Hi,

I'm usually a 'lurker' but have recently gotten involved in helping a human find a forever home for her senior Black boy Shadow. He's 11 yrs young and has been with the same family his entire life. Marital circumstances have caused his human to make a dreaded decision.... (I'd ditch the husband personally:thumb4:...)

Anyway, does anyone know a contact here in Southern Nevada that can help find him a forever home? I'm sure his human will help with transport if needed.

I'll post pics ASAP....

Also, a home/foster must be found by the end of next week (Jan 5)....

(My rescue contacts with Labrador Life Line are worldwide and case-specific and have yet to work a case in Nevada....)

Good luck, Teri.. I got your email - but am out of town in Chicago until the 6th, very late.

I have two other owner surrenders that I promised to take in as soon as I have an open foster, so I don't think we can help.. but I'd be happy to list him on our Crossposts page if you want.

Let me know..

Hi Lisa (all),

Thanks for the response. Yes, PLEASE do crosspost him... hopefully someone out there will be able to take him in. His human is very teary-eyed - I can tell she really doesn't want to give him up but...

I'll double check how much she's willing to donate to the cause for transport if necessary, etc. He is UTD on his shots and has no major medical issues that his human is aware of.

I trust you and your judgement (and that of other members too) so it's doubtful she'll ask for any cash, especially if I'm in the mix (LLL connection). I've warned her not to "give" him away to anyone unless through me, someone involved with the breed (i.e., LLL, LabMed, etc.), or someone directly involved with Lab rescue (you :smile). She seems to be a very good person with the greatest of intentions....

(I yanked her from a craigslist posting "free to good home" a few weeks ago. Okay, not "yanked" but made sure I sent her to the link that more people need to know about: http://www.animalaidsw.org/free.html !! I think it terrified her enough to never consider "free to good home" again - ever!!)

Anyway, here's a pic of Shadow: (He doesn't have much grey on the muzzle but then Mykal turned grey around 3 or 4... Jasmine around 7 or 8. Guess it depends on the pup...)

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z28/sophiesundown/Shadow_10-24-07_2015.jpg
It was taken on 10-24-07 with her phone - her cable to dl pics from her camera is packed in a box somewhere....

I so wish I could take him! As you know, I have a house full as it is... :eek:

(Happy New Year!!)

WOW! I can't believe somebody would give up their 11 year old! But, no sense judging since it seems to be the case. Sure hope somebody can take him in!!! He looks like an angel!

What a beautiful dog. I feel for his owner and for Shadow. How is Shadow with other dogs and cats? What about kids? The more we know, the better chance of finding him the perfect home. Thank you.

I sure do understand this humans situation. I have been there. But I had a good friend keep the golden retriever I had at the time when I divorced. Then when I got into a home again with a fence, I got her back. I hope Shadow can find someone to take him in. A senior has no business being in a shelter. Especially after knowing a warm home all of his life.

Shadow is just beautiful!!

I am praying someone takes him in!

Thank you all for your replies...

He is great with other dogs - apparently the husband doesn't mind little dogs and wants to keep the terriers they currently have. Poor Shadow... He's also very good with kids of all ages. He sounds like the typical happy-go-lucky Labrador with lots of love in his heart.

I just feel so bad for the guy....

Please ask away if you have further questions and I'll find out all that I can....

He's beautiful. What a sad sad situation. Is he good with cats?

I will find out how he is with cats....

Thanks!

:-)

(I have a few ?s in for her to answer and also more pics...)

Oh my, he reminds me so much of my Shadow. She was almost 11 when she went to the Rainbow Bridge.

I sure hope somebody can help this guy and that he finds a home to live out the rest of his life. He's gorgeous!

How could the husband decide to keep the terriers yappy that they are and give up this beautiful Lab?? I thought marital circumstances meant a divorce. Sounds as though the husband just decided he had had enough of Shadow. Sorry but I'd ditch him before the dogs. I mean that too. If we are lucky, Labs make it to 12 or a little beyond. He can't handle having Shadow around just a bit longer??? Makes me mad.

