Saying Goodbye

Eight years ago on June 7th, my grandkids gave me what I thought was a baked potato at first.

Gia had him in the palm of her hand and she was only 5 at the time, but what they didn't know was that he was slowly dying.

At 13 ounces he was full of parasites. That day I took him right to Ocean County Veterinary Clinic and right away, they sent me to Tinton Falls where he would stay in ICU for the next three weeks. He touched the hearts of everyone there and thanks to Dr. Palmer, he survived but it was still touch and go.

For the next years Chopper NEVER left my side. He'd be in a baby carriage right next to me during every show, and I even carried him in a carrier or in my shirt against my chest hiding him from store employees.  Fast forward through the years ... this little boy was part of me , he was special in every way.

He loved to get dressed up, he loved the camera. I could have full conversations with him andhe understood every word I said and would answer me. He was my world!

So Sunday morning when I woke up and he wasn't in bed with me I knew something was wrong.

I went out in the hall and there he was just laying in his own vomit and completely wet.

I picked him up and he didn't have the strength to stand. We were at the doctor by 8:45 and after a few tests we all knew, his body was full of fluids and he couldn't breathe , as I held him close to my chest like I did when he was a baby he looked up at me looked in my eyes and I knew; I told him: "ok you can go."

Within the hour with my friend Charlie - who rushed there for the support he knew I needed - Dr. Golodik and Michele Beauduy showed me such compassion.

I held my baby telling him what I said every night: "sleepy night night time give mommy kisses I love you Bubba Butt," and with that he peacefully crossed the Rainbow Bridge. With a piece of my heart with him, there will NEVER be another Chopper! I love you baby boy!