Shadow

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Shadow Page 10

by Aris Austin


  Anthony returned with a set of hair trimmers and gently took hold of Shadow’s forelimb. “Alright Shadow, don’t be scared. Just a little haircut.”

  Shadow had been to the groomer even more times than he’d been to the vet, so haircuts didn’t scare him even a little bit. He waited patiently while Anthony trimmed a small patch of fur from a forelimb.

  “Good boy.” Anthony shut the trimmers off and gave Shadow’s leg a light squeeze, just above the elbow. “There’s a good vein,” he said, and reached over to pat Shadow’s side. “Good boy. Nice and calm. Good boy.”

  Annie’s voice surprised them both. “Um…”

  Shadow and Anthony both looked to the door to see Annie standing in front of it. She seemed a little embarrassed, but her face melted into tears again as she moved closer to the table.

  “I’m sorry,” she said to Anthony. “I thought I couldn’t bear to watch, but—I have to be here for him.

  “Sorry,” she said again, wiping the tears away from her eyes. “I know we’re supposed to handle it better than this and I need to get used to it but—”

  “That’s fine.” Anthony put a reassuring hand on Annie’s arm. “None of us ever get used to it. I’m sure Shadow would be happy to have you here with him.”

  Annie came around the table and cradled Shadow’s head in her arms. Shadow was glad to have her there. He would always be glad to be with Annie, anywhere. He didn’t live with her, but as far as he was concerned, Annie was his human. She had been for a long time. He wanted to tell her not to cry, and that everything was going to be okay. He wanted to sit up and lick the tears from her face, but just then, Anthony took hold of his arm again. It was time to be still. Anthony inserted a catheter, and the needle’s bite hurt more than Shadow remembered. He was good though, and didn’t budge.

  Annie choked back a sob, and Shadow licked the tears from her face as soon as Anthony released his arm. He didn’t understand why she was crying so much, but he did know exactly how to comfort her.

  Annie laughed, like she always did when Shadow licked away her tears. One of her hands pushed him back down, but it was a gentle push. “Thanks buddy,” she said. “You’re so good. You have to stay down now though, okay?”

  Shadow obeyed, and Annie resumed cradling his head in one arm. With her free hand, she smoothed out the fur on his neck with long, gentle strokes.

  Anthony returned to the side of the table, holding a syringe. “You know he won’t feel a thing,” he said. He waited for Annie to nod, then said, “Alright Shadow. Nice and still. Good boy.”

  Something icy flowed through the catheter and into Shadow’s vein, but he remained still, just like Anthony told him to.

  Annie’s face was close to his ear. “I’m right here, buddy.” Her fingers worked at the buckle on his collar, and suddenly the collar fell away.

  “I’m never going to forget about you,” she said. “Don’t forget about me when you’re in heaven, okay?” And then the tears came again all at once, as if some dam in Annie’s eyes had opened. Just as the tears flowed, cool fluid continued to flow into Shadow’s veins. That was alright, he thought sleepily. He didn’t mind the cold.

  He wanted to lick Annie’s tears away again, but his mind suddenly felt foggy, his thoughts slow. Annie’s voice grew a little more distant. “Goodbye buddy. I love you.”

  Whatever fluid had been flowing through the catheter ceased to flow, and Anthony pulled the empty syringe away. Shadow’s eyelids suddenly felt heavier than they ever had before, so he allowed them to shut.

  Annie’s crying became more distant. Her words grew muffled. Something about not being able to save him. Shadow tried to sit up and lick away her tears, but his head was just too heavy. His thoughts were sluggish, but he realized it was time to go to sleep. Sleep would be good. Slowly, he allowed the full weight of his head to rest on Annie’s arm. Annie. His best friend. Her distant sobs grew heavier, but through the fog, Shadow managed to make sense of what she was saying: “I love you, buddy,” repeated over and over. Shadow would have wagged his tail, if only it wasn’t so hard to move. That was all he’d ever wanted. To be loved.

  He stayed awake just long enough to hear Annie’s last words, whispered in his ear.

  “You’re finally going home.”

  Millions of animals will be euthanized in shelters this year.

  Some of them are waiting for new homes right now, just like Shadow. If you would have saved his life, please go save one of theirs.

  Hey there! Thank you for reading Shadow. If you enjoyed this book, please consider posting a short review on Amazon and telling a friend. Sharing an author’s work is the best compliment you can give, and your time is very much appreciated! You can also find me on Facebook for updates on future work: facebook.com/arisfortheanimals

  Thanks!

  Hey, it’s me, Aris! I felt weird writing my own author bio in third person, so I decided not to do that. Besides, it feels a little impersonal.

  Anyway, before I tell you a little about myself, I’d like to acknowledge a few important people who helped make this book happen. My partner, Erica, who offered me her constant love and support. Erica and my mother, Renee, who muddled through unpolished versions of this book to help me make it better. Love & Second Chances, for the important rescue work they do, and V-dog for their support. Kira, who never got the chance to grow old, but served as an inspiration for so many of Shadow’s habits and behaviors. Kashi, my wonderful cover model. And God, to whom I prayed for help with my writing every step of the way.

  I’m an activist and author living in Colorado. I love spending time with my friends of every species, and I’ll never turn down a slice of vegan pizza. I’m on a mission to use books to make the world a better place for animals, and I’d love it if you’d join me! Please, if this book had an impact on you, take action. Adopt a senior dog or donate to rescue organizations. Challenge the idea that animals are disposable rather than thinking, feeling beings who deserve our loyalty and respect. And be sure to keep an eye out for future work from me. You can learn more on my website, arisaustin.wixsite.com/authorforanimals or on my Facebook page at facebook.com/arisfortheanimals.

  See you around!

 

 

 


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