Name/Age: Shadow - 6.5 y/o
Family Members: Tara
How long has Shadow been in the family? 6 years
Profession: Full time accounting assistant, part time babysitter/nanny
Location: Newnan, GA
Nicknames: Shadow Seven, Sha-row, Mama, Bug, Little One
5 words/phrases that best describe Shadow?
Snuggler
Protector/Mama’s Girl
Lover of naps in cozy blankets
Stubborn!
Age is just a number; she’s still got the energy of the pup I rescued at 6 months old
What makes Shadow unique? She loves people but is protective. Not in an aggressive way but more of a “you’re too close to my human, here are my paws against you with my wiggly body to let you know; & also, here’s a kiss because I love you too but I love her more.”
Beautiful Girl!
Rescue Story: I’m originally from Annapolis, Maryland. I grew up with dogs and, in my lifetime, think our family has gone without a dog for total of maybe 3 weeks. When I was living on my own, I reached out to my landlord to see if it was okay to begin trying to adopt a dog and she was so on board (bless her, she was amazing, loved dogs herself and was in no way breed restrictive when I said I was looking at the SPCA, rescues & animal control.) I went numerous places looking for dogs and even applied for 6. I went to the SPCA near my house after work one night to see what dogs were available. I didn’t even see Shadow (Bonnie as they had named her) when I walked by because she was asleep in a ball (still how she sleeps) in the back corner of her enclosure. Apparently, she saw me though and as I got just out of view of her, I hear a bowl of food go flying and this little wiggle worm of a dog throw herself up against the door on her back legs, bat ears at the ready, to say, “WAIT, here I am!” I knew she was the one. I applied for her on the spot and on Mother’s Day 2013, I got to go pick her up. I thought I was going to name her Chesney (I love me some Kenny ha) but once I got her home, I realized that wasn’t her name at all. Upon meeting her, a friend told me she was like a piece of Velcro to me; my little shadow. Thus, she was named Shadow Seven (she was the seventh dog I applied for) and the rest is history!
Bye Bye SPCA - I am heading to my forever home!
What is your favorite pastime as a family? She loves walks but is so stubborn that when she decides she’s done, there is no changing her mind and I may end up having to carry her the rest of the way home. I also recently discovered through doggie daycare that despite hating baths, she loves the kiddie pools filled with water they have there so I’m planning on taking her someplace with water in the future. Why she couldn’t figure this out when we lived on & with complete access to the water for 3 years is beyond me!
What is life like since you rescued Shadow? I used to be able to sit down without immediately having a 50lb dog come and sit or lay on me, eat without someone staring at every bite I took and leave a room, knowing I was coming right back, without 4 paws following me like I was leaving on some long voyage. I wouldn’t trade it though. She was 6 months old when I rescued her so we still got to experience a lot of her firsts together and learn/teach each other new things. She’s so stubborn, always down for naps, loves treats and gets vocal when not getting her way; she’s basically me in 4-legged, full body wag form 😊
Photographers Note: I met up with Tara & Shadow in Piedmont Park on a beautiful day with the sun shining to show off Shadow’s shiny coat! This sweet girl has so many looks about her; she can be very regal or really goofy, it just depends on when and how you capture her. Then of course there are those amazing ears!!! She really did so great during the photo shoot even with all the distractions of people and dogs all around. She even got to spend some time watching the ducks on the water for a bit! There really is something special about one person and one dog, and seeing the special bond they share!