Dog Photo Shoot

Shadow: The Untrainable, Unstoppable, and Unforgettable Flatcoated Retriever

Some dogs make an impression the moment they step into your life, and Shadow is certainly one of them. A lively and mischievous Flatcoated Retriever, Shadow has become an inseparable part of Jane and Roger’s life, filling their days with laughter, adventure, and the occasional food heist.

A Long-Awaited Companion

Jane had never owned a dog before Shadow, but she always knew that when the time was right, it had to be a Flatcoated Retriever—a nod to Roger’s beloved dog from four decades ago, Sapper. When the moment finally came, they visited Laurvic breeder in Fleckney, Leicestershire, and fell in love with Shadow’s mother, Nancy, and his uncle Lumo—a giant bear of a dog. They asked for the puppy most like Lumo, and Victoria, the breeder, delivered. Shadow was the biggest, strongest pup in the litter. Jane jokes, “You know that expression, ‘Be careful what you wish for’? Haha.”

A Life of Chaos and Laughter

From the moment Shadow arrived home, he set the pace—his own pace. Food was never safe, whether it was on a countertop, in a frying pan, or in someone’s unsuspecting hand. A family picnic? Consider it a buffet. A beach barbecue? An all-you-can-eat event. His antics at an obedience class, where he dragged Jane across the ground, cemented his reputation. “The trainer took me aside and asked if I’d considered castration—he was only six months old!” Jane recalls.

Training has been an ongoing challenge. “We’ve had to declare that he is totally untrainable,” Jane laughs. Instead, they have settled on a system of negotiation—Shadow will return stolen goods, such as the TV remote, in exchange for treats. The family has adapted: phones stay in pockets, visitors surrender their belongings upon arrival, and no meal is left unattended.

The Centre of Their World

Shadow isn’t just a pet—he’s their lifestyle. Holidays are now planned around him, and they even purchased a motorhome so he could accompany them on their European travels. They only eat at dog-friendly restaurants, and on any given day, their home may be hosting multiple canine playmates. “I had five dogs here just last week!” Jane shares.

Daily rituals include an enthusiastic morning greeting, complete with a ten-minute face wash, and relaxed moments in the garden together. Shadow is also Jane’s ever-present sous-chef, eagerly awaiting his share of vegetable scraps. Even car rides come with a routine—if there’s a front-seat passenger, Shadow considers it his duty to give them a thorough ear wash.

The Reluctant Canicross Companion

Jane, an avid off-road runner, saw canicross as the perfect way to combine her love for running with her love for Shadow. Shadow had other ideas. “He hates running! I have to run with him at my side, completely unassisted,” she explains. While he may not share her enthusiasm for the sport, he is not happy when she competes with another dog. “He howls when he sees me running off without him.”

Despite his reluctance, Shadow has participated in some events, including a doggy aquathon at Belvoir Castle. “He actually finished—only because the safety marshal in a kayak was throwing a ball for him!” Their next challenge is Tridog, where Jane fully expects to be among the last finishers, crawling across the line.

A Photograph That Captures It All

When Jane saw the photograph of Shadow bounding across the countryside, she was thrilled. “WOW, what a great shot! I wanted something different from the usual posed pet portrait.” The framed print now hangs above Shadow’s sofa, a fitting tribute to his larger-than-life personality.

To Jane, the image represents the unbreakable bond she shares with Shadow. “I call him my angel because he looks out for me and never leaves my side. The photograph reminds me of the sheer joy on his face when he runs up to me.” Friends and family immediately stop to admire the photo when they visit, instantly recognizing the love and devotion between Jane and her unruly yet utterly lovable companion.

More Than Just a Dog

Shadow transforms Jane and Roger’s lives in ways they never expected. He has lifted their spirits, made them laugh every single day, and redefined what it means to have a loyal companion. “Even when he misbehaves (which is most days), we always end up laughing,” Jane says.

And if visitors didn’t already know, one look at that framed photograph makes it clear—Shadow isn’t just a dog. He’s family.