A few days ago, my mom and Dave (her husband) had to put Chance, their dog, down.
Chance was a huge and lovable animal. There was really no dog like him. In fact, it was because of Chance that my mom and Dave met in the first place. One day, Dave took Chance for a walk and met my mother while she was working on her new house. My whole family has really grown to love that dog. It’s so difficult putting down any animal. I struggled a ton when I had to put my rats down, for example. In my opinion, the way you know when to put down an animal down is when they are no longer able to have their simple pleasures. For example, if they are unable to eat (or don’t want to eat), walk, play, go to the bathroom, etc. It was clear that Chance needed to be let go. It got to the point where he could no longer stand up on his own. His poor, old legs were failing him.
I will remember Chance as an older dog. I never knew him in his youth because he came into our lives more recently. During one of our last visits to the dog park, Dan joked that Chance was an old soul who all the other dogs looked up to. He was the “Dog of Wisdom” and when he walked past the more youthful dogs, they parted ways to let him pass or asked for his advice on various subjects 
So, this post is me honoring Chance. I wish I knew him better than I did. However, in the times I did know him he always amazed me with his kindness and they way he could intimidate our cats just by growling at them
Since he has passed away, my mom has reported that the cats and Jade (our other dog) look everywhere for him. They know he’s not around anymore. Jade has even run away a few times looking for him. Liam (my nephew), misses him as well. When he visits my mom, he always stops and gives little kisses to all of our animals and says each of their names the best that he can. Recently, he walked in and looked everywhere for Chance. Then, he stopped at a picture of Chance and said, “Ooo Chancey.” So, “Chancey” is now a picture in the family room and a memory of an amazing animal.
One of his last trips to the dog park
hugs,
Julie
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Awe….Rest in Peace Chance.
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He was a beautiful dog. It’s always hard putting animals down, but it’s good that you have your memories of him.
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So, so sad to put our animals down. I love the description of him as the “Dog of Wisdom”. Perfect. Great Post!! xoxo
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I am so sorry to hear this!!! Doug and I were just today trying to decide what to name this kitten we accidentally (kind of) adopted and Chance was one of our top 3 choices. This post made my decision….one day you can meet Chance our Miami Kitten.
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What a gorgeous dog…I’m sorry to hear he’s in doggy heaven, but I’ve heard it’s a nice place
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RIP Chance!!
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My dearest Julie,
I just today, Nov. 17th, had the opportunity to read your heartfelt and so very touching comments about our dear departed friend. I had a huge lump in my throat while reading and your kind words which meant the world. He truly was a wonderful dog and one of my best friends ever. I am so grateful for having him in my life and he, so very naturally, befriended everyone who met him. That obviously included you…
While you, and our extended family, only knew him during his senior years, I can testify that he was a gentle soul for his entire 14 years of life. Something you may not know is that I named him “Chance” when I rescued him when he was only 1-1/2 years old. His first year and a half of life was spent contained by a 4 foot chain in a driveway 24/7, rain or shine, hot or cold, 365 days per year. He couldn’t believe his good fortune to have a warm house, good food, and, most importantly, love. How could anyone treat such an awesome creature with such disrespect? His original name, Blackjack (huh?), just didn’t fit and he knew, in his own way, that he was given the “Chance” of his lifetime.
I picked-up his ashes from our vet today and your mother and I will be spreading them in the plantings around our front courtyard. He loved being outside with us in that courtyard (weather permitting) and now he will RIP there. He will always be here and I praise his soul, wherever that may be right now, for affecting the lives of all who really knew him. He is gone but will never be forgotten.
Forever love to you Julie,
Dave (aka your Step-Dad)
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Amy Reply:
November 17th, 2009 at 11:22 pm
*hugs* to you Dave. From one animal lover to another. We have an elderly fella who was rescued 3 years ago. There’s something very special about them. I wouldn’t give up the experience of having him in my life for anything in the world. It sounds like Chance was a very beautiful soul.
Amy (aka Dan’s sister-in-law)
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I just saw this post, too. He was such a nice, lovable dog, lumbering in the doorway of your house when I came over this summer. <3
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