Champ. Our puppy. Our little lady.
Champy lived the majority of her life in a kind of everlasting adolescence. And although an introvert at heart, spending the majority of her days sharing quiet space with me in our kitchen and den, each of us feeling the other’s presence, requiring very little but receiving so much, there was still a youthful excited quality ingrained in the energy she brought to our home.
Our little sweetie joined our family when Nick was beginning kindergarten. The kids were five, eight and ten when Champy joined our crew. Because she was our first pet we knew that bringing her into the fold meant learning a new set of skills but that it also meant (finally) understanding what the hype and enthusiasm attached to owning a dog was all about.
These adorable furry creatures give nothing but love…are nothing but love. How blessed we are to know the kind of joy that having a puppy could bring. I wish everyone could have the experience of walking through the front door many times a day and be greeted with insane exuberance, each and every time.
What I realize now is the tiny sweet moments brought forth from our tiny sweet puppy yielded an experience for our family that was beyond measure. What will we miss? The click of her tiny nails across a shiny hardwood floor; the sound of her sighs after a satisfying ear scratch or belly rub; sleepy snores from her favorite pillow; the sight of her face peeking around the den door alerting me it was time to take a break; the light scratch of her paw letting us know it was time to go out; the glee on her face when her three best buddies – Lauren, Chelsea & Nicholas – walked through the front door; the skip in her step upon seeing Dom every morning at breakfast and every evening for her late night snack; her perfect puppy pirouette with the hopes of scoring a beef-y treat; the twinkle in her dark-chocolate eyes that never shied away from a gaze; the softness of her snowy white fur…and I’m certain my family could come up with a hundred more…
Just a couple weeks shy of her 15th birthday, Champ lived life as a sprightly puppy for almost ever…
We could not have known, on that chilly October day so many years ago, when Champ took residence in our home, and in our hearts, the undeniable truth behind the words of Louis C.K… Getting a puppy, he said, is a “countdown to sorrow.”
It is also an undeniable truth that when something lights up your life like Champy did ours, you can’t help but bask in its warm glow forever.
Kelly says
Oh Annie, I am so so sorry for your loss š This is such a beautiful tribute to Champy. Losing our dear loved ones is so tough, we lost two of our dogs a few years ago and it still breaks my heart. Hugs to you during this difficult time.
Annie says
Oh Kelly, I am so sorry for your loss…the pain of losing our furry little loves never goes away but I imagine becomes softer with the passing of time and the sharing of sweet memories. Thank you so much for stopping by with a kind word, my friend.
Maya @ Treats and Eats says
Oh Annie, what a beautiful tribute to your beautiful Champ. I am so sorry for your loss and hope you are doing okay. It is so hard to lose such a beloved member of the family, but I’m so glad you had her in your life for as long as you did and it sounds like you brought each other so much joy and love. Hugs.
Annie says
Thank you so much, Maya. Our sweet memories are helping us get through difficult moments. Champy was the best.
Kevin | keviniscooking says
Ahhh, that was such a wonderfully written tribute indeed!
It took us at least a year before getting two new guys after the loss of both our 14 year old cat and dog on the same day four years ago. It was as if they both knew and passed quietly together. Pretty amazing no?
Now Kodi and Oliver (both labradoodles) are with me EVERY single day as I work from home and it’s so much fun.
Time heals and thanks for sharing that story Annie. Sorry for your loss and Champ is a great memory. š
Annie says
Kevin, I cannot believe that…that is amazing. Hopefully you found comfort in the fact that they were never parted. Thank you so much for sharing your story with me – everyone’s kindness is bringing such comfort. I can imagine Kodi and Oliver right by your side… I love that.
Simone | My Blueberry Basket says
Dear Annie! What moving and yet amazing words to describe the pleasure and happiness you felt with your little Champ and the pain you are feeling now. But you should never forget that Champ was blessed with such a happy life in the midst of your loving family, and in your memories she will always live on as the cheerful little puppy she was. Big hugs to you!
Annie says
Thank you so much, Simone. I love thinking about her as the cheerful little puppy she was. Hugs, my friend.
Manali @ CookWithManali says
Oh Annie, I am so sorry for your loss š She is adorable , big hug to you during this difficult time.
Annie says
Thank you, Manali. I really appreciate your stopping by with a kind word. Hugs to you.
My Dish is Bomb says
Losing a pup is so, so tough. I went through this last year, and since I got my dog when I was so young I hardly remembered what it was like not to have one. I hope you and your family are taking care of yourself and I’m so sorry for your loss. <3
Annie says
Thank you so much, Katie. I am so sorry to hear of your loss, my friend…
Cyndi - My Kitchen Craze says
Oh Annie I’m so sorry for your loss. A dog is such a big part of our lives and families. It’s so hard to say goodbye, but remember all of those amazing memories and fun times the kids and you all had with Champ. Wishing you and your family all the best during this time. Hugs!!
Annie says
Thank you so much, Cyndi. I so appreciate your kindness at this difficult time.
