I so vividly remember the day you came into our lives.
I did have to look up the date (January 30 1994) but the
day itself I remember well. We sought you out to be a
companion for Chelsea (our female sharpei) who was
also only 6 months old at that time.
The breeders had told us how sweet you were but we
brought Chelsea with us to be sure the two of you
would get along. After the initial introductory sniffing you
two blissfully wrestled until we left to take you both home.
In fact as long as you felt even half- way decent you and
Chelsea would still wrestle like puppies until your
recent demise. Ken and I fell head over heels for you right
from the start by the way.
With your wrinkled blackish brown fur your gorgeous
hazel eyes and that tail that wagged in circles when
you were young – we used to joke that one day you were
going to lift right off the ground with your little “propeller tail”!
What still strikes me most about that first day is the way
that you trotted so joyfully to our truck without so
much as a glance behind you hopped in and sat between
us returned our affections and then laid down… you had
no apparent fear of us and seemed immediately content!
So were we my darling. We stroked you and Chelsea as
we made the long trip home and felt very complete as a family.
The two of you found plenty of mischief during those first
couple years and taught us valuable lessons that I know
have helped as parents.
You were such an incredible help to me when I was
seven months pregnant with Makenzie and we were
suddenly in a whole new place with no family or friends.
Ken was working such long hours but you and Chelsea
were my support and steadfast confidants.
When we brought Makenzie home from the hospital you
were so concerned about every peep she uttered and for
a month or so everywhere I walked with her in my arms
I was practically tripping over you.
You were always so patient and gentle with her.
She is only two now but she sure does love and miss you too.
She says to me everyday “Chantzy way up in the sky.”
And I concur “That’s right he’s way up there in heaven
with God now. He’s not sick anymore.”
Most of the time we find some solace in this but she
occasionally echoes the very wish my heart is making and
innocently asks “See Chantzy up in the sky Mommy?”
With a lump in my throat I tell her “We can’t see him sweetie,
but I hope someday when we go to heaven we will see him again.”
Those words are sincerely spoken.
I believe that God has a special place for all of his innocent
creations and you my sweet boy you were one of his finest.
Your capacity to love and be loved was miraculous.
Sometimes I miss you so much that my heart actually aches,
but I know your death was swift and painless and you
are not suffering. I hope it was a comfort to you that I was
there holding you and reminding you what a good boy
you were during your short time on this earth.
I promise you that I will do my best never to take my good
health for granted. I also promise to keep the sweet memory
of you in my heart for as long as I breathe the Earth’s air.
Lastly my sweet Chantzer- Doodle I promise to move on as
best I can and try to share with others the kind of
contagious unreserved love that you blessed us with.
Thank you Chantz.
Your Momma –
Tammy A. Knibbs
Chantz