The saddest day of my life

[PJ Meyer]

Hello everybody, don't worry, this post won't be too bad. If my heart hadn't been ripped from me it would probably feel like there was a huge foxtail stuck right through the middle of it. Last year we lost Chinook, Chief's and my travelling buddy. It was easier to accept. Chinook was fourteen years old and had a great run. Chief left me, or us way to early.
I'll spare you most of the details, but I was with him when he left, my hand on his heart. He was so sick and the look in his eyes still haunts my every waking moment. But as my friend Forest, Forest Gump said, That's all I have to say about that.
From winning the first competition we ever entered, to the jump off with Josh and Ace in Long Beach, lying to get Chief on a flight to Phoenix and winning there to Vegas, baby! I wouldn't change a thing. The almost two years I exclusively competed with Chief much to the detriment of my bank account is going to make a story that blows Marley and Me away. Reagan our beagle is beside himself. I feel worse for him than I do for myself. He lost his best friend too. Lorry has been a rock. I know she cries when I am at work, but never in front of me. It would lead to a meltdown.
I found this great quote and would like to share it with all of you:

"Do not grieve. Misfortunes will happen to the wisest and best of men
(and dogs). Death will come and always out of season. It is the
command of the Great Spirit, and all nations and people must obey.
What is past and cannot be prevented should not be grieved for.

-Big Elk

So people, don't sweat the small stuff, let the dog sleep in bed with you,
and be thankful we live in a country where we can actually do what we do.
I miss him so much. Pete

[PrinceAndyFlores]

Pete,
We are so terribly sorry for your loss. I wish there was something that could be said to make things easier. Just know you are in our thoughts. Chief was such a handsome boy! He will always be remembered.

[tlhesq]

Pete,

I feel so fortunate that Kona and I had the esteemed privilege to compete against you and Chief a number of times, most recently at the Reno SRS event. What an entertaining team that represented true sportsmanship. The love and bond between the two of you was always evident on that dock. Of all people we have met in this sport, you have been one of the most supportive, encouraging and insightful. We are so sorry for your loss. From one dog person to another, trust that your sadness is felt group-wide. We all feel the loss of Chief and our hearts ache for you and your family.

I truly hope that we will see you in the future, carrying on Chief's love of the sport through another wide-eyed pup.

Many hugs from us and all our Chessies.

[jvk4750]

Pete, I'm very sorry to hear about chief. You and Chief were always great competitors but more than that you could always tell there was a great bond between you. The jump off is one of my favorite jumping memories as well, even though you got the best of us. In fact I remember that event much more clearly even than any others because a jump off is so much fun to be a part of. Chief was one of the coolest dogs, I always loved coming by and saying hi to him, always so friendly and truelly awsome to look at.

We'll jump in memory of Chief this weekend, as I'm sure many will.

Josh & Ace

[trtexas]

Pete,

These are the hardest times to find words to help ease the pain. I will give it a try. I can remember the first event in Pomona like it was yesterday. Chief had the best time of his life with you as his best friend. I love the stories at each event about Chief's escapades from the previous days.

The look was to say thank you and the comfort he was with his best friend at his side. In life everything happens to quickly and we ask why, that's why we should live life to its fullest, Chief did. Just know that you provided the best life for Chief.

Know that he is jumping his heart out with Cash, Gabe, Einstein and the others that have slipped my mind. Celebrate Chief's life.

I will say a little prayer for you and Chief.

God Bless
Tony, Brendi and Sierra

[Chase]

I also remember that first day in Pomona as if it were yesterday. It took place on the Pomona Fairgrounds in January 2004. It was Tony's first Splashdog event ever. It was also my dog Chase's first event and it was also think it was Rob's dog Sisko's first event. Chase was recovering from his first TPLO knee surgery and Sisko was recovering from his extensive leg surgery required after a car accident shattered his leg. We had a blast. I threw a little tennis ball for Chase and I think Rob used a little plastic dummy.