Traci | Vanilla And Bean says
My heart aches for you and your family during this difficult time, Annie. Losing family is devastating. By writing Champ’s tribute, you’ve started healing. I know there’s a hole in your heart, and the pain of missing her will perhaps never really go away. May her memory eventually bring you joy instead of tears. In my heart, xx
Annie says
Thank you, my friend. It means so much to hear from you. I am truly comforted by your words. xx
Anu-My Ginger Garlic Kitchen says
Oh my dear! his is such a lovely tribute. So sorry to hear about Champy. That’s really sad. I know its painful to lose your beloved pet. A big bear HUG to you my dear!
Annie says
Thank you, Anu. I so appreciate your stopping by with a kind word.
Cindy Fedish says
I am so very sorry for your loss. So hard to lose a fluffy family member. Hugs to all!!
Annie says
Thank you, Cindy. Hugs to you.
Darlene says
Dom, Ann, Lauren, Chelsea and Nick
I have no words to ease your pain of losing your precious Champ. I pray that the passing days will help ease your pain and your memories will bring you comfort of your wonderful life with Champ.
Annie says
Darlene, Thank you for your prayers, my friend…that means a lot to us.
Rachelle @ Beer Girl Cooks says
Oh Annie, I’m so sorry to hear about Champy. I know the deep pain and loss of losing a beloved pet. They are such a big part of our families and the sweetest gifts of innocence and unconditional love. We lost our first two within 10 months of each other and it broke our hearts. Thinking of you, friend. Hugs to you, Dom, and the kids.
Annie says
Thank you, Rachelle. I can imagine the broken hearts you must have endured. I am so sorry. Champy was our sweet little lady and we will miss her forever.
Robin Botie says
I am so sorry about Champy dying. But what a sweet life she had. What a lucky dog. Hugs to you and your family.
Annie says
Thank you so much, Robin. I so appreciate your stopping by with a kind word. Hugs to you, my friend.
Corinne Yousey says
Your words are beautiful and give a clear picture of the love she provided and received. I am so sorry for your loss but glad for the blessing you obviously received over the years – hugs!
Annie says
Thank you so much, Corinne. You are so right – so many blessings through the years. Hugs, my friend.
mira says
Oh, sorry for your loss! I know how you guys feel. Love the tribute to Champy! And of course I’m crying reading to, because I love dogs! They bring so much joy in our lives! It is hard to say goodbye! She was so sweet! Hugs and I hope you feel better!
Annie says
Thank you, Mira. I know – I see you with your puppy all the time. They bring such sweetness to our lives, don’t they? We were so lucky to have her and will miss her forever.
Kathleen | Hapa Nom Nom says
Oh Annie, you have me tearing up reading your beautiful tribute to Champy. I know how difficult it is, and it is so difficult because they bring us such joy and happiness in its purest form. Here is a poem that I always like to read when one of my beloved companions has passed: http://www.novareinna.com/bridge/norse.html
Just a warning, you will probably cry reading it, but you will hopefully find comfort in the words – I know they help me.
You and your family are in my thoughts, my dear friend.
Annie says
Kathleen, thank you so much for your kindness and for sharing the poem. It is so beautiful. I love the imagery and can’t help but cry but I am also comforted by its sweetness. You’re a dear.
Jennifer Hillman says
What an amazing tribute to your sweet Champ. I hope the memories that you and your entire family have will help in the days ahead. Not only were you blessed to have such an amazing dog , but Champ landed the greatest family that showed her unconditional love. I have been through the heart ache of losing our family dog growing up as a child that was a couple weeks shy of 18! There is no pain quite like it. Hugs and Love to the whole Sageer family!
Annie says
Thank you, Jen. Your sweet words mean so much at this difficult time. Truth is, it is impossible for us to not smile when we think of her…we’ve actually even shared some laughs at the thought of that little face and funny times through the years. I remember your dad sharing the story of your childhood dog…it is never easy. Hugs to you and your sweet little family, my friend.
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says
Oh, my sweet friend… i am so sorry for you loss. My deepest and most sincere condolences. I feel your pain. You know I lost my lovely furry eldest daughter not too long ago and reading your beautiful words, the love that exuded… it literally made me cry. Obviously Champ was VERY loved! I hope the memories and the knowledge that he not only recieved tremendous love, but that he gave unconditonal love can bring you some peace during this difficult time for your family. A dog becomes so ingrained and apart of our world, when they leave us, it’s heartbreaking. Huge hugs and lots of love my friend! I’ll be thinking about you! P.s. that was a phenomenal tribute. Xo
Annie says
Thank you, my friend. I am so sorry for your loss, as well. It is very hard but we are so grateful for her presence in our life.
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
What a wonderful tribute, Annie! Dogs are the best gift and it sounds like you and your family and many wonderful memories with him. It is always hard to loose a dog, as I’ve been through that several times now. But here’s to the memories of your dog!
Annie says
You are so right, Gayle…dogs are the best gifts. I am sorry to hear that you’ve been through this, as well. Thank you, my friend.
Geraldine | Green Valley Kitchen says
Ahhh, Annie – I’m so sorry for your loss of Champ. What a beautiful, wonderful, little friend that brought you and your family so much joy and happiness. The love and companionship that a dog brings to a family is immeasurable. Wishing you all the best at this tough time.
Annie says
Thank you so much for your comforting words, Geraldine. Champ was the best and we miss her terribly.