This page is
dedicated to CHIP - a very special puppy who was a big part of our family from
the 10th to the 18th November 2009.
Chip came to live with us in a desperate
attempt to hand rear him, as he was not thriving and was losing ground
in comparison with his litter mates. It is always a
difficult decision to move a puppy from their mum but it was hoped he
would get better and be reintroduced to his family after being weaned so
he could socialise with his litter mates.
Despite a determined
effort on his part (during which time he enjoyed his food, started
to gain weight, opened his eyes, took his first steps, enjoyed
lots of TLC and made us smile with his antics) Chip passed away
peacefully on 18th November. Thank you to David, of Bridge
Veterinary Surgery Wroxham, for all his help and support - as usual
he was second to none at a time when we needed an honest opinion
from a vet we could trust.
Sadly this is one of the
downsides of breeding and puppy mortality in the first few weeks is
not unusual, but this was not the outcome we were hoping for, and we
are very upset to have lost Chip.
Chip was not "just a
puppy" who was lost at two weeks old - but a little dog who had a
name and who showed us all that life is not measured by how long you
live but number of hearts you touch while you are here.
Chip is now buried in our
garden, in a spot which catches the sun for most of the day.
Thank you to
D for Dog
for the beautiful memorial stone.
Chip was part of a
beautiful litter of strong and healthy puppies - he will live on
through his brothers and sisters.
PUPPY POEM
I love my little puppy he makes my house a home.
He always is my best friend, I never feel alone.
I often sit and wonder as he fills my heart with love.
Did some breeder breed him, or did he fall from up above.
I’ve never been a breeder, seen life through their eyes.
I hold my little puppy and just sit and criticise.
I’ve never known their anguish, I’ve never known their pain.
The caring of their charges, through, snow, wind or rain.
I’ve never sat the whole night, waiting for babies to be born.
The stress and trepidation when they’re still not here by dawn.
I’ve never felt the heartache of a little life in my hands.
This darling little puppy who weighs 400 grams.
Formula, bottles, heat pads, you’ve got to get it right.
Two hourly feeds for this little guy, throughout the day and night.
In your heart you know, you’re almost sure to lose the fight.
To save this little baby, but god willing you just MIGHT.
Day 1 he’s in their fighting you say a silent prayer.
Day 2 and 3 he’s doing well, with lots of love and care.
Day 4 and 5 he’s still fine, your hopes soar to the heavens.
Day 6 he slips away again, dies in your hands day 7.
You take this little angel and bury him alone.
With aching heart and burning tears, and an exhausted groan.
You ask yourself “why do I do this”. Why suffer all this pain.
But when you see the joy your puppies bring it really self explains.
So when you think of a breeder and label them with “greed”.
Think about what they endure to fill another’s need.
When you buy a puppy and with your precious pounds part.
You only pay with money we pay with our heart.
Kendaamber
