.

All of us have or had have family pets that we've loved and lost. I am a firm believer that given the relative short life span of a dogs to a humans it is our duty to give them the best life they could have, better than anyone else could ever give. 

Remember, a dog makes a house a complete home.

For those who read this I hope you'll give your favorite pet a big hug knowing how some of life's curveballs are sent. Make some tails wag!

Shadow yado, baby you are missed more than you could ever understand, your daddy loves you so much!!!

Shadowsdad my heart goes out to you, I am so sorry for your loss!!!

Jennie

Dear Shadowsdad  - I can hardly begin to tell you how very sorry I am for your loss.  I've had at least one golden in my home since 1997 and can't imagine life without one.  Shadow was so blessed to have you as her daddy.  It sounds like she couldn't have had a better forever home.  Take care.

Dear Shadows Dad,

My heart, love and prayers go out to you at this time.  I know what it is like to lose a beloved furbaby only too well.  It's not easy at this time and there is not anything that anyone can say to make the pain go away.  Just know that we are all saying prayers for you and will light candles for Shadow.  He had the best Dad in the world and even though you had each other for only 4 years, just know that those were the best four years for both of you.

I'll ask my little kitty, Cissy, to look for Shadow and help make him welcome.  Cissy passed away almost 2 years ago (12/21/06) and I miss her so much.

I will light a candle for Shadow and add him to my prayer list, as well as you.  Feel better and remember that we are all here for you.

Carol   

I just read your story about Shadow, and of course I'm brought to tears.  It's so hard to let them go to the Bridge, especially when they are so young.  But you did the right thing.  The final act of love.  But you know Shadow is still there with you in your memories every day.  You'll never forget him because he was a part of your life, an important part, and you did your best for him.  But best of all know that Shadow will be there waiting for you to cross the Rainbow Bridge where you'll again be together. 

Have you see this yet?  Give it a look/see.

http://www.indigo.org/rainbowbridge_ver2.html

My heart goes out to you.  I am so sorry for you and for Shadow. 

I would like to start by saying how much the responses I've received mean to me, and I THANK YOU very much!!

I still cant believe she is gone, I still feel empty with out her in my life. It's amazing how much these little guys take ahold of your heart.

Now onto better news!!!!

I am a dog person and anyone who is knows that a home is not complete without a dog( best bud). I recently welcomed a little bundle of energy which I named Sadie into my life. She is a Golden as well as Shadow was.  I am well aware that I did this a little to soon but I figured that it's the right thing to do. For how much Shadow was a part of my life as I was hers, it makes me feel good to start a new and loving friendship/relationship/lifetime with my new baby, Sadie. She is not a replacement nor do I look at her as that, just a way to carry on my love of dogs knowing that there are many out there that dont receive any. God knows if I had the room, I'd take em all in!!

Anyways, just wanted to share the news.

Thanks again for those who have read my initial posting, just remember love your dogs and make some tails wag!!!

Shadow, I miss and love you very much baby! I hope your having fun with your friends on the other side of the bridge!!

We can never find a replacement for an animal who was truly beloved.  Sadly, they live for such a very short time, so it is inevitable we will not spend much of our lives with them.  They will live in our hearts forever, but another animal needs our help and love, so we need to try to let someone else have some safety and comfort in this life.  We will never forget them, and we are lucky they were ours to love.   

Shadowsdad-

My heart goes out to you. I'm so sorry for your loss especially so young. I know how much you must be hurting my family & I had to say goodbye to our 10 year old lab in July. It was a very hard road with still so many unanswered questions. Still to this day I breakdown everytime I think of her. Just know that Shadow loved you and knew how much she was loved as well. Dog's are not pet's they are family(We call our dog's our hairy kid's). Our lab was the queen of the house and she knew it. I'm sure Shadow was too!!! Remember all the good time's that you two shared. I pray that your hurt goes away but never your love & amazing memories. I always thought people were crazy when they said to get another dog right away. I never thought I could love again...but we did. We now have a chocolate lab puppy named Brie. I look back & I don't know what I would do without her. Our heart's are still broken but Brie has showed us how to love again. She doesn't take Brysten's spot as the Queen but she is definitely the princess!!

Hugs & Kisses to you and Sadie

-Brie's Mommy