Good bye Chewy

[John_E_Dove]

17 years ago I was following a pick up truck on Hwy 50 through Las Animas Colorado. In the back of the truck was a cute little pup sitting near the tailgate which was down. The truck made a sudden U turn and the poor little guy flipped out of the truck and tumbled onto the highway. The driver of the truck did not notice his dog was gone nor the fact that I suddenly skidded to a halt putting my Bronco in road block fashion between the stunned pup and the traffic coming up a couple of blocks behind me. Leaping from the Bronco I snatched up the pup and threw him in the passenger’s seat while the other drivers honked their displeasure.
Over the years Chewy was never a normal dog per se. He did not like to play, he was pretty shy on the whole, but he was one of the best watchdogs a person could want and always came with tail wagging when we came in the front door.
A couple of years ago he had his first stroke. The vet gave him an excellent chance for survival and recovery, that time. Since then he has had a couple of strokes a year in spite of proper feeding and exercise. When he had a stroke last November the vet said his chance of recovery was slim to none and we should put him down, but the little guy would not give up and he returned to normal by February.
Yesterday he had his worst stroke ever, his left side was paralyzed to the point his head was twisted and his ear was lifted like he was listening. He barely had the ability to get to his feet.
My wife and I talked it over and decided it was time.
He and I took his last walk this morning; it took us 5 hours to walk the 200 yards to his favorite sand hill behind the house. He had to stop and rest a lot but showed no sign of wanting to go back to the house. During the rests we sat in the field and shared love. I think he knew he was not coming back and welcomed the idea.
I had to carry him up the sand hill he tried but he just did not have enough use of his left legs to make it. On the hill he lay down and looked around his domain for the last time as I wept and petted him for a half an hour or so. He looked up at me and we both knew the time had come.
Chewy now watches over the pasture behind the house forever and there is a big empty place in my heart from his passing.
Good bye Chewy, you may no longer live in the flesh but you will always live in the hearts of all who knew you and be sorely missed.

[X-Factor]

Wow...what a great story. He is no longer in pain though and you did the best that you could. Don't mourn, rejoice in the time you spent with him and that he is in a better place.

[RioBravoReptiles]

That's a really great story! Sorry for your loss.
.
We had a roadside dog for years too, he was the best of the best. His name was 'Skippy', after the way he would walk!
.
Nice way you said good bye.
.
Gus.

[MED04]

I am so sorry for your loss. Chewy sounds like a wonderful companion.

[louise]

i am very sorry.

[morti]

I am sorry for your loss JED. It is always sad when a beloved member of the family dies. My condolences to you and yours.

As others have said, you did the right thing and I know his life with you was better than any dog could hope for.

My heart goes out to you.