They say facing your shadow is the best thing you can do for personal growth, and I agree. I will be your day and your night. I’ll give you the chance to develop your imagination—finding ways to play with me—and your sense of humor, as you learn to laugh at all the silly things I do. I’ll bring you back to your own youth through mine; after all, I’m still a puppy—a whirlwind of licks and leaps, the alpha and omega of innocence and immaturity. I am Shadow, and I’m not for just anyone.

I find toys where the rest of the world sees only useless junk. I chase cats to convince them to play with me, and I chase ants, cockroaches, and flies—just because. I see a dog and want to be friends; I see a child and want to stay with them forever. I hop onto your bed to remind you that life is too short not to cuddle me and tell me how much you love me. I eat carrots and apples; I suspect I have the healthiest gut microbiome in the entire world.

I am Shadow, and if you like, I’ll let you love me—while you help me grow.