On Sunday more dogs showed up and one of them was Chief. Beautiful dog. Beside him stood Pete in full hunting gear; camoflague pants with a whistle around his neck and a duck dummy. I was mesmerized. While they stood in line, Pete would swing the duck around on the string and Chief would go nuts. He got on the dock and with his whistle in mouth and duck in hand, he released Chief for his first jump and it was magnificent.

Pete, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Some day when it is your time to go, I know Chief will be sitting there waiting to greet you and exchange your signature "I'm looking at you" and high five paw once again.

Take care.

Brooke & Chase

[The Voice]

Pete It has been a while since I have posted anything on this board but now is the time. The Voice is truly saddend at the passing of a handsome young man. The first time I met you and Chief was in Sacramento at the Expo. That was the first event I announced for Tony (Splashdogs).
I remember it as it was yesterday. Mr Chief as I always called him when he was on the dock was a blocky head red fawn Lab. He loved to duck hunt and I always told the story how he would hunt with the hounds all night. Loved him and your stories.

He was a handsome boy and you were one of the best on the dock when it came to entertaining the fans and getting the most from MR. CHIEF.

God bless and you can bet he is jumping after that duck at the Rainbow Bridge with all his other 4 legged Splashdog friends that have gone before him. There is a dock at the Rainbow Bridge!

""THE VOICE""

The two legged kids and the 4 legged Babies
Quincyno, Miss Matches, Jessie Girl and the little one Serg

[MickeyD'sMom]

Pete & Lorry:
MickeyD jumped in memory of Chief today in Reno. He actually did sit/stay...must have been Chief threatening him! I understand tomorrow at the event they are having a moment of silence in Chief's memory. Please feel comfort knowing your Splash Dogs family is thinking positive thoughts on your behalf.
We love ya Pete & Lorry

[Howie and Maxx]

Pete,
I'm am so sorry and saddened to hear about Chief. I was with Teddy, our big yellow lab, when he died and I know the look and what you went through. My heart goes out to you and Lorry. You are in my thoughts and prayers daily. Chief was such a great dog and I loved watching him jump and the two of you interact.

Pete, I've been working more on my website and have been putting together something I've long wanted to do, a Memorial page for the pets we love so dearly. It would be an honor to be able to post photos and memories about Chief. Please contact me when you are ready, maybe share some stories or whatever you'd like to have on the page and I'll get some photos together and we'll make up something really nice to remember him by, and share with others what a wonderful dog he was. Chief was very fortunate to have you and Lorry in his life.

Very Sincerely,
Howie

[hershey kiss]

Pete I know we have never met you & Chief put I want you to know that you are not alone in lossing your best friend the Splash Dog family feels your lost also.We send you and your family our thought and prayers.

Hershey Kiss & Family

[RenosMom]

Pete,

We just heard about Chief, and we're just shocked.

He was a fantastic dog, and you guys were so awesome together!

We're sorry for your loss, believe me, we know how you feel. And, we were with Einstein when he passed.

Tony said it best, they are up there together, Cash, Gabe, Einstein, Chief and the others. These are the dogs that started the sport on the west coast.

And yes, I too believe there is a dock up at Rainbow Bridge. In fact, more than one. No one has to wait (or Sit or Stay) .

:-)

Take care, our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Regards,

Barbara & Ralph Darrow

[Linda Hettich]

Pete and Lorry, we are so sorry about Chief. Everyone who has ever seen you jump certainly will never forget you! Watching Chief and Ace in the jump-off in Long Beach (it was actually March 2005) was truly unbelievable. That was Kadin's first jumping event and I naively thought, "Wow, does this kind of thing happen EVERY time?? How exciting!!"

It always cracked me up the way Chief would look at you as you were banging that duck on the dock! Your antics made so many of us laugh and smile, and most of all, look forward to your next jump.

Thank you for giving us so many warm memories of our early days on the dock. Chief will never, ever be forgotten.