Chip Fowler

GOODBYE TO MY DEAREST CHIP (2002 – 6/06/2014)

An 11 year old Chip had arrived at Pauline’s house confused and needy. She had just lost her beloved Ben and had an empty Golden Retriever sized space in her home which Chip could fill.

Gradually, Chip settled into a routine, totally of his choice, and the two of them grew closer and closer so all seemed well but life can provide some cruel twists and turns and the two, clearly, just weren’t meant to be together for long. Fourteen months is nowhere near enough time but that was all they had together.

Luckily, Pauline had no difficult decisions to make as Chip chose his own time as he had chosen everything else in their happy life together.

He simply went to sleep and never woke on 6th June 2014.

Rest peacefully in God’s garden, Chip.

Thank you for loving me, thank you for caring
 For opening your heart and so happily sharing
 Your life with an old guy who no longer dared
 To think someone could love him when no-one else cared

 I'm sorry for leaving and for breaking your heart
 But my time was all gone and I had to depart.
 You said God would love me. You said I'd be free
 To prance like a pup, to laze under a tree

 To sing in the breeze and to grin in the rain
 My spirit is free, no more suffering or pain
 I’m here in God’s garden and he loves me too
 I’m healthy and happy. All you told me is true

IT WAS SUCH SAD NEWS

Chip had settled very well with Pauline in Somerset and really helped her to fill the huge void left by Ben. Losing him so suddenly has come as a huge blow to her as they loved each other very much.

He absolutely adored the garden and would spend every opportunity just pottering round in it and he also very much enjoyed his trips out in the car. He had several beds in places he selected himself but, although invited up, he decided his place at night was at the bottom of the stairs. He was very happy to be there as long as the light was left on and he was always really pleased to greet his Mum in the mornings.

He had no great interest in dog food of any kind but was more than happy to eat the same meals as his Mum which was absolutely fine by her. They developed a wonderful relationship and muddled along beautifully together.

About 6 weeks before his passing, Pauline noticed Chip seemed to be losing weight. The vet found a heart murmur but nothing else of concern. It was about this time that Chip seemed to go off the car a bit and, worryingly, he continued to gradually lose weight.

On Friday (6.06.2014) Chip greeted Pauline as normal when she came downstairs and went out to the garden, as was his way. He seemed a little bit more restless than usual and went out once more to the garden then returned, deciding to go and lay on his favourite bed. He then fell into a deep sleep and, with that, he was gone to Rainbow Bridge.

It was the way we would all choose to go but he has left behind him a devastated Mum who will miss him tremendously. Their time together wasn’t long enough but Chip and Pauline had both made each other very happy in their golden years. They had been the perfect match.

CHIP’S HISTORY

Chip was 11 years old in 2013 and he was surrendered to IRR owing to a change in family circumstances.

Fosterer’s first report: Ireland – March 2013

I collected Chip yesterday afternoon. He travelled well in the car. I have groomed him and found him to be even tempered.

He loves to sleep under the table.

Fosterer’s first report: UK – March 2013

She said “Chip is house trained and tends to walk around a lot when he needs to go outside for the toilet. He doesn’t seem to have had very much basic training, but walks quite well on a lead, though he does pull a little. We’re finding that the more he is walked the better he is becoming.

He is not food possessive or greed. He eats what he wants to and then goes back if food is left in his bowl.

Up to now Chip, hasn’t shown interest in toys, though he is a very friendly dog with adults and children. His tail doesn’t stop wagging and he loves a fuss.

Chip has ignored the cats while indoors and we’ve not met any cats while we’ve been out yet.

At bedtime, he is as quiet as a mouse with not a peep from him. He is happy to be left and you are greeted with a wagging tale when you get back. So far he’s only been left at night while we sleep and I’ve been out for an hour this morning.

Chip seems in very good health for a man of his age. His back legs are a bit stiff sometimes when first getting up. His teeth are old but not bad.

Chip is a lovely boy. He’s happy, very calm and laid back and he loves a fuss, loves company and gets excited when people come round expecting a fuss from everyone”.

Fosterer’s second report: UK – April 2013

Sarah says “Chip has settled very well and is responding to his name. He is walking better on the lead and the noise of traffic doesn’t bother him at all. He has met a few dogs while we have been on our walks and Chip seems to get along with them all, no matter their size or sex.

He has found his voice and answers the other dogs’ barks when he is in the garden but he certainly doesn’t bark constantly He can be left without any problems and he is very happy to see you when you return. He loves being brushed.

I’ve had a better look at his teeth and they may need a bit of attention in the future but they don’t seem to be giving him any trouble. He has also managed to hurt the tip of his tail from wagging it so much and hitting things with it. The vet recommended using honey to heal it.

We feel Chip would be best suited to an older retired person or couple, maybe with visiting grandchildren, who can devote their time to him and lavish him with love. He is fantastic with adults, children and even cats but we are pretty sure he just wants a lazy life.”

April 2013

Chip went to his Forever Home in Somerset