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Bravo’s Shadow: Equal Time for the Comfort Puppy!

by | Jul 29, 2020 | Dog Training & Care | 6 comments

I figured we all need some extra smiles these days. I’ve focused most of the attention on Bravo’s cancer journey, and of course, that’s important. But an equally important part includes his comfort puppy, Shadow-Pup. Today’s a big milestone for the little guy — he’s at the veterinarians for his last set of puppy booster vaccines.

And to be neutered.

I don’t think he quite understood the idea of a new game involving balls, but… *sorry, couldn’t resist!* In fact, the clinic just called me and he’s already in recovery and came through with flying colors. Shadow spends the night, and we’ll pick him up tomorrow (Thursday) at about nine o’clock.

shadow comfort puppy

That bare spot on his side has healed but may never grow fur. The veterinarian believes he was burned.

Shadow’s Birthday & Gotcha Day

Anyway, we figured out based on puppy teeth eruption timing, Shadow’s age. His birthday is March 4, 2020, which means he was just 8 weeks old when dumped at our house on May 31. He’ll be five months on next Tuesday on August 4. We don’t know his breed/mix, although his markings resemble a Siberian Husky, and his bark (sharp-sharp-sharp!) and tipped ears remind me of the Shelties I’ve known. In the comments, feel free to guess his heritage–it’s a fun game, but really, we don’t care.

We don’t need papers to know Shadow’s a full-blooded lovin’ pup. He adores Karma–I’ll try to get a picture of them together (usually wrestling). But Shadow truly “shadows” his mentor Bravo’s every move. They might as well be joined at the hip, and stay close together nearly all the time. We do separate them for important puppy naps and Bravo breaks, or they’d run US to exhaustion!

So just for fun, here are a few more recent pictures. So, in the comments, care to guess Shadow’s heritage?

 

shadow bravo

Shadow collects toys, and presents them to Bravo–“Betcha can’t take it, betcha betcha betcha…!”

shadow bravo

When Bravo has a toy that Shadow wants, he does his passive-aggressive puppy routine, rolling while lip-licking and wagging over top of the toy…until Bravo let’s go.

bravo shadow

Sometimes, they’re satisfied with their own toys. Need help with chewing? tips here! 

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6 Comments

  1. curiocat

    I agree with you that Shadow is a full-blooded loving pup. He seems to be quite the mix and is a super handsome guy as a result. What about dna testing? I know at the end of the day it doesn’t matter but it might be fun to find out. Bravo, who really does deserve applause (what an awesome dog), and your whole family are in my prayers. I’m rooting for many more stories of your adventures together. Take care.

    Reply
  2. Franklin Steele

    It looks like both dogs are living the good life. As always, this blog brightens my day.

    Reply
    • Amy Shojai

      Thanks so much. We are certainly enjoying them.

      Reply
  3. Jackie

    I see some Doberman in his face, which reminds me of my friend’s Doberman, Joe. Having friends when we are experiencing health issues is such a blessing and I am so fortunate to have my sister if the heart, LeVerne. We’ve been friends for more than 30 years. I send love and prayers of support and healing for Bravo and the entire family.🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

    Reply
    • Amy Shojai

      Hi Jackie, thanks for the reply. I hadn’t thought of Dobie but you’re right. He does have that sort of attitude, too–he’s very smart! Thank you for the support and sharing your thoughts here.

      Reply

Trackbacks/Pingbacks

  1. Puppy Proofing Tips: How to Puppy Proof to Keep Puppies Safe - […] summer, about the same time as Bravo’s cancer diagnosis, a stray puppy showed up. Shadow answered prayers we didn’t know…
  2. New Puppy Introductions: Intro Dog to Cat ComPETability #ad - […] have no history on Shadow. Here’s a blog focussing on him. But for the purposes of this post, it…
  3. A Shadow of Hope: Adopting Bravo's Shadow for a Comfort Puppy - […] in March 2021, we thanked doG again that a certain puppy showed up when he did. Now he’s our…
  4. Remembering Bravo-Dawg's Cancer Journey: A Very Good Boy - […] just realized that March 4 was Shadow-Pup’s first birthday. Awww damn… So any pictures on this post will be…
  5. Barking Problems: Why dogs bark & how to stop dogs from barking - […] you please, for the love of doG, stop barking!” Now that Shadow-Pup has joined our family, he and Bravo-Dawg…
  6. Check the Chip Day: Learn All About Pet Microchips - […] August 15! Your cats and dogs are microchipped, right? Last week, when he was (ahem) neutered, Shadow-Pup got his…

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