I know Soops, makes me mad too but I think he's more of the domineering type.... I'd ditch him too personally, no ?s asked, he'd be out the door! Also, in her defense, this is the 2nd husband and her 1st had 'custody' of Shadow when she met #2. Still.... I'd ditch him! Easy choice for you and I (and most others here) b/c our dogs are our kids and giving one up would never be a consideration.... I better stop.... lol....

As far as further questions/answers, these are his human's own words:

Yes he's UTD
As far as known medical issues, they haven't ever said anything but I've noticed in the last month sometimes when he gets up it takes a moment for his hips to adjust. Is that an early indicator of hip problems? The vet says he's still strong back there.
He is a little scared of cats but even if a cat were to attack him, he wouldn't hurt it. But if a cat doesn't mind him, he doesn't pay attention to it. He was bit by an adult dog when he was a puppy and I think ever since then he has never tried to dominate. If other dogs try to take his toys, bones, or food - he just lets them. He's a total lover. He is GREAT with kids. When I first got him, my roommates had a baby and he would always check on the baby. Then as the baby grew into a toddler, he would tug on Shadows ears, stick his fingers everywhere and Shadow was great with him.
He still easily gets excited (jumps around and pants) about the leash or treats, but as long as you use the right tone, he listens and sits until he can have it or go out the door.He has literally NEVER had an accident inside the house. His father is a chocolate from Germany and his mother is a black from England. They (the parent dogs) house broke him when he was a pup because he would go out when they went out. By the time I got him at 8 or 10 weeks old, he didn't need to be house broken. There has been a time when he was stuck inside a few hours longer than I anticipated and when I got home he was doing the "potty dance" but no accidents! As soon as I let him out, there was definitely a sigh of relief! lol
I will pay a gas fee if necessary.
Also if we can at least get him fostered by next week, I will pay a fee and food for that as well. My husband is freaking out..... He's not a bad guy, he's just not a dog person. It's only fair to him because technically I didn't have a dog when I met him since Shadow was living with my ex at that time.
But hopefully he can go to the perfect permanent home instead of being fostered first.
Thank you again for everything.
His food is BLUE made by Blue Buffalo. He has always had the best quality of everything. Oh he does have a broken tooth. The vet didn't suggest extracting it so part of it is still there.
He loves to swim, he loves anything to do with water. Let me know what else you need to know.

So... it's obvious she loves him lots, just loves the husband more maybe. (??) Her 1st husband is out of the picture on this one and totally unable to take Shadow.

Shadow has been well cared for and loved for his whole life. Can someone please help me with Shadow? Poor fella just needs a warm, happy home for a few more years. Everyone here knows how AWESOME senior Labs are!! They're the very best ever!!

Please help the poor guy find a forever home where he'll make everyone in the family smile everyday!!

Here's a pic of my girl Jasmine (black) and most recent rescue, Buddy:
http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z28/sophiesundown/P1600730----.jpg

Teri w/ My Choc Boy Mykal in Spirit:angel:
Jasmine - Born 03/08/94 (Black Girl, 13y,10m)
Elizabeth & Gimpy - Recued 09/09/01 (Mixed breed littermates, 6 1/2 yrs)
Buddy - Rescued 11/19/07 (Choc Boy, approx 8 yrs)

Great info on Shadow. He sounds more than perfect. I wish he was around the corner from me. I would see how he does with my five and go from there.

I'm still mad though about the husband (#2) If he isn't a dog person then why is he keeping the terriers? AND if he loved his wife, really loved her, he would see that giving up Shadow is killing her. Sorry but I had to add that to my post!

Is there anyone nearby that can foster? Did you take Mrs. Lisa offer to cross post? There is something about Shadow that is just sticking with me. Don't know what it is.

Yes, I have taken Lisa's offer to cross post (see my post after hers).

I'm looking for someone to foster and/or adopt - close by or anywhere for that matter.

I know wiwwitsmom, he's sticking with me too! I so wish I could take him and may have to but just know I can't handle it. I don't want to be unfair to the 4 I have or to Shadow either. Plus, my new rescue is finally settling in and he has some issues with past abuse that I've been trying very hard to work with. It wouldn't be fair to him to push him to the background. Plus, plus, plus.....

Anyway, I've got some calls in to friends that fell in love with my seniors when they had their surgeries this past summer. Hoping and praying that one of them will take Shadow in. If so, it will be a forever home for sure....

