Farewell to Champ: One Woman’s Best Friend
He was doing fine last week, and then, in what seemed like an instant, he was gone.
One of my friends sent me an email this morning, letting me know that her best friend, Champ, had passed away. As one of my dearest friends, and as Champ was Webster’s best playing buddy, we are sad. Webster is moping. Maybe somehow he knows or perhaps he sees that I am sad, which in turn makes him sad. Either way, he lays on the chair in my office and mopes.
Gloria never went anywhere without Champ. Not since she had found and rescued him from the side of expressway almost twelve years ago. There were two dogs that had been dumped, both traveling together. Both dogs were starving and skinny. Gloria was able to get Champ in her car and off the expressway. She was not successful with the other dog, in spite of having gone to the market and gotten some food for the dog, nothing would lure him into her car and he ran off never to be seen again. Champ however had struck gold! He had no way of knowing that day that he would find the very best home that anyone could ask for, human or canine. Gloria is the ultimate animal lover, her dream being to one day open her own animal shelter in the country where she could take in every stray that wanders down the road. Even in her current, small dwelling, she will take in every animal she finds or someone leaves on her doorstep, spending her time and money to find a cat or a dog good homes.
Gloria has always had cats. She has always claimed to be a cat person. No one was more shocked than she when this little dog entered her life. She had no plans to keep him and found a “no kill” shelter for him. However, somewhere during the night, in between the tossing and turning, night sweats and dreams, she knew that she could not let the little dog go to someone else. Morning couldn’t come quickly enough when she went back to the shelter and picked up her dog (they had figured as much and set him aside for her). She thought he was a Champ having survived the expressway, and so, this is who he was; a Champ.
Webster and I have many fond memories of Champ and this will carry us through our grief. I’m sure it will for Gloria too, although the sting of a new wound is painful, and I anticipate that it will be for quite some time. The holidays will suck!
There will, of course, never be another dog that can replace Champ. For he was just as unique as either you or I. But I do hope that when her heart has sufficiently healed, Gloria will consider another dog (even though she claims to be a cat person), for it would be a shame to deprive a dog that will someday need the best home it could ever find.
Gloria: Bill, Webster and I all send our love.
Dear readers and fellow dog lovers, if you have some sentiments you would like to share with Gloria, I promise to make sure she receives your comments and good wishes. Thank you.
Gloria and Champ at the beach
Champ & Webster after a full day of running on the beach
Tags: Animals, canine, death, Dogs, losing a dog, losing a pet
November 24th, 2008 at 2:50 pm
As it was once said: it is better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all.
My deepest sympathies go out to your friend.
November 24th, 2008 at 3:46 pm
I’m totally understand the love shared and great loss & send my heartfelt empathy to both of you. *hugs*
November 24th, 2008 at 6:38 pm
I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your dog. I love my dogs and I’d be lost without them. I wish you well during this time of loss.
November 24th, 2008 at 7:06 pm
Aw, I’m so sorry to hear that Champ is gone. It sounds like he was a wonderful dog and that he found a great home with Gloria. I’ve had a number of “rescued” pets and I often think they make better pets overall … it’s like they know they’ve finally found a good home and seem to appreciate everything so much.
Hugs to Gloria.
November 24th, 2008 at 7:09 pm
Gloria,
I’m sorry to hear of your loss!!!!
November 24th, 2008 at 7:24 pm
Hey Gloria. So very sorry to hear you lost your best friend, Champ! Sounds like you gave him a very wonderful home. Hugs your way.
November 24th, 2008 at 7:28 pm
I am an animal lover and have been rescuing dogs since i can remember. I have lost two of my beloved dogs and countless other pets. It has never gotten easier. I wish you the best and hope that soon the time will come when thinking of Champ makes you smile instead of cry.
November 24th, 2008 at 7:59 pm
May you forever cherish the love you shared for Champ. I am sorry for your loss.
