Shadow was surrendered to a rescue group in Los Angeles at age five because his owners “didn’t have time for him”. We believe he was abused in his past life as he was extremely fearful and skittish. Adoption prospects in LA were slim, so Shadow was flown to Vancouver where he has found a wonderful forever home in Harrison Hot Springs with a family who has plenty of time to spend with him. He is gradually becoming more confident and learning to trust people again.

***An update from Shadow’s family:

“We can only guess, from Shadow’s conduct, what he went through before he came into our lives, and be appalled at how it reflects on human behavior. He avoided all eye contact or human touch. He would cautiously approach a hand holding out food, but run if the other hand moved, suggesting food had been used to lure him close, only to be hit or abused. A deep distrust of humans was obvious. Given his size (5 pounds soaking wet) and appearance (deep brown eyes and the cutest face imaginable), it’s impossible to imagine what depth of depravity could bring any human to traumatize him so badly. I shudder to think that whoever it was is probably still at large, walking among us every day.

Fortunately, Shadow has ten times the courage and character of his abuser. When we brought him home, he quickly came to view my wife as his "protector", staying close to her at all times (hence the name Shadow), and it was quickly apparent his abuser had been male. Even my wife could not pick him up (hand shy), but almost any male, including myself, would have had better luck picking up a wild chipmunk. 

Two years later, I had resigned myself that he was my wife’s dog (he had conquered his fear enough to be a LAPDOG for her occasionally!), but for me, he was a wild thing I put food out for, perfectly behaved and a willing companion on leashed outings, but no more. Then we adopted Katie from Second Chances.  Almost Shadow’s twin in appearance, Katie had been neglected (bad teeth, nails so long she couldn't walk) but not abused. She was laid back in nature and very affectionate. Shadow and Katie were instant buddies and Shadow’s improved attitude was incredible! He still has not overcome his fear of men, but makes eye contact (even tries to outstare me!), and seems to desperately WANT to approach me for affection. Not QUITE yet, but soon, he will jump up on the couch beside me and accept my affection, and we will both be very proud of our accomplishment in restoring his trust in the human race.”