My sweet friend Chip went to the great dog park in the sky over the weekend. Right now, I would imagine she's running like around like a puppy, hearing every little noise now that nature can offer up and being fed toast crusts on demand. (Shhhh. That's what we used to give her as little treats during her many visits to our home.)
I'm thankful for all the time Chip spent with my family. She was a sweet and gentle part of our lives. Thanks to the Smith family for letting me come down to say goodbye.
She was a very good dog.
kass says
oh that’s so sad Cathy! Chip was a wonderful part of your life and, subsequently, all our lives.
Run free at Rainbow Bridge Chip!
Kathy Jo Camacho says
I’m so sorry. I know how much your family loves Chip.
Kristin says
So sorry for your loss. What a sweet face. Rest in peace, Chip.
carriegel says
I’m sorry. I loved hearing your Chip stories.
Jennifer says
hugs!!
Petra says
Bye Bye Chip, that is so sad.
Beth S says
I’m so sorry for your loss. You were great friends to each other. I too enjoyed your stories.
Baggsy says
So sorry to hear this news. I have loved following your adventures with Chip via your blog and I know the pain of losing a much loved furry friend. It’s very hard. Love to you and your family.
Sandi Keene says
Oh, we all loved Chip with you. Hugs to you and yours and Happy Dog Days to Chip.
Sarah says
Sorry for the loss of your live-in dog. The Zielske Dog Spa will never be the same… nor will your stories.
Debby says
How sad. Sending hugs to all in Chip’s family.
Whitney P says
So sorry for your loss! My heart goes out to your family & Chip’s family!
Adriane says
Hugs to the Smith and Zielske families.
Sue Williams says
I really enjoyed your Chip stories. Sweet, sweet dog. Happy memories.
Natalie says
A good dog. The sweetest words any human can say to, or about, a canine. Thank you for sharing her with us.
Kendra Bailey says
I am SO sorry! I love how you’re picturing him now . . . hopefully that helps a bit.
Kendra Bailey says
Sorry . . . I have all male pets and wrote him instead of HER 🙁
Jennifer L says
Wow, I just teared up. We too had to put our dog Roswell down last winter. It’s tough to say goodbye. Thanks for sharing your lovely layouts through the years of this dog. They were inspiring.
Pam says
Awww, this brought tears to my eyes! I loved reading about Chips visits to your house. RIP Chip. I’m sorry Zielske family for your loss and to Chip’s full time family as well. It’s so hard to lose a fur baby.
MichelleG says
I’m just sitting here tearing up. I’m so sorry for your loss. I loved the Chip visits and your posts about that sweet dog. Chip will be mourned and missed by many… Hugs to the Smith family too.
scrappysue says
So sad to hear this news, writing this with tears in my eyes too. Chip will be missed by many that’s for sure.
Diane Roberts says
Sending you guys and the Smiths my deepest condolences and hugs – been there and feel for you all.
Susan Raihala says
Hugs to you and the Smiths for your loss.
We’re almost there with our old golden Hoover. He’s been such a good dog, and we’ve been blessed with a few months to say good-bye. His bucket list is done (it included a lot of bacon) and he’s exceeding expectations for his prognosis. We’re treasuring every day.
Lisa says
So sad. 🙁 But it sounds like she had a wonderful, happy life.
Kelly Jo says
that quote is so true!
I’m so sorry.
Chris R. says
I too am tearing up! Such a sweet dog. Thank you Cathy for sharing the wonderful times you had with her.
ale says
my eyes are teary as i read this. perfect quote about our furry friends. hugs to the zielkes and the smiths, too.
katie scott says
tears here too – our 2 labs are seriously old and sweet. But morbidly – thanks for the dog quote when the time comes.
Michelle says
So sorry for your loss.
jen says
I’m so sorry … thinking of everyone whose lives Chip touched. Rest in Peace, sweet dog.
RobynS says
Sending hugs from Savannah. Dogs/pets are such an important part of life.(Our house has had many) They bring such unconditional love at the most needed of times. I loved all of your posts that you featured Chip. She will be missed. Condonlences to your family and the Smith family.
Amanda Johnston says
I’m so sorry for your loss. Chip was such a good dog. I really enjoyed her posts from your house.