November 24th, 2008 at 8:03 pm
Gloria, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I too rescued my dog from the local humane society. A tight budget made it more economical for me to leave him at the vet than to bring him with me to VA. I miss him soooo much. I am sure premanent separation hurts so much more. You are in my prayers at your time of loss.
November 24th, 2008 at 8:09 pm
Your loss has struck me. As a doggie guardian I know what they mean to those of us lucky enough to have the heart to welcome them into our home and the rescues, like my dear Lucy, are so dear because of all they have been through. I pray you are able to feel better soon.
My sincerest condolences.
November 24th, 2008 at 8:31 pm
I’m so sorry for your loss. Know that others are thinking of you, praying for you and feeling your pain. May Champ’s memories and thoughts of kindness comfort you and keep you. rene’e
November 24th, 2008 at 8:41 pm
I’m so very sorry for your loss. Champ was a cutie pie! You are in my thoughts.
November 24th, 2008 at 9:06 pm
My sympathies about your dog, Champ! He’s a cutie. Take care.
November 24th, 2008 at 9:29 pm
I am so very, very sorry for your loss. I know your hurt is great as I have felt that pain before. May you find peace.
November 24th, 2008 at 9:31 pm
Mes pensées sont avec vous dans votre période de la perte. Le champion était aimé beaucoup moi peut le dire
November 24th, 2008 at 9:34 pm
Lo siento oír que usted perdió su perro. Él era obviamente muy importante para usted y mis condolencias para usted.
Alonzo
November 24th, 2008 at 10:01 pm
Gloria It is funny how us cat people end up with dogs. Champ was very lucky to have you in his life. It is clear from the post that you were both a blessing to one another. I am very sorry for you loss.
November 25th, 2008 at 12:25 am
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Champ. He was a wonderful spirit.
November 25th, 2008 at 12:27 am
Ich bin sicher, dass Champion ein großes Leben hatte. Ich bin für Gloria’ traurig; s-Verlust. Hunde sind das Beste.
November 25th, 2008 at 6:17 am
Gloria,
I am so sorry to read about Champs passing. He sounded like he lived up to his name and brought you great companionship, love, and comfort. It’s a love like no other. I’ve lost one of my babies in the past unexpectedly so I know how hard this time is. I won’t try and sugarcoat anything because the pain is raw but please know that time does help. I wish you the best.
November 25th, 2008 at 8:33 am
Gloria…I am so sorry you lost your Champ. He sounds like a wonderful dog who truly had an impact on your life. Don’t let anyone tell you it isn’t ok to grieve because it IS. Although he was a dog, he was also part of your family. {{{Hugs}}}
November 25th, 2008 at 2:23 pm
Gloria, I am so sorry about your losing Champ, and know how you feel.
There Is not one of us who has not gone through this. They do become
part of our family and the pain Is always there… Just remember all
the good thoughts and what a great life you gave him and In time maybe
another pup will ease your pain. You will never forget Champ, but
maybe you can pass your love on to another needy dog as you had done
with Champ..
Take care, my thought are with you ..
PAT A.
November 25th, 2008 at 3:41 pm
It’s always so hard to loose the ones we love. But for sure, there is a doggie heaven up there and Champ is right now eating a giant bone
November 26th, 2008 at 8:39 pm
Dear Gloria.
I’m so sorry that you lost Champ. I hope that things will get better soon. I love dogs and I know what it’s like to lose a dog pal. Take care.
November 27th, 2008 at 11:14 am
Hi Gloria. Sorry that you lost your little dog, Champ. I know it must feel awful right now. Hope you’ll feel better soon. Have a Happy holiday.
November 28th, 2008 at 7:24 pm
Seems like we never get enough time with our pets that we love so much. So glad Champ had you for as long as he did. You gave him such a happy and rewarding life and he told you that unconditionally every day he was with you. So sorry for your loss.
October 10th, 2009 at 2:09 am
October 12th, 2009 at 6:12 am
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October 12th, 2009 at 8:26 pm