This One is for Chip

My family adopted Chip 13 years ago at a shelter in Columbia, SC.  Previous to Chip our family had Bear (my dad's dog from college until I was in elementary school and Angel (technically my dog, but I didn't do a good job of loving her or giving her enough attention) who may have lived 8 years because she started getting tumors.  I was a sophomore in high school when Chip was adopted.  My Uncle Linton suggested the name Chip because he had a microchip in his neck in case he ever got lost, he could be scanned and traced back to us.  We were also big Braves/Chipper Jones fans, so the name just stuck.  While I was only living at home for 4 years total of Chip's life, I still consider him my childhood pet.  Here's why:

-Chip was always waiting at the door when I came home in high school.
-Chip was with us and helped keep us laughing when my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer.  Thankfully she has been cancer free for many years now.
-Chip liked to sleep at the foot of my brother's bed.  When I would wake up before Jordan (EVERY morning haha) I would crack open the door and Chip would hop down to the floor and come out wagging his tail.
-Chip liked to play chase in the neighborhood.  The problem was that no one else liked playing chase with him because he would sneak out of the house and wouldn't stop until he was caught.  Usually this consisted of my dad catching him after half an hour of chase...if you know my dad, you know he wasn't pleased.  Of course now we joke about Chip looking back with his tongue hanging out of his mouth thinking it was worth every moment.

-My Nana and Chip had some type of special bond.  While Nana was in the mid-late stages of her dimensia, she always remembered and loved Chip.  We would even sneak him in her assisted living home to visit with her.  Chip would sit and let Nana pet him over and over and over.
-He helped me get in shape for college soccer pre-season by running to the park each day and then he watched me do sprints.
-Chip is the reason I tore my labrum.  Yep, I had to have shoulder surgery because of that dog.

-I remember Chip as a cuddler.  If you happened to fall asleep on the ground, he would find a place next to you ASAP and make his presence known.
-Chip came to some of my college soccer games.  He won the crowd over.
-When I was home from college in the summer, Chip was there to hang out.  He liked walking and just being around people.

-Chip put up with Maverick, mine and Jimmy's first pet together.  Then, he put up with Ellie when we decided that she was a good idea ;)

-When Grace was a little baby, Chip let her ride him like a horse, pull his hair, lounge all over him, and grab his face without ever wincing.
-Chip was scared of thunder and would bark until someone let him come into their room.

-My dad LOVES red velvet cake.  So much so that he pretty much gets one every birthday.  A few birthdays ago, my mom made a cake for my dad and put it on the ground in the dining room (still not sure why it was placed there, haha!).  By the time anyone realized Chip was devouring the icing, half the cake was no longer iced.  CLASSIC Chip story.
-Chip has visited Winston-Salem and we loved having him.
-Anytime I have ever been back to Columbia to visit (which is a lot!) Chip was waiting at the door with his tail wagging, as always.

Fortunately the kids and I were in Columbia a few weeks ago.  We were able to spend sweet time with Chip.  Wesley terrorized Chip, but Grace was so gentle.  I could tell his backside was weak and his legs were starting to drag.  I could also go on and on about this dog.  We loved him so much and will miss him dearly.  Thank you Chip for being such a loyal, loving, funny, weird, and patient dog.  You were there for most of our major life events and the memories we have with you are unforgettable.  My eyes keep welling up with tears, but then our family group texts about funny memories about you and I can't help but laugh.  I don't know if I'll ever look at your "corner" again without thinking about you.

“Heaven goes by favor. If it went by merit, you would stay out and your dog would go in. ” - Mark Twain