Kelly in NB says
Good bye CHip…..sending love from Atlantic Canada.
Hugs to you and your family too Cathy(and the smith’s).
Betheroo says
Rest in peace, Chip.
Ann says
I’m so sorry for your loss. Hugs and prayers to the Smiths and your family too, Cathy. Thank you for “sharing” Chip with all of us – loved the stories and that sweet face of hers 🙂
Kristie says
I always enjoyed your Chip stories, and remember the day our golden passed as one of the saddest I’d ever experienced. I’m so sorry for the loss, both for Chip’s familly, and you, her surrogate family.
Kay Gregory-Clark says
Awwww. Reminds me so much of my dear, sweet old lab Quest, whom I lost in January. Such good friends. I’m in the process of scrapping his and my life. They are dearly missed.
Kelli says
As a Golden Retriever owner, I always loved it when Chip came to visit you. Everybody needs a little Golden loving. I’m so sorry for the loss, for you and for Chip’s family.
lisacohen says
Oh I’m so sorry to hear about Chip’s passing. I always loved reading about when Chip would come to visit. We had our own Linky leave this world in the fall and I still get teary-eyed when I see a dog walking along the road or look at photos of Linky. I know how huge a loss this is Chip’s family and yours. I’m thinking of you and Chip today and sending you hugs. xoxo
Kristina says
Awww….I loved hearing about Chip’s visits to your house. RIP Chip….go chase squirrels!
Kim B says
I’m so sorry for your loss. I know how much you and your family loved Chip. I loved hearing your stories when Chip was visiting.
Heids says
Ah GUYS, hey … that’s so sad!!!
It was always so lovely seeing her sweet face on your site!
Hugs to her family, too! It’s so not easy losing a precious pet.
xxx
scrapper al says
The loss of a friend is never easy. Rest in peace Chip.
Ana F. says
I always enjoyed your stories about Chip and the pictures you posted. ISending hugs and a prayer to your family and the Smiths.
Christa Paustenbaugh says
So sorry for Chip, his family and extended family too. It’s so hard losing a furry friend.
bobbie says
Enjoy the other side of the Rainbow Bridge, Chip!
We had to let our Samuel J. Cat cross the Rainbow Bridge this weekend, too ~~~
Many hugs to ya’ll, and Chip’s ‘real’ family ~
Debbie S. says
Oh, I’m so sorry to hear about Chip.
Ululani says
I’m so sorry to hear about Chip. Regardless of who’s dog it is, a great dog shows love to anyone that is willing to except it. I’m glad that your family got to experience unconditional love from man’s best friend.
Ululani
Cameron says
Awwww. This is so sad. 🙁 Rest in peace, sweet Chip. 🙁
annie says
what a sweet sweet dog. you were blessed to have him in your life even if it was only part-time. hugs.
carla callahan says
=( I think everyone just went and hugged their dog…
kerri Macdonald says
So sorry to hear about Chip. I loved reading the letters to his family during his stay with you. Hugs!
Sara says
I’m so sorry. As an insane dog lover myself, I’m so grateful to people who treat him as I do… And I know your family loved that dog like crazy.
Nancy B says
My sincerest sympathies! Losing a pet (even if it was just occassional) is very hard on the heart strings. Crying is not optional but necessary.
Dawn says
Awww… I know how you feel. We just lost our sweet girl 3 weeks ago… very difficult. Take care of yourselves and the Smiths.
denise:) says
I’m so sorry- she was a such a sweet buddy!
Jennifer says
my deepest condolences to Chip’s family, and to yours. Chip touched so many lives, as all great pets do, and their contributions are never forgotten.
LeeAnna says
Aw, so very sad. They become such a big part of our lives, our own or simply borrowed.
Take care. RIP sweet Chip.
Angela Hancock says
I am so sorry for your loss Cathy. I always loved your blog posts about Chip. I am sure he is playing like a wee pup right now. xxxx
Bec_Kilgore says
I always loved the blog posts about Chip’s visits. Maybe she is playing with my departed pups. I know you will miss her visits.
marion w says
Chip had a good life and you were fortunate to share part of it with her. We just adopted a rescue, but still miss the old dogs who were part of our lives for so long. Read the Rainbow Bridge poem – you will cry shamelessly, but it will make you feel better.
