She was always there to greet me with her tail wagging and wet puppy kiss. She always barked ecstatically when the door bell rang. Excitement she never wanted to miss.

She loved playing in the snow and chewing up our winter sleds. I always remembered to hug her before bed.

She loved those dog bone treats and preformed her four tricks perfectly on beat.

She hated taking baths but we baptized her just the same. She was beautifully colored: brindle, silky black, white chest. Oh she had neighborhood fame.

She was faithful, loyal, closer than any brother. My best friend, no there can never be another.

When I went days without seeing her she always waited for me, always forgave me. She'd yip at the door and shower me with kisses. How lucky could I be?

When I was sad, she was my comfort and rest. I'd tell her everything and let her fur dry my tears as I listened to her heart beat in her chest.

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She loved to go on walks; she'd pull me through the streets. She devoured all her food; her favorite were the meats.

She was hilarious and always made us laugh. Her innocent, ignorant little ways made us all take her photograph.

She had the cutest face: one ear up, one ear down. She chased away my every frown

She got older and I did too. But without my Shadow, I wouldn't know what to do.

She got sick but was a fighter. Shadow was a warrior, a survivor who made our lives brighter.

She grew wise and more solemn with age. Then she'd surprise us with her silly outdoor rampage.

She always followed closely at my heels. She sat beside me begging for food at every meal.

But she couldn't follow me to college and I always felt like I never got to say goodbye. But my Shadow will always follow me maybe even right up to the sky.

My heart is breaking. I miss her so much. It's amazing how animals our lives they deeply touch.

I'll never forget you. You will always be my Shadow. You will follow me in my heart wherever I may go.