Monday, January 4, 2010

Goodbye Chance


This post is very difficult for me but I wanted to pay tribute to our beloved Chance who crossed the Rainbow Bridge on New Year's Day.

We got Chance when our vet, who also does some rescue, told me that she had a four month old puppy who might be perfect for our family.  She encouraged me to take him home with me to see how he fit in and I said, "OK, I'll take a chance on him."  He did fit with my husband and I and his name became Chance.  That was about 15 years ago and I have to say that Chance was the best dog who's ever owned us!

We lost our female Lab mix earlier in 2009 and we are now dog-less.  When we lost Coal, Chance, who was always more my dog anyway, became my "velcro" dog.  Even now, I expect to see him guarding the bathroom door when I emerge from my shower or lying touching my feet while I watch tv.  And I still take a huge step to make sure I don't step on him as I go to use the scanner or paper cutter in the studio.  And what will my customers think if there's no stray black hair clinging to their packaged portrait?   

I don't think we will get another dog although I have never been without a dog in my life for any length of time.  It wouldn't be fair to another dog as I think I would constantly compare it to Chancey.  No other dog could be possibly be so well-behaved and so loving.  Plus, it just hurts too much to lose them.

Goodbye Chancey - you were loved very much!

15 comments:

Unknown said...

I am so sorry for your loss Jan. Our pets are our family.

Sending you warm hugs at this sad time.

Dors.

Unknown said...

Terribly sad news Jan, he sounds a very special dog xx

Jeanette Jobson said...

Jan, I am so sorry that Chance is gone, I know it leaves such a hole in your life for so long.

He had a good life with you and you with him. Keep the memories alive.

Perhaps in time you will do a portrait of him just for you. I did that when my old dog died and it made it much more bearable to see his face everyday in that portrait.

Teresa Mallen said...

My deepest sympathies Jan. I know how painful this loss is. Yes our pets are our family. You have written a lovely tribute to Chance and the photo is just darling.

I too haven't been without a dog during my adult life (only for a few months anyway). Take your time on this one and who knows perhaps one day you will be ready. My last dog was a 'saint'. I knew I wasn't going to probably get that again and yup, my current fellow is a stinker through and through. :-) But, he is a delight in his own way, he keeps me laughing and I can't imagine life without him. And yes that day will come too.

I know you will hold your wonderful memories close and may remembering these times give you much pleasure mixed in with the sadness. Like Dors, I too send you hugs. God bless.

Sue Clinker said...

I'm so very sorry to hear your news Jan. I know he must have had a wonderfully happy life with you and you'll have some beautiful memories once the hurt lessens.

Love and hugs
Sue
xx

Jan said...

Thank you all for your condolences and support - it's much appreciated.

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry for your loss Jan, gosh it just breaks your heart when you have to say goodbye to them. Thoughts with you at this difficult time.

"JeanneG" said...

Hugs from me too. We lost our Friday on New Year's Eve. And Dec 1st of 2008 we lost our little Ditto. But we will never be without a dog. Even tho we compare them, we still grow to love their own particular traits. My hubby said we have to keep getting them or we will miss all that love.

Jan said...

Thanks so much, Vic and Jeanne.

Unknown said...

So very sorry about your Chance, I understand, we have went thru many wonderful!! pets in our life so far, saying we wouldn't get anymore, but our need for that wonderful "void" they fill won out. Maybe someday, another one will come into your lifes! They sure bring so much joy to our lives! Hugs to you! Lisa

Andrea said...

So sorry to hear of your loss, our dogs are part of the family and loosing them is heartbreaking.
Hugs

Jan said...

Thank you Lisa and Andrea. We will probably get another dog but probably not for a long while. Not having one does leave a huge hole in your heart.

geraldine.boley@googlemail.com said...

Hi Jan
have not been keeping up very well and missed your post, so sorry to hear you have lost Chance, cannot add anything to previous comments but wanted to add my sympathy. I lost my G.S.D. Kess in Oct 2008 and still miss her every day, we still have our JRT Oskar so are not dog-less, but I doubt I will have another dog and can understand what you are feeling.
Gx

Teresa said...

Oh, Jan, I'm so sorry. Only another pet lover who's lost a beloved pet can truly understand that awful feeling of loss.

How much we love our pets (babies) and how short seems to be their time with us.

Jan said...

Thank you, Teresa, their time is short with us and the heartache seems to go on and on. So many people just don't understand so thank you for your understanding.