A dog owner has shared the bittersweet moment she was reminded of her beloved pup PeeWee, who died earlier this year.
In a video from the home’s security camera, a shadow brought back a flood of memories for Nikki Engleman from Anoka, Minnesota.
PeeWee, a 12-year-old deaf dog who had been part of Nikki’s family for over a decade, died in February. He had always favored one spot; on the couch, a place that has felt noticeably empty since his passing. However, recently, something remarkable happened.
“Our dog, PeeWee, passed away in February. His favorite spot was on our couch,” Engleman said in the video. “Today, our camera alerted me to a person in the house. It was the shadow of a stuffed animal dog our girl picked out for him … in PeeWee’s spot.”
The shadow of the stuffed animal—a toy carefully selected by Engleman’s young daughter—was enough to bring back vivid memories of PeeWee lounging in his special spot. The video’s caption read simply: “Words can’t express how much we miss him.”
A picture of PeeWee in his favorite spot, left, and a photo of the shadow, right. The dog had been a special part of the Engleman family for many years before dying in February.
@deafdogofmn/TikTok
PeeWee had been a special part of the Engleman family for many years. Born deaf, he was initially found as a stray in Indianapolis and came to a Minnesota rescue before being adopted by the family. Despite his hearing difficulties, PeeWee led a fulfilling life, thanks to the family’s commitment to learning and using sign language to communicate with him.
“Our dog PeeWee had passed away about six weeks prior. I was really excited to see the shadow and felt it was a sign from him,” Engleman told Newsweek.
“The puppy in the window that created the shadow was one that our girls wanted to send to the rainbow bridge to give to him. I convinced them that we could keep it as keepsake and to remember him by. It’s always been a special stuffed animal, but now it’s even more special.”
In the comments, people shared their reactions to the heartwarming shadow. “He is telling you he is good and he will always be with you watching and protecting your family,” posted one viewer.
Another TikTok user wrote: “I’d be over the moon knowing my babies still roam the house along with us. Beautiful.”
In the months since losing PeeWee, his absence has been felt in the house, but moments like the shadow remind the family of their beloved pet.
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