In Loving Memory of Shadow

It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to a very special girl, Shadow, a beloved companion whose presence brought love, laughter, and plenty of personality into the lives of those who knew her.

Shadow was loved by her pet parents, Keith Hussey, his wife Laura Hussey, and Laura’s sister Linda DeSousa. She shared her home and her life with her feline friends Gizmo, the “grumpy orange,” Troubles, the “lovable chunky boy,” and Ash, the “guy’s guy.” Gizmo, Troubles, and Ash were also her very best friends.

She had a wonderfully particular personality and knew exactly what she wanted. Among her favorite things were paper balls made from crumpled paper, which could provide hours of entertainment. She also loved demanding food, hunting mice, enjoying cuddles, and curling up in Laura and Linda’s arms. Catnip was another favorite, naturally.

When it came to food, Shadow was not one to settle for just anything. She loved wet food and churros, along with butter, honey, ham, and cheese. Her family fondly remembers saving churros just for her. She would become so excited when they came out that, as her family remembers, “it got all over her face.”

She was happiest somewhere warm and cozy. Her favorite places to sleep included under the covers next to feet, on blankets—especially in Linda’s room—and underneath dressers or tucked into any crevice she could find. She had a special talent for finding the coziest hiding places.

Of course, every family has its rivalries, and Shadow had one of her own. Rock, the newest addition to the family and still a kitten, was not exactly her favorite companion. Her family remembers that “they were rivals,” and even joked that “Rock was an assassin sent after the Princess.” Their antics became another cherished part of the memories she left behind.

Perhaps the most touching part of Shadow’s story was how much she changed over the years. Her family remembers that “she was actually very particular on who she would interact or even let pet her for years.” But after her pet parents had all passed, something changed. She eventually began opening her heart to the people around her.

She came into her family’s life and, in time, became comfortable enough to allow herself to be loved freely. Her family remembers that “she finally started to open up to everyone around her.” It was a beautiful transformation, and one that made the love she gave all the more meaningful.

She also had a mischievous side. Her family recalls that she would steal stuffed animals from them as gifts, leaving them outside Linda’s door. These little surprises, along with her love of treats and her unmistakable personality, became memories that will be treasured forever.

And every morning had its own special soundtrack: her raspy meows asking for food. Those familiar sounds, once simply part of everyday life, will now be deeply missed.

Shadow may have been particular, opinionated, mischievous, and sometimes a little too serious about her food—but she was also deeply loved. She found her people, learned to trust them, and ultimately gave them the greatest gift of all: the privilege of loving her.

Her family will remember the paper balls, the churros, the cozy hiding places, the raspy morning meows, the stuffed animals left as gifts, the rivalry with Rock, and most of all, the sweet girl who slowly learned to open her heart.

Rest peacefully, sweet girl. You were loved more than you could ever have known, and you will be missed more than words can say.