WhenApex Legendsplayers stumbled onto a small shrine hidden away in a corner of the Market area of the battle royale game’s map, it was clear this wasn’t just anotherEaster Egg. Tucked away was a small pillow with a simply modeled plushie dog standing atop it, with two framed photographs positioned nearby. Speaking on Twitter, Respawn lead level designer Jason McCord confirmed that the shrine was indeed no simple Easter Egg, but rather a touching tribute to a friend lost duringApex Legends' development.

Responding to a Kotaku report, McCord explained on his Twitter account that the shrine was built in memory of his family’s dog, Shadie. While hard at work on King’s Canyon,Apex Legends’debut map, Shadie fell ill and suddenly passed away. She was 10 years old. As anyone who has lost a pet understands, McCord says that Shadie’s loss was a challenge to work through. Bringing Shadie’s memory into his work was both a helpful way to cope as well as a way to bring part of her back and remember her, in a small way.

The photos surrounding the plushie in-game Shadie are a photo of the dog herself, as well as a photo of McCord and his wife who are there for solidarity. McCord commemorated the shrine, cementing his dog’s legacy as forever part of the Respawn Entertainment family:

“Shadie was our best friend, and so I wanted her to live on in this little corner of the map. It legit makes me feel better to visit this area sometimes.”

Players can log intoApex Legendsand try finding Shadie for themselves. Not only is she found in the Market shrine, but there’s a second Shadie plushie hidden on the map that can be found by climbing a mountain. Exactly where the second Shadie is will be an Easter EggApex Legendsplayers will have to find for themselves.

Hopefully, Shadie, or perhaps a broader tribute to pets in general, will become a Respawn Entertainment tradition.Nessie, a plush green dinosaur, has already been confirmed forApex Legends' first map after her appearance as an Easter Egg in bothTitanfallandTitanfall 2.

Apex Legendsis available now on PC, PS4, and Xbox One.