Shadow makes me think of my first pup Sammy. He was sheltie, but was weirdly small - only 12 pounds. Based on some clues from his behavior and medical problems, I think he started in a puppy mill that was trying to breed “mini shelties,” but was given the boot for being sterile. I was home number 4, and the previous owner chose me because they thought I was stubborn enough to be his forever home. He was ANXIOUS. Never quite potty trained. Barked at other dogs on leash and humped them off leash. Major medical event every two years like clockwork. But oh my god did I love that dog. He was my heart dog.
I really enjoyed this piece, and I’m looking forward to more of your writing!
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the story. It’s a little humbling, writing these Shadow files, he kept me going in such circles. But in the end, he taught me about aging with dignity. That’s another story, I suppose. After Shadow I no longer believed the adage “ It’s never the dog, it’s always the owner”. Some dogs are just special! Sammy photo?
This story was so much like many of my foster dog encounters. Always surprising. Never dull. What a bummer that he left this world so early.
Keep reading! 😎He never did respect the voices of authority. Story continues next month.
Shadow makes me think of my first pup Sammy. He was sheltie, but was weirdly small - only 12 pounds. Based on some clues from his behavior and medical problems, I think he started in a puppy mill that was trying to breed “mini shelties,” but was given the boot for being sterile. I was home number 4, and the previous owner chose me because they thought I was stubborn enough to be his forever home. He was ANXIOUS. Never quite potty trained. Barked at other dogs on leash and humped them off leash. Major medical event every two years like clockwork. But oh my god did I love that dog. He was my heart dog.
I really enjoyed this piece, and I’m looking forward to more of your writing!
Oh he’s cuuuuute! Great pic, looks like you’re both singing.
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the story. It’s a little humbling, writing these Shadow files, he kept me going in such circles. But in the end, he taught me about aging with dignity. That’s another story, I suppose. After Shadow I no longer believed the adage “ It’s never the dog, it’s always the owner”. Some dogs are just special! Sammy photo?
I don’t think substack supports photos in article comments, sadly, but he’s the little guy in my profile photo!
Absolutely loved this story. THANK YOU
Thanks! Some dogs are just…different.
I loved reading this. The descriptions were so clear it was like being there with the devil dog.
Thanks Pat!