A story from Halli about Chocolate Lab mix posted 11/22/2008 I recently purchased two books, one of them being Marley and Me. I saved it for last and I am glad I did. I began reading it at around 8:30 am this morning and I finished at 11:45 pm tonight. It made me think of my wonderful dog, Champ. Champ was a chocolate lab/pointer mix. He was brown and had yellow eyes and he was my first dog. I am 25 years old and until three years ago I was a cat person. On 3/31/05 I got my first and only ticket. I had recently told my parents that I wanted a dog for college graduation and as a consolation for getting that ticket they brought home a new puppy. I remember sitting in the bathroom floor, after bathing him, and removing probably 75-100 ticks off his little body. Painful as this was he fell asleep in my arms. That was the moment we bonded. Champ grew into a slobbering, chewing, hyperactive dog. I remember one day I had him on his leash (chain leash because he ate all the others) and my cat came into the yard. I told him no and he settled down until my mom's dog (a standard weiner dog named Rudy) gave chase. It was too much for Champ. He started to run. The leash was in my hand and I belly flopped onto the cold winter ground while my 85 lb dog pulled me behind him. He then realized he was carrying dead weight and turned around to see me on the ground dazed. The leash was wrapped around my wrist and I was screaming for help. I was terrified he would take off again. He thought it was a big game and came to lick my face. After the commotion died down I realized the big monster of a dog had fractured my hand. Another time, Christmas day in fact, I was letting him romp around the yard while I sat outside covered in a blanket. My brother came outside to see if I was ok. Champ saw him and came running. My brother jumped back inside the house and Champ slid across the carport into the wall of the house. He knocked over a ladder and slid my chair about 2 feet. My parents and my brother heard me scream, Champ no stop!!!, but it was too late. After he got up he wobbled and shook his massive head. I'm surprised he didn't have a concussion. Champ had to be chained outside because he ate everything he could get him paws on and them some. In September of 2007 a dog wandered into my yard. She was a beautiful German Sherperd mix. She had the most gorgeous blue eyes (we think she has some Husky in her). I didn't want to keep her because we already had 3 dogs in the yard, but something about her pulled at my heart. It turns out she was abused by her previous owners. We took her in and she reformed my big monster dog. He was abled to get off the chain and joy of joys he didn't eat a single thing off the carport. My monster dog was my friend, protector, guardian, companion, and he could cheer me up better than anything else in the world. On 9/19/08 I returned home from a friend's house and gave him some lovins. The next morning he was nowhere to be found. I'll admit this was not unusual he loved to explore the areas around our home, but he did not return. I later found out that there are had been several dog nappings around our neighborhood. It was hunting season and he was a chocolate lab/pointer mix. I did everything I could to find him, but it was to no avail. I still miss monster dog. I miss sitting outside and him coming to lean against my legs, teaching him tricks, getting kisses. He was the best dog. I now have a new little guy to love. His name is Sammie and I officially adopted him from the animal welfare shelter. He was only 8 weeks old when I got him. He is a Border Collie mix and I love him dearly, but there is a corner of my heart where Champ still resides and truthfully I don't ever want him to leave. Thank you Mr. Grogan for writing Marley and Me. I needed to know that I am not the only one that has suffered physical pain over the loss of a beloved pet. Although I didn't have Champ for 13 years, the two and a half years I did have him hold enough memories to last a lifetime. I would love to get my story out there because dog napping his a horrible crime and it leaves the owner without any closure. I pray that no one will ever have to experience it. Again thank you for the wonerfully witty and amazing story that is Marley and Me. Read More Stories > Begin Sharing Your Story >