Chino is dead
Seven months ago Chino came to our house. At the CfD shelter she had half a square meter that she had to protect against one hundred other dogs and she didn’t like people – except for Sarah who was allowed to touch her occasionally. Chino was old and not happy.
When my wife heard the story she immediately decided that Chino would come to our place.
What we got was a stressed out dog who instantly laid down on the blanket we had prepared for her. She didn’t get up and was growling and barking to our other dogs; not really necessary because they completely ignored her.
I bribed her by feeding little bits of liver every morning and evening, which worked because she liked it and within a week I could incidentally touch her nose.
A little while later she got up and, apparently quite relaxed she made a walk around the garden. The tension was gone and Chino began to discover that no one wanted to steal her place and that there were many other beautiful spots where she could walk, sit or sleep and, most important undisturbed.
She began to discover that we were around quite a lot and that felt safe for her. After two months she came, although a bit insecure to the gate when we would come home but pretty soon she turned out to be one of the most passionate ones who needed a lot of cuddling and a long chat after which she would then playfully run away as a silly old girl.
She found out she thoroughly enjoyed a belly rub.
Chino was home. This was her home!
Three weeks ago her health went downhill and she had some scary attacks that looked epileptic. We took her to the vet. (see this story)
After the third attack she seemed totally confused and was panting heavily. She was looking for something; she tried to get between two wooden poles on the veranda or tried to get her head between two boxes. It very much looked like she tried to find “a way out”.
We left her outside because it seemed that was what she wanted and also the other dogs got nervous too.
Sometime during the night my wife said that Chino was gone. We haven’t seen her anymore.
She probably found a peaceful place to die somewhere in the surrounding woods. She always has been a stubborn girl that liked to do things her way.
Rest in peace, Sweetie. We’ll miss you.
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It’s so sad to hear of Chino’s death at the weekend. My heart goes out to you Fred And Alfa. But how lucky Chino was to have found you and been able to spend what was left of her life relaxed, safe and loved. She was in such a traumatised state when she first came to the shelter for TvT treatment, terrified of everyone and of being touched, so giving her treatment was stressful for all concerned. But your story shows what can be done with time, patience and love. It takes very special people to take on an old dog knowing that you might soon be saying Goodbye. A lot of people can’t bear to face the loss, but the alternative is that Chino would have spent the last months of her life hiding at the shelter, afraid of everyone. She was so lucky to be found by you and just be allowed to Be in her own space at last. Rest peacefully lovely girl.
I can’t imagine a better way for Chino to spend the end of her life – comfortable and loved. Rest in peace old girl.