Many followed the progress of our black German Shepherd, Shadow, in the spring of 2007.  We rescued her from a home in which she had been abused, starved and eventually abandoned.  When Judy first got her, Shadow was a shell - emaciated, bones pressing against hairless skin, just a glimmer of hope in her eyes.  Isn't it amazing what love and kindness can do?  When I saw her a month later, she was filling out, her coat was coming in, her hair glistened, there was joy in her eyes and a prance in her step!  No one could believe it was the same dog.  She appeared to suffer a set back when diagnosed with arthritis, but responded well to glucosimen.  But in late June she began to concern Judy.  X-rays revealed a huge mass pressing against her abdomen.  Judy made the difficult decision to put Shadow's suffering to an end.  Never an easy decision, sometimes the right decision.  We take solice in knowing that Shadow was truly happy those last two months, possibly experiencing love for the first time in her life.  We are appreciative of all of our friends who donated to help offset her medical bills.  We believe it was money well spent and thank you for giving Shadow days of joy.  In memory of her we are establishing The Shadow's Hope Fund.  Donations made to it will be applied to extrordinary medical expenses incurred in the rescue of our pets.  We do not want our decisions to be driven by cost.  If you wish to donate to this cause, please indicate "Shadow's Hope" on either your check or paypal.  And as always, your support of rescued animals is always appreciated.