Chaps

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May 7, 1997 - July 30, 2009

Way too soon and without any time to prepare emotionally I had to say good bye to another one of my "boys."  The middle of the three boys, Chaps, joined his mother and brother in heaven early on the morning of July 30, 2009.  The shock of his sudden departure only added to the massive empty space he left behind. 

He was so completely devoted, so much my shadow and always my comedian.  Inside or outside, if possible, Chaps was rarely more than a few yards away (except for the necessary squirrel treeing sessions of course).  It didn’t matter how long or brief I was in an area Chaps was there. He moved when I did and not before. His eyes were always on me.  This dog knew the true meaning of “I’ve got your back”. 

Chaps’ sense of humor ran deep and he shared it with everyone he met.  While his brothers were learning to stand pretty and be show dogs, Chaps was happily learning how to “wave howdy” and “stick ‘em up”.  No matter how bad things might get Chaps could make me laugh.  Chaps also shared his sense of humor with new dogs; although I’m pretty sure they did not appreciate his efforts as much as the people he met. 

Chaps’ idea of a proper canine introduction was a good pinch on the rump to see if the newcomer wanted to play.  I don’t think he understood why such a warm greeting was so often unreturned and occasionally rebuffed. Chaps was known by most as the boy who got into his mother’s eyeliner……..and used a lot of it, and the boy with the non-stop wagging tail, often going round and round with joy rather than side to side.  I don't think I'll ever know a happier dog.

Chaps earned started titles in all of the herding venues but was never asked to go beyond that because I was only capable of working a couple dogs at a time.  Sadly, through no fault of his own, he stood in Ericka and Flare's shadows when it came to herding.

However he will always have the distinction of being one of the very few dogs who managed to turn in a qualifying score at the now infamous 2001 FL ACDCA Specialty sheep herding trials.

Despite his minimal career in the herding arena, Chaps stood in no ones' shadow in the agility ring.  That was our time and Chaps enjoyed every minute of it.  We learned the agility game together and the fun we had whether we got it right or got it wrong is immeasurable. Eventually most of the time we got it right and Chaps became a top notch agility dog.  He was invited to run on teams for the Florida state wide agility tournament several years in a row.  He was fast and sure and he rather liked being center stage.

Chaps was also my best beach buddy.  I was never quite sure if that was because he loved the beach so much or if he loved having me all to himself.  We would walk for miles down the beach with Chaps playing in the waves and trying to catch the fish as they jumped.  We were at the beach less than a week before I lost him.  I suspect when he got to heaven Chaps asked God if that ranch Cruces, Ericka and Flare were in charge of could also have some beach front.

The hole in my life where Chaps was is too huge to ever be filled.  He was always so full of life and happiness.  He was my laughter every day, my protector every night.  It's very very quiet here without him..................very quiet...........and very sad.

Run with your mom and brother Chaps but please no butt bite hellos in heaven.  It wasn't good manners here and I'm pretty sure it's not good manners up there.  I love you Chappers, I always will.