We're crazy about our Shadow too. He dark brindle is turning white now, and he suddenly went deaf. Now we're getting worried about his eyesight. It sure is hard when they get older. He was a rescue from Best Friends in Utah. He was 3 years old when we got him, and we've had him 9 years now. Since he's a small dog (23 lbs) he will probably live longer than larger dogs, but you never know.