The Best Mutt Ever

We lost our Chief today.  It's been a long time coming, but that doesn't reduce the pain.  This week he suffered many seizures, had difficulty controlling his back legs, and then contracted some sort of sinus infection that made it nearly impossible for him to breath. He was suffering.  It was time, there was no question.
We adopted Chief in August 1995 from the local animal shelter when he was only about 4 months old.  About a week later he was admitted into our local vet for parvo treatments.  He LOVED the vet ever after. Once he recovered, he became the consumate puppy and chewed everything from our feet to the table legs.  He was quite a pain in the butt for the first 2 years - and then something miraculous occurred.
Maturity agreed with him.  He was loyal and brave. He'd protect our family without hesitation.  I remember when we brought DD1 home.  He was very confused about what a baby was, but when we had visitors he didn't want to let them near the bassinet, his protective instincts kicked into high gear.  He barked to warn anyone who pulled into our driveway or walked by our yard.  But he had this great synchronicity with us despite our lack of training. After he let us know there was a visitor he'd watch our cues, once he was confident we were safe he'd stop the "attack" and start the "greeting".
And he wasn't all guard dog.  He had a sensitive side.  Any time he'd see someone crying, expecially DH or I, he'd come cuddle up to us and lick away our tears.
Chief - my children don't know life without you.  We are going to be facing a tough adjustment around here without you.  But all the grief is worth the pain, you were the best mutt EVER! We are so thankful to exerience having you in our family. You will be in our hearts forever.  Have fun frolicking with Cosmo, Houdini, Kane and Cleo across the Rainbow Bridge...