Today the world has lost someone who has touched many hearts. Today my sister Mary and her family lost their pet dog Chica. Those who knew Chica would be more than happy to share a story of how this little dog touched them. For those of us in the family, Chica was family.
Twelve years ago my sister had purchased Chica from a breeder of Brussels Griffon out-of-state and when Chica became old enough to leave her doggy family she was flown into Newark, NJ airport where she was greeted by her new mommy, my sister Mary, my wife Denise, myself and an adopted sister of our family Leslie. We used to have a running joke on how many blondes it took to pick up a puppy. When we first laid eyes on this little thing, who fit in the palm of your hand, we immediately fell in love with her. She had pee in her crate so we took her to the lady’s room and gave her a little bath under the faucet. She was just so damn cute. On the ride home we took turns holding her and when my turn came she had lain on my shoulder and was licking the bottom of my ear. I remember us all having such a great time with lots of laughter.
When Chica got to her house she was introduced to her kitty sister Raffy cat. Raffy immediately took to Chica. She would pin her down and groom her every chance she could. At that time in my sister’s life she only had her husband John and one human child Krystal and my niece was in her teens so Chica became the baby of the house. Now if you know anything about Brussels than you know they are a non shedding dog and they stay very small. The eyes of a Brussel are almost human looking and their faces can be compared to a Star Wars Ewoks. They are extremely intelligent and very social. They have very human looking expressions. It is very hard not to fall in love with one when you see them.
Chica had been a little over a year old when I moved to California but when I came back east to visit that pup always knew me and greeted me with her tail wagging and lots of licks on the face. My sister’s family grew during this time also, besides her husband John, she had a son Nate born shortly after I moved. Then came another daughter Brielle. The pup was never jealous of the kids and loved playing with them. I remember when I came for my summer visits Chica would love to go out in the front yard and run around the water rocket that the kids had. She would run around barking at that thing for hours if you let her.
My sister never lacked for friends and every one of them that I knew loved Chica and that was just the way that pup was. When my mom and dad would visit the dog would always wiggle her way in between them on the couch. After mom had passed and it was my father visiting Chica would follow him everywhere. When my oldest sister Jane would visit you would always find Chica sitting on her lap. When I would visit Chica would be my shadow and sleep with me every night. She had her routine at night. She would get up on the bed and head to the pillow and scratch at it till it was just the way she liked it. On colder nights she would crawl under the covers and spoon me. When I came with my wife Denise the pup would make sure she was right in the middle of us during bedtime.
Chica had such a beautiful personality and could always make you feel better if you were feeling down. I truly loved that pup and my heart is broken with her passing. I will miss my little furry niece but will always cherish every single memory I have of this high spirited pup. Our family has lost a very precious heart touching soul. May you Rest in Peace and your spirit be beside that of our mothers. Till the day we meet again I love you and miss you.
For those of you that have ever lost a furry family member, my heart goes out to you. Our pets are no longer just pets they have become full members of our families. Always show them love and kindness and you will get that same gift back in return. Our furry family members only know unconditional love and deserve to have that shown to them, there is no better love in the world.