Is there a possibility of getting some better pictures of Shadow. I can't really see him in the one posted. His story is heart wrenching. (and I would boot the husband first)

You know what? I think I might ask if I can go visit him. It's driving me crazy titus! I'll take pics myself if I can visit....

(Yes, I think we are all in agreement: DITCH THE HUSBAND!! lol....)

I've just sent my number and requested a visit... Watch, I'll end up taking him home! Man.... lol...

Mykal:

That is so wonderful. Did you call the shelter!! I would-so they don't put him to sleep.

Oh, He will be so happy to see someone!!!

Shadow is so beautiful-I would take him, but my husand is another one!!

Hi Karen,

Well I'm trying to keep him out of the shelter. He's still with his humans... They are moving into a new house next week.

Poor fella!! Could you imagine? Going into a shelter after knowing a home his whole life... I know THOUSANDS go thru it and it drives me insane!

I pulled my Buddy from a shelter in November, he's approx 8 and it broke my heart everytime I left there without him. (Had to get a crate and the house in order and they promised not to have him PTS and they kept their promise. Thank God! He is a true blessing!) He's standing here staring at me right now... with a squeaky toy of course! Nothing but love in his heart!

Hopefully I'll be able to visit Shadow and get some new pics of him.... If so, I'll post them ASAP...

Maybe, just maybe - you could talk to Barbi at the Utah Lab Rescue. She just had a baby, but they have a program for Senior Labbies. No Lab Left Behind. www.utahlabrescue.com I don't know if she is still taking a break from rescue but it's worth it to check. She is "Barbi n Brock" on the board. You could send her a PM, too.

I will take your advice no1utefan! Heading to her site now... (& a pm too!)

Thanks!!

There is something about Shadow that is Don't know what it is.

Yoo hoo, wiwwitsmom, I know what it is......

omi dear..I think you are right.....STOP ... already...I DON'T KNOW HOW TO DO THIS...I have a 10 year old bitchy spayed female yellow..that loves cats....and humans and I think she might love a "playmate"...but darn..how do you adopt? I don't have a fenced in yard..and living in Vermont now is so cold..and the poor thing would have to travel here...and then be subjected to the cold...and there are many nights I'm late at work...Nope it isn't gonna work..Nope..I sure hope there is a forever home out there..darn

Mykal...PLEASE save Shadow. He sounds good as gold. I bet you will hardly know he is even in your home. He is beautiful and needs someone more than ever. And thank you for keeping him out of a shelter:thumb4:

[QUOTE=Mykal-inSpirit;1963298684]Thank you all for your replies...

He is great with other dogs - apparently the husband doesn't mind little dogs and wants to keep the terriers they currently have. Poor Shadow... He's also very good with kids of all ages. He sounds like the typical happy-go-lucky Labrador with lots of love in his heart. [QUOTE]

That is absolutely serious BS and really ****es me off......honestly I would have ditched my wife before we got married f she didn't like big dogs. As far as I am concerned my dog is my child and if you don't like that then see the door go through it and don't come back.

Sorry guys for getting so angry, but this stuff just irritates me and it was a long day at work.

We are all upset by this..let's just hope there is a forever home.

:frusty:Geez, if I was there, I would take him. We are too far away and do not have the $$ or means to transport him to Wisconsin.

I know, I know azawinsky.... I feel so desperate! I was quite a bit angry too..... but now I'm just focused on Shadow and getting him somewhere. He only has a few years left to live, if that! I pray someone will help me help him....

Soops... I am soooooo tempted but I don't think I can handle it. My yard is big and fenced but my 'kids' are inside kids and the inside is very small. You're right, he'd probably fit in but then I have a really pesky mixed breed rescue that likes to attack other males. He's done very well with my latest rescue, Buddy. It has taken some work and still does, particularly with Buddy's history of abuse.

Then I think financially.... vet bills.... I'm still paying off Mykie's 911 vet bill before he passed...

I know.... what's one more.... man..... let's just say, we'll see. I have very cool neighbors - we have a 3 dog limit law here in Vegas and I have 4 already. There is a certain license that I could get though.... one that states I'm in the 'Show' circuit. I would just hope they didn't visit! lol....