Melanie G says
((((hugs))))
Terrie says
It always bring a tear to my eye when someone shares their love for their pet. Thanks for helping us remember how special our four-legged ones are to our lives. I too believe that across the rainbow bridge our critters are having a wonderful time.
Kelli P. says
I always loved your Chip posts. My heart goes out to you and Chip’s family. We are so lucky for the time we get with these special friends.
Kathleen Loughran says
I believe it is a cruelty that their lives are so short. I am sorry for the Smith’s loss. When they meet again Chip will be very excited they joined him.
Teresa says
Hugs to you. I know you all loved Chip very much.
pam says
Tears here at Chippie’s passing; I so enjoyed your stories about her. Sorry for your loss.
Joanne says
You will be missed Chippie! I loved hearing all the stories about you. Hugs to you Cathy..I know you will miss him alot.
Jane Toft says
Oh what sad news. Such a beautiful shot you took of Chip though. I’m sure the Smith family will treasure a framed print of it, and may be another layout?
Deneen Cook says
Chip will be missed dearly! It’s so hard when we lose a good friend.
Hugs
Maggie from New Zealand says
Hi Cathy
Sorry to hear about the loss of your furry friend. This Neil Finn interview might cheer you up though….great sounds, shame about the centipede on the top lip.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/news/video.cfm?c_id=1501119&gal_cid=1502757&gallery_id=111644
dawn says
So sorry to hear chip is gone. I loved reading your stories and seeing the gorgous pictures you always had. I’m sure he’s having a great time running and being free. Thanks for sharing so many great stories of him. He really is a beautiful dog. Sending big hugs to your family and to his family!!
Heidi says
I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of Chip. 🙁 I really enjoyed the stories you have shared about what a great dog she was. Her paw prints will be on your heart forever.
Debbie P says
Oh, my thoughts are with your family and Chip’s family. It’s hard losing a family member. Always loved you sharing your time with him. God Bless.
Breeoxd says
is it weird that I just teared up a little? Im very glad you got to say a last farewell to ol’ chip. hugs.
Quinna says
I burst into tear…because of you we all got to know Chip…Kathy I’m so sorry to hear about your loss.
krys72599 says
Oh, how very sad.
I lost my Belle in 1983, after she took care of us for 13 years.
Tears for you and the rest of Chip’s family.
Hope he gets to meet my Belle in doggie heaven!
Peggy says
how sad Chip has past on, please tell his owners your blog readers will miss the adventures he had while at your house. (yes I know he mostly slept, but he did it well!)
Lee says
A beautiful dog.
A beautiful quote.
Peace to the Smith and the Zielske families…
– Lee
Nancy Peacock says
I got tears in my eyes reading your post today.
I remember sweet Chippie and all the great stories you told about her.
Aren’t dogs amazing though?
My little guy turned 12 yesterday and we’re aware that he’s well into the winter of his life.
Makes me sad to even think about it…
Jeannie says
I am so sorry to hear about Chip’s passing. I always enjoyed your stories of his visits. My sympathy.
Jenell says
Great quote for a great dog. I enjoyed reading your stories about Chip throughout the years.
amy w says
i’ve enjoyed getting to know Chip from your blog (and some scrapbook pages). It’s so sad that she’s gone, but i think you’re right about where she is now.
Marianne says
Awwww… 🙁 RIP Chip.
JanaMillen says
I enjoyed seeing your posts about Chip…. I’m so sorry to hear about his passing.
gina says
So sorry. It’s always hard to lose a dog. It is humbling to think how much trust they put in us. Curly Girl Designs (Leigh Stanley) has a card with dogs on it. I hope I don’t get this entirely wrong, but it says something like “Dogs come here for a short time to teach us how to love like it’s our job. Because it is.”
Di says
O.K. I am the biggest NOT dog fan ever.. HOWEVER hearing of Chippies passing I have tears in my eyes. I know how much you and your family loved him. I enjoyed reading of his visits. I too hope that he is enjoying all the things that make him happiest. Hugs to all!
