It was late November, 1984, when my I received notification from my Department that through my past performance record that I had been chosen to participate in the Departments K-9 patrol unit and that I and 4 other deputies would be picking up our dogs from the airport at PBIA on the next day.
So there I was, at the airport waiting for you, when you landed with the 4 others I first saw you and had my doubts but guess you had yours too. With your Special tactic and police training behind you all I had to do was Have you teach me so I could command you in German.
But all went well, and soon we became friends, companions and partners. You served me well in the 4 years we served the Department. I recall many close calls we had as well as all the apprehensions you did and many good times shared.
Course , you were only handled by me and with me and the family 24 hours a day. You knew when it was time for Duty, As I placed your harness on you prior to us leaving for our tour of duty, it was as if you'd say, time to leave old playful Shadow at home and ready for Deputy Shadow.
And again when our tour ended and time for home and the harness came off , it was old playful Shadow again. You earned many commendations and medals during your tour of duty Then that day I dreaded came, My Retirement day, I was afraid I have to let you go, but I was determined not without a fight even if it meant stepping on toes.
But yes, I think you were surprised as much as I when at the retirement ceremony, the Sheriff announced my retirement across the loudspeaker and also the retirement of : " Deputy Shadow".....
Oh what a joyous moment for us both for as tears filled my eyes and I knelt down and hugged your neck you knew, that you were mine forever.....
The years went by, you and the family and I traveled to a new location and enjoyed life together. I'll always remember how you fit your name for you were always like a shadow to me never leaving my side, those quiet times we spend on the front porch me and my coffee and you by my side, all the things we did never will be forgotten.
I saw that you were slowing with age but you never complained, you never showed signs of pain.
Then on that early morning as the family slept, and by my side along the bed, you were disturbed, a low soft growl from within you emerged, it woke me, I said "What is it Shadow", then instantly you were up on your feet and gone out the room and down stairs, it was then I heard that awful, sickening sound, that of broken glass and a door opening, I reached and grabbed my service automatic which always remained on the night stand and followed after you,
As I cautiously traveled down the stairs and reached the bottom, I heard the noise, I turned and immediately it happened so fast, that you had leaped in mid-air and broadsided, you leaped across my chest at the instant I heard the shot ring out, as I fell you landed with me and laid across my chest, I instantly saw the intruder coming around for a second shot at me I drew and returned fire not once but all 13 rounds hit the intruder, before I came to my senses, maybe excessive force but I couldn't help myself,
I lifted your head and saw you were loosing blood fast, but you never cried of pain, instead you look at me with those deep dark eyes as if to say, don't weep my friend, I'm tired and its time for me to go, remember our good times together. Then quietly you passsed from this life....
SHADOW...my friend, my companion..my partner you took the bullet for me, as you always were trained to do from the beginning.
It's been 4 months now since that awful night, the case is over and I was cleared of any wrong doing, justified shooting. The family and I miss you so much. You left us your Medals and wonderful love and memories, One's we will never forget.
Shadow..my friend..my companion..my partner, rest easy now boy, and please wait for me at "Rainbow Bridge" for I'll be looking for you.........
Farewell, ...my friend...my companion...my partner....
John Gordoski