1987 — Nov. 23 2001
Chelsey came into our lives during a very rough time.
My oldest son was wreaking havoc in our family.
One day he brought home Chelsey.
Chelsey was given to him outside of an animal shelter.
The girl told him that Chelsey was a mixed breed- part wolf
and if she brought him inside they would destroy him.
She also said that he had lived in several different homes
and had been abused.
To say that Chelsey was neurotic was an understatement.
He was afraid of everyone and everything.
He chewed up a couch ruined shoes ruined a solid wood door
and escaped at every chance.
The very first day I put him in a dog pen I had bought
he found a small hole in the chain link and managed to catch
his choke chain on it.
Then I flew out of the house to free him.
He was no puppy! Our vet estimated his age at 4 or 5.
I soon grew to love him like no other pet.
He was very wolf like with a slinky kind of gait.
Chelsey had the most glorious fur-silver and gray.
It was very long and thick.
He was some what aloof and did not like snuggling,
though he loved to be petted.
He had a great dignity about him. He only took to certain people.
He needed to be in the same room with you.
He waited outside the bathroom when I took a shower.
He followed me from room to room.
As the years went by I loved him more and more.
As my son continued to cause us heartache by running
away over and over again-
I felt I always had a piece of him because he brought me Chelsey
and I still had Chelsey.
Chelsey started failing a little at a time by the time he turned 11.
The vet said it was neurological.
His back legs were collapsing on him.
About six months ago he really started failing.
He could no longer manage the stairs.
But we carried him up and down the stairs several times a day.
He started making mistakes in the house daily.
I vowed I would keep him as long as I could- hoping he would
die in his sleep. I had to put him to sleep (now 14)the
day after Thanksgiving.
He could no longer get up and did not appear to recognize us.
He just lay on the floor with eyes open and labored breathing.
When I rubbed his snout (something he loved) he closed his eyes.
That was the only sign that maybe he knew it was me.
Before my husband took him to the vet I brushed him and
saved his fur because I just had to be able to touch his
luxurious fur again.
Then I laid on the floor and held him- crying into his fur and told
him over and over again how much I loved him.
In my heart I knew I had to put him to sleep but I didn’t want to
let him go.
I have two other dogs whom I love dearly but Chelsey was that
once in a life time dog- I don’t think I will ever love another dog as much as him.
I miss him so much and want to touch him and hold him again.
My heart is broken.
I don’t understand why dogs have such short lives.
I don’t know if dogs go to heaven.
But Chelsey..where ever you are..
I miss you and love you.
I will never forget you.
And you will always be MY GUY!!!
Mom
| Chelsey |