Val from Down Under says
Oh, how sad. They are such a part of the family aren’t they? She will be sadly missed by a whole lot of people. Thinking of you all…
Kathryn Whittaker says
I recently made a mini album for my 9-year-old son. It is about our dog that he had known his whole life. Buddy (our dog) passed away 2+ years ago, and Matthew (our son) would still cry about him. Dogs has such a way of touching our lives with love and friendship. I always enjoyed your posts and pages about Chippie. Our thoughts are with the Zielske’s and Smith’s tonight. Happy trails to a sweet pup. Love to all.
Margaret C says
I’m sorry to hear that, Cathy – take care xx
Johanna Hörrmann says
Alles Gute, Chip.
Tami says
first Charmer and now Chip…I hope they are playing together.
Rhona says
Losing a dog is so sad, and Chip seemed like some a lovely dog. We lost one of our dogs in January this year but feel sure he’s now running around with other family dogs from past years 🙂 Our thoughts are with you and Chip’s owners.
star says
Cathy-
I am so sorry for your loss. Your Chip posts were some of my favorites. Your story’s of him and your other four legged friends helped us decide to adopt a rescue dog. Please know that we are thinking of you.
Star
Dar says
Cathy,
I’m so sorry to hear about Chip’s passing. My prayers are with you and the Smith family. We’ve been through the loss of a pet, and know the struggle well. That pushed us to look for a puppy that needed a home. We ended up with a Golden girl named Jasmine, and she brought life back into our family. (And some great photos, as well. Just like Chip!) His stories, and pictures, will be missed.
~ Dar
heather mc says
ummm….i am not a huge pet person and i am sad; be well and thanx for sharing Chip and the love that surrounds him with us.
Lynn M says
Cathy:
As a dog mom, I loved your blog stories of Chip. We have a golden too. He’s looks so much like Chip (I was a little weepy reading your tribute today). Rest in peace, Chip. May all your dog bones be big ones.
Marianne says
Thank you for sharing your love of Chip with us, even if he wasn’t your dog. I’m sure his family loved that you cred about him so much!
Lori Hudson says
Goodbye sweet Chip. You brightened more lives than you could ever know.
Krystyn says
My condolences to you and Chip’s family. What a sweet dog who obviously brought SO MUCH joy to so many people!!
Yaritza says
I’m so sorry to hear about this. I actually teared up some. I can’t find the words to finish this post. My thoughts are with you guys through this hard time.
Joy Fender (wingnut) says
I’m so sad to read this today. You helped Chip live a wonderful life. My condolences to all who loved Chip.
Regina says
I felt like I knew Chip and loved your stories. What a sweet, gentle dog. Hugs to you and his family and a smile on my face as I think of Chip crossing the rainbow bridge.
Lori says
awww…. so sad. Not looking forward to that at all… pets are special.. they SO love to love and be loved…
Molly says
My thoughts are with all that knew and loved Chip.
Lee Ann says
So sorry for your loss – that makes me sad too. RIP Chip.
Jules says
I’m so sad to hear about Chip. Dogs really do add a lot of joy to life. Bye Chip…
Sara Mangan says
RIP, Chip. When our family had Tara take our pictures, at Como, Chip was the first “person” I recognized as you & Tara were all walking toward me. Glad you got to be a part of his life.
Jennifer says
My sympathies to the Smith and the Zielske families on the loss of a beloved pet.
I am a little shocked by the tears flowing from my eyes. But I guess we all just loved the stories and it warmed our heart. Who knew that a dog in Minnesota could affected people all over.
Thanks for sharing your stories about Chip and the other dogs.
pipw says
I’m so sorry to hear about Chip. Good things are made to be shared and Chip was shared with and, therefore, loved by so many. My thanks to you, and to the Smith family, for sharing her with us.
joanne smith (spagirl) says
oh nooooooo…. i loved your posts on sweet chipina… thank you for sharing her with us… look at that face! i have to go hug my little chi now (and my other furkids)
Marge Johnston says
oh man, this brings on the tears! What a gem Chip was and a total delight to read about in your posts! Many thoughts for her family and to you guys too.
Madeline St Onge says
OHH how sad. I am sorry Cathy, So loveChip