Here's the email Dad sent to his family today:
As many of you know from my earlier text messages, this afternoon we brought Chase to the vet to be euthanized. He took a turn for the worse on Saturday night when he threw up multiple times and then would
not eat or drink anything afterwards. By the time I returned from our "guys football weekend" (in Athens, GA) on Sunday afternoon, Chase was listless and obviously sick. This morning Sallie called our vet and discussed the situation and we all agreed the time had come that all pet owners dread. Chase has been in a slow decline for the past few months by his diminished energy level and showing signs of a dog-like dementia when he would just stare off into space. Today has been a sad day for Sallie and I along with Jeffrey and Liz. We are comforted by the fact that Chase lived 14.5 years and as Bill has reminded me, was loved by his family while he loved us back. Our vet was absolutely fantastic with her loving, soft spoken demeanor and guidance. Sallie and I were both present as the drugs were administered - Chase died peacefully.
Here are a few things about Chase that I'll always remember:
o his incredible appetite and focus on food
o his desire to always hang out where other people are
o how squirrels drove him crazy because no matter how fast he ran he could never get close to them
o going on daily walks with him
o he was a three time "survivor" - only one in his litter that survived, rescued from the rental apartment fire in New London, PA, escaped from Huebel's backyard and was found the next day
Sallie and I know that it will take us awhile to go through the mourning period. Like Buddy and Quincy, Chase was a great companion and will be missed.
take care . . . .love . . .Steve
not eat or drink anything afterwards. By the time I returned from our "guys football weekend" (in Athens, GA) on Sunday afternoon, Chase was listless and obviously sick. This morning Sallie called our vet and discussed the situation and we all agreed the time had come that all pet owners dread. Chase has been in a slow decline for the past few months by his diminished energy level and showing signs of a dog-like dementia when he would just stare off into space. Today has been a sad day for Sallie and I along with Jeffrey and Liz. We are comforted by the fact that Chase lived 14.5 years and as Bill has reminded me, was loved by his family while he loved us back. Our vet was absolutely fantastic with her loving, soft spoken demeanor and guidance. Sallie and I were both present as the drugs were administered - Chase died peacefully.
Here are a few things about Chase that I'll always remember:
o his incredible appetite and focus on food
o his desire to always hang out where other people are
o how squirrels drove him crazy because no matter how fast he ran he could never get close to them
o going on daily walks with him
o he was a three time "survivor" - only one in his litter that survived, rescued from the rental apartment fire in New London, PA, escaped from Huebel's backyard and was found the next day
Sallie and I know that it will take us awhile to go through the mourning period. Like Buddy and Quincy, Chase was a great companion and will be missed.
take care . . . .love . . .Steve
Living so far away, I didn't realize how much sadness I would experience just knowing that Chase is gone. It's a true testament to how much he was a part of our family.
I remember the first day we met Chase. The breeder pointed him out among a group of Cairns and told us to watch. She yelled out, "Chase! Chase, do you want a COOKIE?!!" This little beige/grey furball left the pack and came barreling towards us, then scarfed up the cookie so fast it left you wondering if you might've accidentally dropped the treat prematurely. And that's when we knew he was meant to be an Aldrich :)
We will miss him.
No comments