Chauncey: More Than “Just a Dog”

Losing a pet is one of the hardest things I think I have had to process for quite some time. Losing a pet, not even a pet, a piece of your heart, feels like someone slammed on the breaks before you had a chance to put your seatbelt on. 

I found Chauncey on a breeder’s website and after a few calls and plenty of research, I placed a deposit to bring Chauncey home. I knew Chauncey was my dog when a video arrived in my inbox of all of these adorable pups, rolling around and climbing on top of one another. In the middle of it, was this slightly bigger pup walking around and putting his butt in their faces or attempting to sit on them. I knew instantly that crazy dog needed to be mine. 

Chauncey was not a dog, he was a true earth angel. While I may have picked him, he most certainly was brought to earth for me. He was my best friend, my security blanket, my anxiety relief and support. He was my world. I would joke about getting my next commission check because Chauncey needed to live his best life. And boy, did I make sure he did. 

Chauncey was not a dog, he was my travel companion. We would travel to the Cape for our week long stay with friends. We traveled with our aunts across country. Chauncey spent a month with me in California trying to decide whether we wanted to make the move from the East to West Coast. He would be the mascot for multiple cabin trips, sleep overs, and was, at one point, a regular at the local Hub Pub in Boston for our Sunday Funday’s with friends. 

Chauncey was not a dog, he was my baby. We cuddled every night, him laying up against my side to ensure I felt safe and could fall asleep. He licked the tears from my eyes when I was sad. He jumped in joy with me at my successes and happiness. He missed me as much as I missed him when we had to be a part from time to time. Chauncey was my ride or die to trips back and forth from the Finger Lakes to see Sean and home to Boston. He was always excited to get off the plane to Grandma and Grandpa’s to see his pals, Basil and Charlie, even though they may have bullied him, just a bit. 

Chauncey was not a dog, he was truly an intuitive being. He would lay with me in my darkest moments and give me a reason to pull myself out of bed. Chauncey laid next to my girlfriend, who was visiting from out of town and just found out a dear friend had committed suicide - not leaving her side. He was a being of hope to a friend that was trying so hard to become a mother. He was a nephew to many and frequently requested for social gatherings. He may have been the reason I got invited to some of those to be honest. 

Chauncey was not a dog, he was my life saver. When I struggled, he lifted up. When I wanted to give up, he gave me a reason to push forward. When I wondered how I was going to make it, he made it crystal clear. He gave me love when I had none to give myself. I continued to learn, grow, and become a better person for me but really, because of him. 

People may read this and not understand the bond that we have with our fur babies. That’s okay, not everything I write on this blog will resonant with everyone. 

This is written for those who love or have loved their pets as if they were children. Chauncey was mine. When we found out he was sick, he couldn’t tell us, he fought so hard to stay with us - displaying his genuine and selfless love. He left this world way too soon. If you ask me, his energy and personality deserved that of immortals. I would have taken his pain and suffering on if I could. He was selfless up until our final goodbyes. Only when he knew I was in good care of those around me, did he let me know it was time. He even let me know that exact moment that we had to say goodbye - no hesitation - he was being called to receive his wings. 

To those who read this, my heart is with you. I share your pain, your tears, and that ping you get in your heart when you think of your baby, as I do with Chauncey. I find comfort in the fact that Chauncey was mine and brought to me because the universe new how special he was. I find comfort in the fact that he truly touched so many people’s hearts and worlds. I find comfort that he up there with his friends - free of pain and worry. I find comfort that I will cross that bridge and see Chauncey, my heart dog, when my time comes.