In Loving Memory Of Chicot

Chicot

Chicot came in with his sibling after his owner passed away. The family could not care for the pair of GSP’s and wanted them to go to good homes. Finding adopters isn't always easy when the GSPs are 10-years-old. The brothers didn't get along well with each other and would need to go to two different homes. Chicot was the last of the two to be adopted. Initially, there were some concerns as he seemed to be the dominant or the bossy one of the two, and that might be a quality that would make it more challenging finding him a home. However, after evaluating, he seemed to get along with the well-socialized dogs. 

During this time, Carolyn, a former adopter, was looking for a second older GSP for a companion to her dog Maya. We were both hopeful and excited because Carolyn's dogs get the best life. If well behaved with Maya, Chicot had a chance at a great home. The meeting went well, but as it turns out, Chicot might have been a little rough around the edges in his new home. Carolyn tells it best. 

“First was The Bark. Earsplitting, explosive, menacing--it always came out of nowhere, so that even after I realized that it was just one of Chicot's (Cheek-o) methods of communication, I would jump out of my skin. But the first time, I wondered, "What have I gotten us into?" He came with the word that he and his brother "didn't get along" and his grouchy-old-man eyebrows, and usually laid-back ears gave him a threatening appearance, so The Bark worried me.  

What I had was a gem. Chicot proved to be a perfect gentleman, calm but confident, affable to all (except squirrels). His respectful manner soon won over the incumbent Maya, and the first time they played together, I had tears in my eyes. He wasn't quite sure what to make of her spins, feints, and play bows, but when he figured it out he chased her around the yard with gusto. He came to me a bit chubby (I assured him that he just had big bones) and had no hope of catching the gazelle-like Maya, but how he loved the game!

He hadn't had the best life--he had big calluses on his elbows and bare patches on both hips--but he carried no baggage; he left his past life behind as gracefully as he settled into the new one. He quickly learned the routines of early-evening treats, bedtime cookies, and "Bye-bye bites"--yes, I warble "Bye-bye bites!" when I leave the house. He loved to bask on the patio on nice days, peacefully surveying his new domain and radiating contentment.

He had a natural dignity and didn't beg for attention, although he was not shy about making his wishes known or scolding me for being slow with dinner. He would just look at me from across the room with solemn eyes until I gestured him over for an ear-rub. Except in the morning. When it was time to get up (or when Chicot decided it was time), he'd put his paws on my shoulders and pull himself up so that his bristly nose was against my face until I gave in and hugged him. Then he would stretch luxuriously and moan and whine with happiness.

I was looking forward to giving him a festive holiday season. Then five days before Christmas, he was gone.

If I had known last April that I would have him for only eight months, would I still have taken him home? Probably; when you adopt an older dog (he was ten at the time), you accept that you won't have them for years and years. But if I could have him back for even eight days, I'd do it in a heartbeat. I'd whip up more treats, re-wrap the toys, hang the stockings back up, and I'd tell him "Chicot, this year we're having Christmas in February.

If I were a teacher I would mark Chicot as "exceeds expectations" on all levels. I'm starting to cry again just typing this. But what a sweet, funny, talkative boy he was, and I'm so grateful I got to spoil him for 8 months. We went to meet Santa the day before he died. Good bye sweet boy."

We want to thank Carolyn for giving homes to Chicot and several dogs she has adopted over the past years. While she adopts GSP’s in their golden years so they may live their remaining years out loved, Chicot's life was cut short. Many people won't consider adopting an older dog because they will only have them for a short time. Still, Carolyn remains undeterred in providing a home for the GSP’s that are older and less adoptable. For that, California GSP Rescue is forever grateful to Carolyn.  

If you are considering adopting, we encourage you to consider one of the more challenging GSP’s by submitting an application here. The love you'll receive in return is, without a doubt, the best there is.