Pam was kind enough to send a msg over to Jill the local Humane assoc lady. If she's the same one that I know of, she LOVES Labs. It would be SOOOOOOOO awesome if she could help. I'm calling one of her volunteers here in a few minutes....

Still watching this thread and hoping for good news for Shadow! :(

Thank you for keeping tabs Shadow'sMom... I know poor guy, huh?:(

Your Shadow looks like my Jasmine:

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z28/sophiesundown/Kids/P1130357.jpg

Checking in before I go to bed.

Thanks Rudysmom..

Wonder how much gas would be for transport to Wisconsin?? You mentioned you'd be willing to take him in.... How wonderful would that be? Imagine the happiness he'd have with 3 kids!! & a play pal!!

If RudysMom will take Shadow, I think we HAVE to find a way to get him there.

Mykal-I have a 3 dog limit in town also but I now have 5. I can't apply for a kennel permit or license because they don't have them in town. To make matters worse one of my rescues doesn't get along with the other 4 so I have to keep him separate at all times.
(Looking for a place with acreage so I can add to the family though.)

Please keep us updated on Shadow. Hope you are able to visit him.

Ah man Soops! I'm leaning towards it.... I really am. I can't sleep... just got back from my bf's a bit ago and now am trying to get tired again.

I'm thinking REALLY hard about it. I could make all of the excuses in the world ... It would just be a LOT easier if someone out there just happens to be looking for a senior Black Lab! lol, I know, but someone who I made contact with knows someone who's looking for just that, only a female.

Boys are cool too! Here's the happiest senior boy in the world:
(My Bridgekid, Mykal Gris *Angel*o... taken less than a month b4 he crossed over and he was nearly 12....)http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z28/sophiesundown/Kids/-P1210669.jpg
*Not Shadow*.... My boy Mykie.... a very happy senior Lab! (still up to his antics, even from the other side!)

Also, 11 is NOT that old - a ruptured splenic tumor took my boy. :mad: Otherwise, he'd still be with me. My girl Jasmine is nearly 14 and acts like a 5 yr old....:p:

I'll drive 2 hours (maybe more) out in any direction if that helps.... If I had the money, maybe I'd drive home to VA!! Might as well make a stop in Wisconsin, right?! or even up to Vermont!! lol... only kidding, not going to VA... but will drive somewhere....

I came across a site where different legs of transport were assigned to get dogs from place to place. Is that done here on this board?

(Haven't heard from Shadow's human today... I mean on the 2nd... waiting for better pics or hopefully I'll be able to visit him. I will check back after I nap for a few....)

Pam was kind enough to send a msg over to Jill the local Humane assoc lady. If she's the same one that I know of, she LOVES Labs. It would be SOOOOOOOO awesome if she could help. I'm calling one of her volunteers here in a few minutes....

Just read the pm's and this thread....this just breaks my heart. :cry2:

I do LOVE the labs...that is why I got the 2nd foster I have...they were going to take him to the shelter. We were not supposed to take in any more but there is no way he was going to the shelter if I could help it sooooo... :p: I do foster for the Las Vegas Valley Humane Society and have Sheba, who is a 10 year old lab mix and Nestle, a 2 year old chocolate. I also have 2 labs and a GSD of my own. As much as I hate to say it I personally cannot take him, my Bandit is having some issues and I HAVE to slow down a bit for his sake.

YES, please, please contact our volunteer at the Humane Society though. They have 2 new dogs that need foster homes and the Humane Society is asking for help with those so that they can bring them in. Soooooo frustrating...and sad. I don't know if we can take him but I will call and ask too...he certainly doesn't need to be at the shelter. I will pm you after I talk to her. :thumb4:

I will help in any other way if we cannot take him....transport, money...let me know. I will continue to check on Shadow. He deserves a great home.

Jill.....this one is killing me too :cry2:

Dang, he looks GOOD for being 11 !!!! Let me know if there is anyway I can help out.

Barb....can you take another one???

Just got home from work and checking in for a Shadow update. Any good news for this boy?? Mykal........still considering him?

Just touching base.... status/update on Shadow....

All,

Thank you ALL so very much for the responses, here and pm's. Your concern is very much appreciated and validates my drive to find Shadow a forever home.

