We are supposed to be preparing for Champ’s 10th birthday today. His
birthday cookie was ready. His presents were ready. Yet we don’t get to
celebrate with him. Champ was perfectly fine until he woke both Justin
and I up in the middle of the night and then showed us he wasn’t ok.
After hours at the vet ER it was determined that he had cancer mass on
his liver that ruptured and was internally bleeding. Something we
couldn’t fix to make him stay with us longer. Champ started with Justin
and I and we both sat with him as we said goodbye to him.
So many people knew Champ with mainly remembering his shenanigans. But
what I remember most is him growing up with me… from the support he gave
me while Justin was away on his first deployment for a half a year, to
getting married, to when we moved to our forever home, to welcoming two
little sisters, to then making many memories as a family. He’s been
there with me through all the highs in my life and all the lows. He laid
by me at night while I cried myself to sleep and he knew when I needed
his comfort. Little does he know that he saved me. Justin always said
that even though people were at the house, if I wasn’t there he was
waiting for me. I was his person and he was my forever dog. It’s
honestly not fair and I wanted more time with him but I’m trying to
trust God’s plan. Please keep our family in your thoughts and prayers.
And thank you for bringing him into our lives. We are forever grateful.
He was the dog we needed in our lives. He was the sweetest dog, but
found himself getting into some trouble whether it was ripping up
blankets and stuffed animals to opening all the Christmas presents. We
even had to put our presents in a closed tote because he would find
them, get excited and open them. He loved presents. He loved to lounge
on the couch but also chase bunnies and was always out and about with
that nose of his. He was the best dog. Thanks again for bringing him
into our lives.
Champ, I loved you for your whole life and will miss you for the rest of mine.
~ Katie (December 17, 2024)
