Oh how I dread to think what might have been
And how I would have lost and never win
But thanks to dear Linda and Michele
Things worked out and you are well.

No pedigree or famous name have you
Shadow is all and that will do
Simply a black cat is what you be
And that is all fine with me.

 You are my Shadow that always follows
Where ever it is that I goes
I would not want it any other way
And I thank God that you were saved that day.

Shadow's story... 

When I got Shadow, our nation was in a state of mourning. We were trying to recover from the tragic occurrences of 9-11. This day was a day that no one will ever forget. I was personally hit by this tragedy as someone that meant a great deal to me lost their life on this day. It was very hard for me to deal with this. I had no way to come to grips with what had taken place.

Just a few weeks earlier, my friend Linda, had taken in five kittens that were abandoned in a grave yard and their Mother had died. Right away she asked if I wanted one, but I said no. I had Topper and Chloe and felt that that was enough. Due to my sadness of the tragic event that took place, I began to think about taking one of these kittens. I even went to see them. I was amazed at how without their Mom they were struggling but still thriving and yearning for life. I felt it befitting to those that lost loved one's on 9-11 and how they were being strong so that they could carry on with their daily routines. After much thought, I decided I would take a kitten. I really wanted the girl but she was promised to someone else. I told Linda to bring me the one she liked most. So on the Friday before Columbus Day, Shadow came home.

Shadow came to us with such energy and zest for life. He was the energizer bunny and still is. Always running around, knocking things over, wanting to play and being a pest to the older residents. He is the one who taught Topper and Chloe how to play. Topper and Chloe were used to being like lumps on a log. Shadow changed that as he was always pouncing on them and playing a game of cat and mouse. Shadow taught them to play with each other and even play with toys. It was great to see them all interacting with one another and becoming friends. My only complaint was when this took place in the wee hours of the night.

With Shadow's playfulness, he also showed a side to a cat I had never really seen. Shadow is very in tune with what is going on around him and he is very aware of how people are feeling. I came to notice this in the things he would do. The one that most sticks in my mind is the way he was when I had to put Topper down. During the weeks Topper was sick, you would always find Shadow laying by his side and watching over him.

Shadow knew to be gentle and no longer was there any pouncing or trying to get Topper to play. He was there to comfort Topper. On that April Day when Topper was put down, both Shadow and Chloe sensed that Topper was not coming home. They were sad to see him leave as they knew he was not coming home from the vet's. After saying good-bye to Topper, my friend Sal and I rushed home so that we could cry without people looking at us.

I ran to the couch and just curled up crying. I wanted no one near me. Sal stood in the kitchen as he was very upset. Shadow sensing what had happened jumped on the kitchen counter. He looked Sal in the eyes and proceeded to place a paw on Sal's shoulder. That was Shadow's way of saying that everything would be all right and that he was here for us. After this happened, Sal and I just let the tears flow.

by Lens and Lens

Now Shadow does not have a pedigree and he does not have any special look to him. He is a plain OLE black cat, but that is what you see with the naked eye. I see more. He is a very caring and very loving cat. He is a true friend and one that is always there to comfort me. He does not judge or criticize. All he wants is someone to love and care for him.

In return, he loves me and all others that cross his path. He was there for Chloe and Topper and now he is there for Zena and CC. He is a friend, lover, brother, mother and father to them. He was brought here to watch over us and fill the void left by all those that have since gone. He is our guardian angel, not just an ordinary cat.