In Memoriam: Shadow
The Best Example of Why Julie Is Who She Is
For Julie Castle, saving animals’ lives isn’t just a mission — it’s personal. Her leadership has ignited a movement toward a No-Kill Nation, but at the heart of that movement is a very special companion that we lost in 2023 – her furrever one, Shadow.
Shadow wasn’t just a pet. He was a symbol of Julie’s journey, a reminder of the stakes in the fight for animal welfare, and her quiet anchor through years of travel, transformation, and tireless work. A sleek, soulful rescue with intelligent eyes and an unshakable devotion, Shadow represented everything Julie Castle believes in: compassion, resilience, and the transformative power of second chances.
Their story began at the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah — where countless tales of redemption and rescue unfold. Shadow had been overlooked, passed by again and again, until Julie saw something in him. It wasn’t just his calm energy or quiet strength—it was his story.
Shadow needed someone to believe in him. As she has done with thousands of animals and shelters nationwide, Julie stepped in.
Since that day, they were inseparable. Shadow traveled the country alongside Julie, from the red rocks of Utah to bustling cities like New York and Los Angeles. He sat quietly during strategy meetings, curled up beside her during interviews, and walked beside her at adoption events, shelter visits, and fundraising galas.
More than just a companion, Shadow had become a symbol within the Best Friends community—a reminder of why the work matters. In a world of shifting priorities, numbers, and national goals, Shadow was the ever-present heartbeat of Julie Castle’s cause: Save Them All.
Julie has often said, “To me, Shadow is why we do this. Every life we save, every shelter we help—there’s a Shadow waiting for someone. He reminds me daily of the power of showing up, believing in someone, and giving them a shot.”
As Best Friends Animal Society inches closer and closer to bringing our country to being a No-Kill Nation, Julie Castle leads with heart and hope. Her bond with Shadow is more than a personal love story—it’s a reflection of a broader belief: that when given the chance, animals can heal, thrive, and change our lives for the better.
We chose to feature a photo of Julie and Shadow on the cover as Julie, even two years later, still looks to Shadow’s spirit for inspiration. And in the year that Best Friends’ No-Kill Nation goal is upon us, we wanted to honor that. So, to give you some context as to why I am writing this memoriam as well, Julie wrote this in a story about Shadow after his passing:
“I knew him more deeply than I know most humans, and I'm eternally grateful for a love of that depth. Our pets are family. They accompany us through our highs and lows, celebrating with us and consoling us. Shadow’s passing leaves a canyon of sorrow that today feels as though it can never be filled… His final day was sudden, tragic, and painful. One day he was bright and lively; the next he was gone. But it would be a disservice to his memory to taint it with regret rather than to remember him for all the joy we shared together.”
From all of the Pet Lifestyles Magazine pack, thank you for inspiring and helping the “Warrior Princess of Rescue” to Save Them All. Rest in peace, Shadow.
To learn more about Best Friends Animal Society, please visit bestfriends.org
