Almost three years ago, I wanted to get my aging
dog China a friend. We went to see some puppies and picked out a matching black and white Shitzu
for China. His name would be Chopper. Then it happened. Another puppy came up and I immediately bonded. He was brown and white.
I noticed he had a lazy eye and felt an immedie connection. As a young boy, I had a lazy eye and for years, felt inferior in some ways. I wondered
if any one would take this puppy because of this defect. So, I acted with my heart and took him too. His name was Chipper. He became my buddy, my favorite, my companion. He was my shadow. When I was home, he followed me every where. It was as he knew how much I loved him and how much joy he brought me.
About three weeks ago, I noticed he was drinking
alot of water and losing weight. I took him to
the vet and after tests, learned he had likely been born with a kidney defect and enlarged heart. My world was crushed. This poor dog born with so many conditions we had no control over. My vet tried to cleanse his system and for three days, we hoped and prayed for a miracle. But it was not to be. The vet thought it would be best to put him to sleep. I was devistated. Why, why could this happen. Not Chipper, the sweet innocent dog who just loved and gave. How unfair. How wrong.
But the time came and I went to be with him until
the end. I held him and stroked him and kissed him as he passed away. It was so quick and he was gone. I took his body home and buried him under a palm tree in my back yard so he could be home. For days I cried and felt a sense of guilt. Could we have done more? Did I act too quickly? Should I have gone to another vet? I feel a sense of loss that I cannot fully explain. Every day, I spend time at his grave telling my Chipper I love him and miss him.
My Chipper was my buddy and I truly miss him.
Chipper was special. He was my buddy.
I love you Chipper.
| Chipper |
| Tom Leonard |