Chom turned 9 on June 17th. He was adopted from a shelter when he was just one. Abandoned in a flat to fend for himself with a few other dogs it took almost a week for them to be found and rescued. Two of the dogs did not survive. He was the smallest dog that made it.
Initially he was a bag of nerves and everything scared him. Skittish and always wary, it took a great deal of time for him to adapt to a new way of life.
He stayed close to me when I received a devastating diagnosis of end stage lung disease and helped me through recovery after a lung transplant in 2019.
Chom walks slower than he used to and the tufts of white fur around his muzzle have increased this past year or so. But he loves playing fetch and has a good spring in his jump when we play. He simply adores his toys, treats, walkies, the park, barbeques, summer pool days and his family. We all love him to bits.
I will always be so thankful for this gift of Chom. He has enriched all our lives and is loved beyond measure. What's that saying about dogs? Their only fault is that they have such short lives.
I hope this finds you as well as can be. With love,
Cas and Chom xx 🙋🐕
Written by
Caspiana
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What a team, no doubt terrorizing others as you both prance the streets, two bullies causing disruption, aggravation, and doubt toward the future of this planet! For shame. I send prayers to Japan.
Of course I jest. What joy and miracles you've both exemplified, giving hope and love to the future of our planet!💞
We are actually very well behaved in the street Mr. M. It's when we are home that we get into all sorts of scrapes and trouble. There's no end to our naughty antics!! I hope you are well and have a lovely day ahead. Take care of yourself. 🌿
it was lovely to hear Chom’s story. How hard you have both had to fight to get to where you are today. Dogs really are the best friend anyone could ever have. Looking forward to hearing many more of your adventures together soon
Lovely words Cas. The "Chom and I" stories have lit these pages and given so much pleasure to so many readers. The stories have both inspired us and enchanted us. It is hard to imagine you being photographed separately. He is a Godsend on the most difficult part of your life's journey. Anyone who has had a pet will know of that deeper love. The lead between you and Chom will never be broken. It's eternal. Praise be!,❤️
I am lucky people read my silly stories. 😅 And yes, he has been such a wonderful joy in my life. I hope you are doing okay and the kiddos too of course. xx 🙋♀️
Lol...Myself and Chom share the same Birthday. Sadly I can no longer physically manage walking a dog and miss the laughter and companionship. However my wife and I adopted a rescue Ragdoll cat who in many ways as doggy behaviour. She follows me round the house, runs to greet me and will sit and gives her paw on command. Like Chom Cassandra had a very poor start in life but again like Chom she fell on her paws when adopted.
Oh wow. Cassandra is extremely lucky. I'm so pleased for you. I think they really keep us going and moving but not only physically but mentally as well. I wish you many long years with your lovely cat. Have a lovely day Badbessie and happy belated birthday to you. xx 🌿🌻
You and Chom fit together so well Cas and are a phenomenal team. So lucky to have found each other and be loved by so many. I wish you both many happy times together and send love and hugs to you. Xxx❤️🤗🥰
How lucky you both are to have found each other. It was in the stars. You have both brought fun and comfort to my life also. Chom with his cheeky antics and you Cas, with your wise words. Espexially since my beloved little Twinkle left us last year. Much love to you both.
Oh.... Sorry Swiz. It has just now occurred to me when you mentioned Twinkle......💡 I was very sorry to know T had passed. I think of you often. And wonder how you are so I'm really pleased to read this and know you are still visiting the forum. So pleased. Much love to you. xx 🌻🌿
I have just decided a year after losing my 'Littlepom' to get myself a new companion because life has been so empty and I was becoming so lonely and depressed. She is a pomchi. Tiny tiny tiny. Pictures will follow for everybody who is interested when she arrives.x
It seems that it is not happening now. I have been in Warwick hospital all afternoon having assessments for the OPAT team and have to go back 3 times to start home IVs. My son was picking the puppy up and bringing it from Southampton. He Can only do it tomorrow or fri and I really cannot be dealing with a new puppy in the first few days of having a line in etc. I am very disappointed.
Oh no. I'm so sorry to hear this. Will they hold the pup until you are able to take her home? I'm sorry you are facing this at the moment Swiz. What a disappointment. I am gutted for you. 😔
Thankyou. If she can keep it until I get into routine doing the IV and my son is lucky enough not to be called on a 3day trip I may be able to have it. Otherwise my son's first free day is the 16th. I am being very philosophical about it. If it happens it happens.
Yes your so right Cas. It's heartbreaking when you loose a dog. We have had dogs all my life and they really are characters. We have a Labradour. Marley. He has just gone 10. And he loves his ball and doesn't go anywhere without a ball. Hope your keeping well. Brian
Oh look at him. Marley is such a lovely name for a dog. We are lucky to have the chance to feel the love of animals I think. I am doing okay thank you B. It's 33 degrees in Tokyo and we are in an arirconditioned room. I hope you are doing okay too and your eye is on the mend. xx 😊👋
hello Cas and what a joy you have been to his life rescuing him and giving him the best life. Hector will be 17 this month and is still going strong even though - like me - has health problems but he’s been with me for a long time x
I remember in the old days when Pepparuby would go into hiding to avoid being bullied by Hector so it's great to hear she is going out more!
