Tomorrow we say goodbye.

Tomorrow we say goodbye to our incredibly treasured, most beloved Chip.

After a string of "good days", "bad days"... and everything in between, Chip sent me "the sign" everyone's been talking about.

The last 3 days he's refused breakfast, but has eaten dinner. Today, he's refused both. I offered my entire kitchen: raw beef, cooked beef, raw cheese, cottage cheese, peanut butter, hot dogs, eggs, apples, bananas.... all of which he's loved for years..... nothing.

He looks pregnant, but isn't eating. There's evidence of cancer all over his beautiful chocolate body.

I wanted an in-home procedure, but with all the ups and downs, back-and-forth... it wasn't something I could plan or commit to. I had a few appt's set up, but they were - of course- canceled.

My heart is aching in a way it's never ached. I've felt extraordinary pain, grief, and loss over the years... but all have had its degrees and variations. This one’s different.

Chip has been a partner to me in every way a dog can be. He was my joy, my comfort, my constant, and my reliable. Everything with him was absolutely effortless in every way... we were always in sync. This is going to be an excruciating loss.

FB and Apple memories keep popping up and will continue to haunt me on a daily basis... pictures of him all over my website, us with the Mini Pack Leaders in Training, hiking trips and adventures, PF branding shoots, Nosework (which he excelled at !), or just chilling at home.

I will never be the same... but I suppose this is part of "life". Loving ... losing... hearts fuller... hearts emptier...

Thank you all for your words of support, love, encouragement, and for sharing your stories... it's meant the world.