Checkers
Checkers, 15 years old, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, July 1, 2020. He was born on May 23, 2005 and joined our family on July 23, 2005. Our family grew up with him. Joey was 6 years old, Bobby 8, and Jamie 10 when Checkers first came into our lives. Joey was afraid of dogs, but he fell in love with Checkers, as we all did.
Checkers loved to lay in the sun at the front door and sometimes in the yard. He was full of energy and loved walks and playing “the growling game” with Dad. He also loved going to his toy basket and barking and having us dump out all his toys so he could pick the one he wanted to play fetch with. He would sit on the couch and watch TV with us and sleep next to our bed at night. His favorite treats were Snausages and Busy Bones. He was very happy to see us and just enjoyed being near us and watching us. He was a little devil sometimes with his potty accidents and ability to sneak out the front door and yard, but he was so cute that he was always forgiven. Once he even discovered that he could climb on the kitchen table, and we thought that was pretty funny. He was a beloved companion who will be missed dearly. He was loved by everyone who took care of him, especially his grandma, Nani, who passed away in 2013.
He was diagnosed with cancer in March and given only days to weeks to live. This was just before the Covid pandemic, so Jamie came in from New York and Bob from Wisconsin so they could say goodbye. He put up a strong fight and made it past his 15th birthday. In his final months, he lost his much of his hearing and some of his vision, but he continued to do many of the things he loved. He enjoyed eating rotisserie chicken from Sam’s Club, hamburger patties, and various dog foods. Due to the Covid pandemic, he had us home with him for his final months.
We are so very sad to let go, but it was his time and we will cherish the many memories of him.
Thanks to Lap of Love for coming out during the Covid crisis and helping Checkers pass peacefully in his own bed with us at his side. Also, thanks to Faithful Companion Pet Cremation, who returned Checkers to us the next day. He was blessed to have such wonderful, loving people care for him during his final moments.
