It is with huge pain and great sadness that I bring closure to this chapter in my life. I’ve been holding this close to my heart because sharing it somehow makes it real—and I wasn’t ready for that reality. But the heartache has grown heavier, and I feel God is telling me now is the time to begin processing, to move toward acceptance, and to slowly allow the precious memories to fill the deep void.
So here goes…
We lost our most precious best friend—our best boy, our loyal companion, our smartest, most playful, toy-loving, bubble-jumping, laser-chasing, shadow-following, secret-keeping boy.
Shadow Puppers passed peacefully at home on Sunday, March 29, 2026. We were by his side, holding his paw, talking to him, reassuring him he was the best boy and that it was okay to rest. He fought cancer so gracefully and gave us more time than we were told we’d have. In the end, God answered my deepest prayer—he didn’t have to go back to the vet, where he was most fearful. He went to sleep at home, surrounded only by us.
Writing this brings back the heartbreak of that day, but I’m praying it also opens the door to healing.
I’m not writing this so much for others, but for myself. This is my personal space, and he was such a big part of the joy here. It’s time to acknowledge this loss and begin closing this chapter.
I will continue to share his pictures as memories come—like I did the other day. I needed those memories then, and I know I’ll need them in the days ahead.
Please don’t judge the depth of my grief—just pray for peace. He left such a huge void in my heart. We did everything together. He followed me from room to room, always by my side. I always told him, “You have my back, and I have yours.” And on that day in March, I stayed true to those words. I had his back until the very end, and I told him God would have mine as he ran into His arms.
God made him perfect—and we were blessed with that “perfect” for 11½ years. I truly believe God placed him in our lives for a reason, and oh, what beautiful memories we have. I know God will heal this pain in time and gently replace it with those memories—and I believe sharing this is part of that process.
I also want to thank everyone who prayed for him over the past year—from his toe scare and first cancer battle, to the diagnosis in January that ultimately took him. I kept much of that close, sharing only with a few, but I held onto the promise that where two or more are gathered, He is there. Those prayers meant everything during those difficult months.
So, with all the love in our hearts, we say a formal goodbye to our best friend, Shadow Puppers. ❤️🩹😢❤️🩹 You were truly one of a kind, and we are forever grateful you came into our lives and changed us for the better.
And to Sarah—thank you for trusting us to love him and give him the home we promised. Your boys are truly special, and we are so thankful they’ve been part of our lives. We love you. 🖤🩷💙
Home Life & Encouragement 