I have not heard from Shadow's human re the possiblity of me visiting and taking more pics. I'm sure I'll hear from her today. However, I have a root canal scheduled at 4 (eww...) EW! So I'm not sure I'll be up to a visit but with enough pain meds in me, I'd probably be up to most anything... lol...

Lisa - I'll take you up on the offer to help with cross posting... Much appreciated (& Happy B-lated... I think??)

Karen519 - Would you help me cross post over to rescuecentral? (sent you a pm....)

Pam & Jen - You guys are the greatest! (You ALL are...) Do you know or does anyone know what Joe Maringo's profile name is?

Jill - I left a msg on the gen vm for Nancy re Shadow... keeping them crossed. I've also sent you a pm, lengthy one ... The gift of gab - can't help it! (Just read your pm... I love you!)

no1utefan - I've sent msgs to Barbi, both email and pm... (keeping what evers left crossed). Since she's a new mommy, I'll contact another volunteer there if I don't hear from her later tonight.

Soops - You are too kind... thank you for the support! & also for letting me know that I'm not totally whacked for thinking of fostering him.... You do know that I'll keep him?! Man... then the heartbreak... but, but, but, but....

Titus - (yes, boot the husband!!:thumb4:) (working on pics...)

azawinsky - You have too many kitties! Don't you want to even it out a bit? ;) (in your case, boot the wife!)

Boysmom - Don't you want a splash of Black in your boy mix?? I think it would look fantastic.... look:

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z28/sophiesundown/4together-copy_JasmineintheMix.jpg

(That's my Jasmine girl but would be more than happy to put Shadow's pic in the mix once I get a new one... :D lol....)

Shadow'smom, Rudysmum, wiwwwitsmom - I will drive out a few hours... perhaps we can find other volunteers/$$ to get him to you.... ?? You never know, where there's a will.... Shadow, Shadow, Shadow :-)

kpowell, IndyLabMom - thanks for keeping tabs and cheering Shadow on.... KY, IN - what's the difference? lol...

:angel: Doggyma - Don't forget to watch for the 'orbs'! :angel:

Thank you again everyone... there's no one on Earth like a Lab lover!

Off to the dentist...

Teri, Mykal in Spirit, Jasmine, Elizabeth, Gimpy, & Buddy too!

It may not be his forever home (yet ;))... Nancy - awesome woman she is :cool: - with the Las Vegas Humane Society will take him at anytime!!! She'll find a place for him in one of her fosters and we'll go from there!

How wonderful is that news?! I am just so happy!! Even tho the smiling hurts from my root canal, I still can't help it!! Yay!!!!!
:party:

So.... thank you all so very much again!! Happy news for Shadow, that's all that matters (now if I can just get his human to call or reply to my msgs...)

:thumb4:

Teri, :angel:Mykal in Spirit:angel:, Jasmine, Elizabeth, Gimpy, & Buddy too!

(& Shadow too!!)

That is great news. Hopefully the foster will fall in love with Shadow as we all have and keep him forever. If not, I bet the first Lab lovin family that meets him will welcome him in to their home. Great work Mykal! Congratulations. Good luck Shadow.

Good news to start my day-

Thanks to you Teri and Mykal. Good luck Shadow!

Awesome news, good luck and great job:)

Mykal:

Bless you for saving Shadow!

So he is out of the Shelter and in a foster home now?

I just saw your private msg. today, sorry-things have been crazy at work.

This is wonderful. You go Shadow boy and don't look back. You will find a new forever home with humans that will love more than ever. You deserve all the attention, love and treats you can get.

Thanks to everyone here -- you are all special. Go LAB Lovers - You Rock

This is great news! Go Shadow!

Just touching base.... status/update on Shadow....



Boysmom - Don't you want a splash of Black in your boy mix?? I think it would look fantastic.... look:

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z28/sophiesundown/4together-copy_JasmineintheMix.jpg

(That's my Jasmine girl but would be more than happy to put Shadow's pic in the mix once I get a new one... :D lol....)

Evan, I think the black fits right in! :p: Teri, :thumb4:

Mykal-inSpirit Shadow has a home!!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It may not be his forever home (yet )... Nancy - awesome woman she is - with the Las Vegas Humane Society will take him at anytime!!! She'll find a place for him in one of her fosters and we'll go from there!

