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MEMORIES OF SHADOW
In January, 2000 this handsome Sheltie was found with an injured leg by a kind woman in Wichita. After exhausting the leads from the old tag, it was determined that he was a stray or "dumped" dog. Out of the kindness and monetary gifts of numerous people, Shadow underwent surgery to fix his badly broken leg with a titanium plate. This launched our rescue to save dogs in need. Six months after adoption by Sherry & JD, his leg became infected from one of the screws; rather than put him through numerous additional surgeries, we decided to have the leg amputated. He quickly recovered and most people did not realize his three legged stance till he moved - with a little hopping motion.
Our “big guy” passed over to the Rainbow Bridge May 2, 2005. He fought a courageous fight with cancer from October 2004 until then when the fight became too much for both Shadow and us.
Many of you remember how he became the reason for our rescue to be formed, and the many people who gave of themselves and their donations to save his leg prior to our adopting him. He was the inspiration for our group and continued to show the steadfast boldness until the end. He will always be remembered by all as a patient, loving, gentle, and fun loving companion. His ability to accept all the dogs we brought through our home over the last five years was characteristic of his nature; he helped to mold many of them into suitable family pets with his “showing the ropes” to them. Even after losing the leg to the infection, he was always so happy and ready for the walk around the neighborhood, the game of catch with his tennis ball, or a good wrestling match with his two legged Dad.
We truly believe that he is now at the Rainbow Bridge waiting for us, and we will be united with him when God is ready. In the mean time, he will continue to guide and protect the little ones just as he did for all the foster dogs in our program We can only pray that he finds no chocolate there, as we know what that nose can find and that he will surely eat it all!
Shadow was the sunshine in our home and had the sweetest disposition of any dog that we have ever owned. He knew no stranger (so un-Sheltie) and was kind and easy going. He was the "teacher" for all of our other fosters even after he became ill with cancer. God did bless us with an incredible creature who taught many the meaning of courage and love.
Thank you Shadow, for five wonderful years of your unconditional love, to both of us, our children, our granddaughters, and the many people who you shared that wonder smile with. We will miss you as we have missed no other of our four legged kids, but we know that you are pain free and a happy boy now.
We wish to begin a memorial fund in Shadow’s honor with Kansas K-9 ResQ to help other dogs that need a helping hand through life.
JD & Sherry Irwin
Shadow's Memorial Fund
Over the years Shadows inspiration has led to the salvation of
hundreds of dogs who would have been destroyed
but are now placed with loving families.
It is our fervent hope that Shadows legacy will be the continuation of this work.
To this end a special memorial fund is being established in Shadows name
to benefit dogs in crisis. These are dogs that are often considered disposable
by our society. These are dogs with life threatening conditions that cannot survive without the intervention and help of caring individuals.
You can make a difference.
If you are able and would like to make a donation to Shadows Memorial Fund
please contact a KansasK-9 ResQ representative via mail, e-mail or phone.
All money raised will go to help with the medical needs of area dogs in crisis.
Please help us to sustain the work that Shadow so inspired.
 
Kansas K-9 ResQ is a 501 (c) 3 Organization
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