In Loving Memory Of Chip

Chip

Back in 2012, Brian and Bonnie contacted the CA GSP Rescue to adopt a dog. They met and adopted Chip, a 6 month old extremely smart and active GSP. Having had older dogs, Chip was a challenging puppy, and Brian and Bonnie reached out to us to help. They quickly realized many of the concerns they had were puppy behaviors that needed maturing and consistent training. They never gave up on Chip. They did the work, and for 12 years, Chip was given the love, nurturing, exercise and training he needed to thrive.

We were saddened to hear the recent news that Chip has passed away. We are very grateful to Brian and Bonnie for taking a chance on “puppy Chip”, and giving him a life all dogs dream of.

“A Chip Memorial Letter

January 9, 2024

To Greg and the volunteers at CA GSP Rescue,

It is with heavy hearts we write this memorial letter for Chip to you. We lost Chip suddenly on 12/20/2023. We rescued Chip in July of 2012. When we met Chip he was a big 6 month old puppy who had a bad habit of jumping at people like a dog Frisbee. He never found a stick he didn’t like to shred like a wood chipper. His nickname soon became Chipper. This name also suited his happy, loving personality. In the 11 years and 5 months we were blessed to know him, we can’t think of a time he growled! His expressive eyes were bright with crazy energy and an intense prey drive.

When we brought him home we soon experienced just how athletic, energetic and intelligent Chip could be. He leapt over our 6 foot wood fence, leapt with all 4 paws onto our outdoor tabletop and kitchen counter and he learned to open our sliding screen door to let himself in and out! No food was safe because his head easily reached tabletops and he “stood” on his strong legs to counter surf the kitchen counter. But after helpful training advice from Greg and Jan at the GSP Rescue and dog trainer/friend Joella, Chip used his talents in positive ways. He loved using his strength and athleticism to run in our backyard especially up and down our hillside. Many times he’d strike a handsome pose at the top of the hill and check out his yard. He loved exploring the many trails in our area with us. Once on a hike with Chip we met a woman who ask us, “Oh is that a GSP?” Puppy Chip did his pet me dance in response. She smiled and said, “Oh I’ve heard they are quite lively and can go their whole life and never be sensible!” That quote became our best description of Chip. Perhaps Chip never became completely “sensible” but in the words of our daughter, “What a difference love makes with GSP dogs.”

Chip was well loved not only by my husband and I but by our adult children. By 2019, our adult children each had a spouse who also loved Chip. By 2023, Chip was loved by our 3 grandchildren ages 3 and 2 years old and 18 months old.

Pointing and chasing critters out of our backyard was one of Chip’s favorite activities. We taught him anything beyond our fence was not his area. No more fence jumping. Chip discovered lizards were quick like him. Because of Chip we got to see just how far a leaping lizard can leap! Chip helped us keep gophers out of our yard. He would track them as they tunneled under the ground and we could keep track of all the fresh holes.

For all his energy at 9pm Chip was ready to cuddle on the sofa which became his overnight sleeping spot. We could have a house full of guests but we kept a corner of the sofa for Chip’s spot. He was loved by many family and friends who came to visit over the years.

On Chip’s last day with us he went out to his yard but instead of running he unexpectedly walked unsteadily. He walked slowly up the hillside and laid down in the bark. Something he’d never done! He had to be carried down the hill and placed in our car. As I petted Chip as he lay in the car he gave me what I call a “Chip hug”. He placed his head on my hand and arm and held it there before closing his eyes.

We thank the rescue for giving us the opportunity to make Chip a part of our family. He was three weeks away from 12 years young and often mistaken for much a younger dog. It will take some time to grieve the sudden lose of our sweet boy. But we are blessed to have a GSP grand dog. Almost 2 years ago our daughter and son-in-law rescued a GSP.

We love the breed and appreciate all those who rescue them.

With sincere thanks,

Brian and Bonnie”