How wonderful is that news?! I am just so happy!! Even tho the smiling hurts from my root canal, I still can't help it!! Yay!!!!!


So.... thank you all so very much again!! Happy news for Shadow, that's all that matters (now if I can just get his human to call or reply to my msgs...)



Teri, Mykal in Spirit, Jasmine, Elizabeth, Gimpy, & Buddy too!

(& Shadow too!!)

What wonderful news!!!! Nancy IS an awesome lady and BTW, she is a lab lover too. :D She also has a soft spot for them.

Good job Teri! Shadow is lucky to have you looking out for him. :hug:

Now let's see how many pups I have once I meet him.. oh no!!

Just kidding.... (I think) ;) He has a cozy foster awaiting his arrival! I'm so excited for him!!

I'll let you all know how it goes.... I'm just so happy for him!!:D

Thank you ALL again!!

Teri, Mykal in Spirit, Jasmine, Elizabeth, Gimpy, & Buddy too!

Good job Teri - I'm looking forward to hearing how it goes.

Oh what great news! I just got the e-mail with this link today. Our website had been hijacked a bit ago, but all of a sudden we are getting hundreds of junk mail a day now. Must have ****** someone off. Anyhoo, I had over 1,200 e-mails to go through before I got to the one about sweet Shadow.

If the Las Vegas group wants us to post him, let me know and we will. Lucky, the black senior we'd had forever was adopted officially last week by his foster home! YAY!!! Lucky lucky boy!

We did have another home apply for Lucky so I can contact them about Shadow and see if they'd be interested? PM me the info I can give them if so. Thanks guys!

Shadow is doing great in his foster and will be well cared for the rest of his life even if he never gets adopted. He is an amazing dog.:angel:

These were taken on Friday night when I dropped him off at his foster home.... It was already dark and starting to rain but you can still see what a gorgeous boy he is...
http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z28/sophiesundown/Shadow_01-04-08_P1620002.jpg
http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z28/sophiesundown/Shadow_01-04-08_P1620003.jpg
He's a big boy!! lol... As you can see, he's not fat, just big! He's also not like any senior I've come accross. He seems so much younger!:baby:

I wanted to share the pics on Friday but wasn't sure if I should ... :confused: I didn't want to keep bumping the msg up since Shadow is safe and sound.... but then couldn't we all use a smile about now?

Thank you for the update Nancy!! What an awesome group you have! :ibow Nancy, you're my hero!! I can't thank you enough for helping me help Shadow... Hopefully there will be a big "happy happy, joy joy" update soon!

:thumb4:

Mykal...thank you for the update! I have been checking every day for the latest on Shadow. He is absolutely beautiful. And I'm so happy that he is now with someone that wants him to be there!

I am so ecstatic for Shadow!!

What a GORGEOUS boy!!!

:clap::clap::clap::clap::party::party:

He looks like one big happy shadow.:thumb4: I love his smile.

There is a very sad update to this thread that I received from BratWorst.

I received this email from Nancy (xanna), the LVVHS coordinator about Shadow. She brought Shadow in and found a foster home for him. He had not been neutered and so he went in for his surgery, he came through just fine. There were no indications that he had any health issues.

This is the email:

Quote:
Shadow had been so lethargic and depressed since we got him but he ate, drank and loved being petted. Today when the foster came home from work Shadow was dead. It was the saddest site I ever saw. I kept asking myself if I did something wrong in terms of his medical but we did bloodwork and so on.I felt sad because he was dumped by his owner of eleven years. I picked his body up and we went to the vet, they did an autopsy but they called it another name. Shadow had severe lung disease and possibly cancer, that I will not know for a few days. The bottom line is that this woman either knew this or totally neglected him in terms of vet care. I hope she is forever happy with her new husband but its beyond me how she can look herself in the mirror. I only hope she never owns another animal. I do know that the few days he was with his foster he was inside and loved. If we had known any of this it is possible we could have given medication or some extra comfort. Thank you for asking me to help because he did not die alone in a cold shelter and who knows how long before this woman would have even noticed his body.


I am so sorry,
Nancy.

Oh how sad:( I can't even believe this! RIP poor boy.

Sorry to post such a sad ending...

