“Shadow is dead.”
I looked up and there was a 13-year-old girl standing in my office doorway. It was obvious that we were in the middle of a conversation I didn’t know we were having. I had to catch up.
“I’m sorry. Who is Shadow?” I said as my mind was searching through cartoon characters, book characters, etc…
“My dog. She died yesterday. My mom called last night. I am really sad.”
I am a dog lover, and have experienced the loss of a pet. It is hard. I tried to imagine being in a treatment center when it happened, hearing by phone, not saying “Goodbye.”
“That must hurt a lot.”
“Yeah,” she said. “Shadow always listened to me. She never thought I was weird. She was, like, my best friend.”
Shadow gave this precious child the unconditional love that was lacking in her life. Shadow’s death is a big loss.
When she left my office, I immediately emailed her treatment team. I didn’t know if she had shared with them, but events like this affect how a child is able to focus. These kids have had so many losses in their lives. It is important to ensure that we can support them, meet them where they are at in their emotions.
I heard back from her Case Manager, Gerriana, right away. The wonderful Ranchers on her team were way ahead of me…
“Hi Joy, Yes, thank you for passing along to ensure we know. Staff were able to have mom send some photos of Shadow for our kiddo to have in her room on Tuesday night when she was informed of Shadow's passing. Wednesday evening, I was able to sit down with her, and she decorated and made a memorial poster of Shadow that we laminated. She is still quite upset, understandably, so we are giving her some extra support and check-ins to help her process the loss. Thank you.”
Finding that you don’t have to go through loss alone is a new learning for this 13-year-old. Because of your prayers and support, we can share her pain and help her continue her healing journey.
Please continue to keep the children and staff of Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch in your prayers.
In His love,
Joy Ryan, President/CEO
Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch
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