Obituaries

Shadow first came into our lives in 2006, when we spotted her and her two kittens trying to stay warm in a sunny patch on our frost-covered lawn. The three cats soon disappeared, but some time later, Shadow returned alone, and made herself a permanent fixture on our patio. My mom and I started feeding her, and it was only a matter of time before she was ours. After she was spayed and brought indoors, she immediately latched on to our large, orange tabby "Benghi", following him from room to room like a puppy. When Benghi passed away in 2014, I know Shadow missed him as much as we did. When she darted out the front door unexpectedly one rainy December evening in 2015, I wondered if her odd behavior was due to Benghi's absence. She was gone for nearly a month, and we were devastated. Surely, she had been eaten by a coyote. Why else wouldn't she have come home? Miraculously, there was a sighting of her near our community swimming pool on Christmas Eve, and we were relieved. I started making plans to trap her, as it was obvious she was not coming home voluntarily. She was successfully trapped and brought home, and we were overjoyed to have her back. I was fortunate to have another six years with Shadow (who my mom called "Sha-DOE"), but losing a friend who's been in your life for 15 years is never easy. Still, I feel grateful for that second chance at having her in my life. Rest in peace, Shadow. 2005(?)-11/30/21.