It is the reality of rescue...and uncaring owners. I feel really bad for his foster mom too. That must have been awful for her. :(

I have to agree with Nancy in that at least he didn't die die alone at a cold shelter or alone in his yard.

RIP sweet Shadow. We loved you!

That is so sad! :(

Thank God he didn't die in the shelter. I hope his former owner receives the same treatment she gave him.

RIP Shadow.

Shadow ole boy -- you are loved. :hug:

Oh Teri, I am so sorry to hear this. You did right by Shadow, making sure he was safe in his last day. I'm only glad to know he's with Mykie now, being pals.

I feel horrible you guys... I'm questioning whether I did the right thing... maybe if I would have waited... I took him from the only people he knew his whole life!! I just couldn't bare thinking of him being unwanted though, and pushed aside for other smaller, 'wanted' dogs. Imagining him wondering why he didn't get to play or get all the snuggles anymore was hard to take.

I shouldn't feel so bad for not taking him to my home... I know his foster mom loved him with all that she had. I feel very bad for her... I know her heart is breaking more than mine for she loved him and was blessed to have him for a little bit longer.

I feel sick to my stomach... but I know that Nancy, Bratworst, everyone is so right - he wasn't alone, in a cold shelter, or left where someone wouldn't find him for days. His last few days were spent surrounded by people and doggie friends that loved him, and opened their home and their hearts to him. Shadow was welcomed and wasn't pushed away or left feeling hurt and lonely.

I don't know if I should tell his previous human :mad: - the only one he knew as his 'mom'. I am just so thankful that he felt what it was like to be happy again... to really know a MOM. Even if for only a few days, he felt *true* love from her and everyone around him.

Shadow:

You are a very good boy... your mom and dad and other doogie siblings were just unable to keep you and another wonderful family was ready to love you forever. You are so VERY loved sweet baby boy. Please know that I am sorry that I took you away from the only family you knew your whole life but I only wanted the best for you.

You've met :angel:Mykal:angel:, the boy I told you about on the way to Sam's. Now you can see what I mean by him being the greatest friend ever, and how you two are one in the same. Give him my love!!

Go run and play now good boy... follow Mykie and all of your new friends towards the Rainbow - down the road, thru the grassy field, and to the river. Go for a short bit and at the clearing, the river runs into a great big lake for you to swim and romp as long as you want!! Go get as muddy as you want too, and join in on Mykie's ball games everyday!!

:angel:Godspeed Shadow...:angel:
Keep my Mykal company until we meet again!!

Teri, Mykal in Spirit, Jasmine, Elizabeth, Gimpy, & Buddy too!!

I don't know if I should tell his previous human :mad:

My heart goes out to you, Teri - you created a wonderful network of help and love for Shadow.

My gut is to tell her. If nothing else, it may alert her to the necessity of preventive, proactive veterinary care for the other dogs. Probably not but hopefully it will give her something to think about.

:hug:

Peaceful travels, Shadow.

I'm thinking that I should tell her but...

The only thing is, I know in my heart that she loved him BUT had probably been taught her whole life that animals are disposable. I don't think she knew any better. I really don't...

So then I wonder if it's right to break her down and leave her with a guilt trip forever. My answer is "YES"... but is it the right thing to do if she was simply 'ignorant'. It would be a hard lesson but her other 'wanted' dogs might benefit....

:decision:

Nancy is right tho, responsible ownership may have prevented all of this. But could anyone have known? Then on the other hand, they would have probably just put him down vs. paying for treatment... may have been better for him anyway. Then he wouldn't have been emotionally traumatized by lack of love and rehoming...

He knew love in his last days. Thanks to Nancy, Jill & Sam, Shadow knew true love, and a warm, happy home....

Rest in peace Shadow. What a sad ending for everyone. Teri and Nancy, thank you for trying.

So then I wonder if it's right to break her down and leave her with a guilt trip forever. My answer is "YES"... but is it the right thing to do if she was simply 'ignorant'

Sadly, hard lessons aren't painless, especially if she truly loved him but just didn't know any better. You won't be delivering the message as revenge but rather as the gentle nudge for her to realize there is a better way to do things next time.

Run with the wind Shadow..........you knew true love in the end.

