Adopted in 2006~from Chewie's mom. “It has been one week since I said a very unexpected tearful goodbye to my faithful companion. I haven't posted till now. Every time I tried, I seemed to choke on the words. But a life such as his, lived with the simple and pure purpose to love and protect his "people" is worthy of a tribute. His story started in 2006 in Ozark, Alabama. He was one of 3 puppies and a mama dog that had been tied in the middle of the night to a chain link fence outside the local animal shelter. At that same time, there was a little boy in Columbus about to turn 10 whose parents had decided he was ready for some responsibility and needed to grow up together with a dog. So we trekked across state lines to adopt this little guy, named him Chewbacca (Chewie) because my boys love some Star Wars, and welcomed him into our happy little family. Chewie was Fate's dog, but he decided he was attached to me. Maybe it was because I was home with him all day while the kids were at school. Or maybe it was because I was the Mama and he sensed that he needed to take care of me so I could take care of everyone else. He was my protector and my shadow. When he wasn't by my side, he was perched in a chosen spot with the widest range of view so he could watch over his family...the highest hill so he could see the whole yard, the top of the stairs so he could see who was coming and going, or the guest room bed so he could see the driveway out the front window. I miss him terribly and there is a hole in my heart that can't be filled. But I will endure the pain in exchange for the joy and precious memories that he brought to our home over the last 12 years. Losing a pet is a special kind of hurt...maybe because they love us so unconditionally. They never anger, never judge, never criticize...just trust, depend, and adore. What's the saying? I hope to be the person my dog thinks I am. Not sure I will ever quite attain that goal, but I will lovingly remember him as I continue to try. Rest in peace sweet Chewie, Chewbacca, Chewman, Chew man fu, Choo Choo...my fur baby.” in your community.”