Animals are such little blessings from God.  I was blessed to have Chaz as a member of my family for almost 11 years.  He was my baby four years before Hunter was born and continued to light up my life and also Hunter's for seven fun-filled years.  He was so full of life up until the day before he passed.  WOW, whatever took over his little body took over him so fast.  I guess that's God's way of helping us to remember him not as most old dogs are remembered, but as the young, vibrant dog that he always was.  It was just amazing to me how young at heart Chaz was and when I told people his age they just couldn't believe it.  I guess a lot of times we take our pets for granted and also other loved ones in our lives and you really don't know what you have until it's gone.  I feel such a void in my house and in my heart.  I think the past three days have been three of the very worst in my life.  



I know Chaz holds a special place in most of your hearts and I wanted to share a little of his life with you.  I've got so many wonderful friends that cared so much about Chaz and he loved each and every one of you, too.  Chaz was my couch buddy, not that I have a whole lot of couch time, but anytime he had an inkling that I was about to sit and watch TV he was right there in my lap. I can remember so many fun times with Chaz, how excited he would get anytime the door bell rang or the front door opened.  I always thought he was going to give himself a heart attack from getting so excited. He's been there the past 11 years through my good times and my bad.  He always knew when I was down and would always be right there to lick away my tears and sorrows. Each one of you who really knew him knew how special a dog he was and how much love he had to give. He had such a spring in his step and just loved to play with the kids. Up until just a few days ago he was still fighting Hunter for his bones. I know Hunter helped keep Chaz young at heart and so full of life. I can remember just this past summer when we all took off swimming across my Grandpa's pond in KS, guess who couldn't be left behind...here comes Chaz.  It scared me to death, but he swam all the way to us and then we helped him out with a floatie on the way back to the other side.



Chaz will also be missed by his canine friends Heidi Ho, who lives with my Mom in KS and Zayda, Stacy's boxer. He was so in love with Heidi, he would hardly let her out of his sight when she visited. Zayda got on his nerves, because she's even more hyper than he is.  ;o) But he did have fun running from her and trying to keep from getting stepped on by her much bigger paws. I can go on and on about Chaz, but most of you know what an extraordinary dog he was. I am hoping by setting up a memorial for him that it will make me feel better. I've really been struggling with his loss the past few days and if any of you have pets please give them a big hug and spend as much quality time with them as possible. Chaz drove me crazy barking at every leaf that blew by the front window and always getting under my feet, but I'd take those annoyances any day to have him back in my life for just a short time longer. We plan on getting another puppy soon; not to replace Chaz or his memories but to bring that touch of sunshine back into our daily lives that Chaz was able to so graciously bring. Thanks for your thoughts and prayers. Susie, Jim and Hunter