I wouldn't let his previous owner know anything. I can't even write on here what I am thinking should happen to her.......I would surely be banned. There is a nice spot in hell for people like her........I hope she lives a HAPPY life with her husband.......I truly hope this comes back and bites her in the ***.

RIP Shadow! Thank you to all who helped in his journey. I am so thankful he was in a home when he passed. You all are angels on earth!

Shadow's first mom should know, this is a life lesson for her.

I really feel for the foster. I can relate. I also foster for Nancy and the LVVHS but I am still involved on the cat side too. We have a small office space where we have some cats waiting for adoption or a foster home to open up. Once we took in a dog and 2 older cats for an older couple where the wife had just died and the husband was incapable of caring for himself, let alone the animals. I went into the office one morning to find the older of the two cats dead. I believe she died of a broken heart. She was an overweight cat so we really didn't notice when she stopped eating and she died of liver failure.

However, in Shadow's case, I think the owner should be told and maybe she'll think twice before getting rid of the ones she wants now but may also get to be old and not quite so "cute" although labs never stop being cute!

My best to the foster and hope she feels better soon knowing that she gave him much needed love in his final days.

RIP Shadow and i will pray for the foster......

RIP Shadow and i will pray for the foster......
me 2

Oh how sad, but how lucky he was to finally get the love he deserved, no matter how short. That is exactly what matters most, the quality not quantity. I know how hard it is to lose a rescue/foster quickly, but keep telling yourself that you did right by him, you were his angel here! And now, he's an angel at the Bridge with all of our furangels! I'm sure they're having a blast, and he is no longer in any pain, just with love in his heart for the kindness some strangers gave him.

God bless you guys!

Rest in peace sweet Shadow :tissue:

so sad
his previous owner probably wouldnt feel guilty (which is non productive anyway ).she disposed of him after 11 yrs, remember?

Mykal-inSpirit,

Ruptured splenic tumor? That is exactly what happened to my lab Tucson, also at 11 years old. We had no idea he was sick, but that was him. He was an abused dog that I adopted and he NEVER showed weakness, until that horrible night. He could not get up, it did not take long for us to tell how serious it was. We had to carry him to our car.

He held on long enough for myself, bf and my mom to say goodbye. He was off to surgery, but died before then, on his own terms.

Sorry, off topic a bit.

RIP sweet Shadow.
I'm happy you were loved you last few days.

:cry2: poor guy :cry2:

so sad
his previous owner probably wouldnt feel guilty (which is non productive anyway ).she disposed of him after 11 yrs, remember?

As much as I wish this were not true, it probably is...:(

jaztaz Rest well, Shadow...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I really feel for the foster. I can relate. I also foster for Nancy and the LVVHS but I am still involved on the cat side too. We have a small office space where we have some cats waiting for adoption or a foster home to open up. Once we took in a dog and 2 older cats for an older couple where the wife had just died and the husband was incapable of caring for himself, let alone the animals. I went into the office one morning to find the older of the two cats dead. I believe she died of a broken heart. She was an overweight cat so we really didn't notice when she stopped eating and she died of liver failure.

However, in Shadow's case, I think the owner should be told and maybe she'll think twice before getting rid of the ones she wants now but may also get to be old and not quite so "cute" although labs never stop being cute!

My best to the foster and hope she feels better soon knowing that she gave him much needed love in his final days.

That really breaks my heart.

I'll have to pm you to find out who you are, or do we already know each other? It's nice to see a fellow LVVHS foster here. :D

Aww...Mykal in Spirit, everything YOU did was wonderful (as well as the foster). Why don't you wait and see if the old "mom" even calls looking for an update before you decide what to tell her?

I actually read the end of this post first (the R.I.P) and then went back to see what happened....as I was piecing it together it seemed like you had found a place for the dog but the owners had put him down first...and you know, THAT could have happened too---how would you have felt then? So.....you did the BEST thing--you found a place for him, which AINT EASY!! It just happened that the "owners" had a different way of destroying you....I can't stand it!!!

If the old owner calls, I would just answer her questions truthfully and not add anything to it. "Yes, it turns out your dog was very ill. He had lung disease and possibly cancer. He has passed away."

I am so sorry for you and the foster and Shadow. But God Bless you.

Mare