Last May after I got evicted I wanted to go into hiding myself but decided against it as why should I miss out when I hadn't done anything wrong?
My confidence took a right knock after that happened and it has taken ages to build it back up again but with lots of lessons learned from that time such as not dismissing uneasy feelings as silly and paranoid and it was nice to find out no I wasn't being silly and paranoid when I reckoned back in 2021 we were getting thrown out in due course and how right I was!
I am a lot better now about things coming through the door as time has gone by.
Blessings to you and Chom on his 9th birthday 🎂 ❤, what a team you are!
Lola turned 9 on 24th April so I knew Chom's 9th was to follow. Every day now I count the blessings for her companionship, especially as 4 of her siblings have passed away already.
We are doing something right to still have our pooches.
Lola is 50% Tibetan Terrier, happiest when she's sitting on my feet like the legend of keeping monks feet warm in the Himalayas. What we do without them, the joy 😃
Yes, I understand what you mean about counting blessings. As I age, I find myself realising how lucky I am to have Chom and the kindness of people. Happy belated birthday to dear Lola. You take care of yourself too Peege. xx ❤️
Hi Cas, what a beautiful boy Chom is and so good you have each other😊. His photos and your stories are a joy and inspiration. Thank you and take care ❤️xxx
Hi Issy. Two of the rescued dogs were huge Burnese mountain dogs. They were put up for adoption before Chom was. As full grown adults they would have weighed 60kgs Absolutely gorgeous but I couldn't have managed a large dog. So I gave up for awhile. Then on a whim I checked again and they'd he was!! It was indeed fate. Hoping you are well Issy. xx ❤️
Yes, you are right. Someone said to be the other day "more than half his life is over". They didn't mean it in a bad way. It was just an observation. But it was a horrible thought . I hope you've been well Crashdoll. Much love. xx ❤️
Happy Birthday Chom . My eldest Daughter Stella and her husband got a rescue dog from Romania - Her name is Thalia and she has really landed on her feet. When they visit us, they bring Thalia and Anne puts the cats out - I like the dog but I don't like putting our cats out when it's raining or frosting. I believe Stella got it right, cost a lot off money, but Thanlia has settled in big time.
That's really good of them to do. Thalia is extremely lucky. I bet you've already thought of this but couldn't the cats go in a different room during the visit? They might start resenting Thalia and her visits. xx 😅
Thank you yes. I was glad they adopted how they did, The she cat would didat the carpets to get out of the room, she isthat lind of cat. I think they will survive xx
It has been lovely following your life with Chom, from the first moments wondering whether you should adopt him, to his wonderful support once he could join you in your recovery. Every blessing to you both xx
how wonderful he found you, poor little dog being left this way, it’s disgusting what some people do , why have dogs if you can’t look after them. We adopted a dog from Thailand, she was in a terrible state when we got her, she was terrified of everything, I rocked her in my arms for 3 months solid. We had her now for 11 years and we love her. She looks very similar to your dog
Oh my. 😳 Thailand is a long way to bring home your dog and thank good for people like you. There are so many dogs in shelters these days I find it disheartening. If I had more energy I would adopt another but I think Chom might start plotting it's early demise. 😬 xx
Ahhhh, your post is so lovely to read, thank you for sharing Caspiana. Bless Chom , dogs are certainly a comfort and as you say their lives are too short. I know you cherish every moment with him. You have been through a lot together. Take care, 🌸
Yes Cas I am not doing too badly. I will never get any better, but hopefully I won’t get too much worse. Counting my blessings at all times. Life is precious and amazing 🥰
Well Cas I am not sure about moving forward , have an appointment for 17th July for consultant seeing my own GP on the 8th. Just had follow up appoint ment with optician re my second cataract op but the first one although good I have inflammation in the eye so have to wait for Eye company to conntact me or supply drops to reduce the inflammation. Just Phoned with an appointment for me tommorrow is that quick. ? Anyway maybe soon have a better view of moving forward with the cancer treatment . Thank you for asking. xxx
just got a new update, my radiotherapy starts on 16th July. Had to go to the opticians, this week have a review of cataract op not good,inflammation in the eye so 6 weeks of drops then maybe I can have a second op on my other eye. My freind says nothing ever goes right for me just lately on the plus side my experience gives them every opportunity to put things right or change to a different way . Enjoy your day Cas with Chom . xxx
Good to hear your update Katie but sorry to hear about the inflammation 😔. I hope the drops do the trick and your eye gets better soon. Hoping all goes smoothly with the radiotherapy. Do keep the updates coming if you are able. Thinking of you. xx 🌻🌿
Aww happy birthday 🥳 Chom, he’s certainly helped you through your toughest times & days hasn’t he, hope he has a lovely day, you’ve been through a lot together & certainly helped each other & have enriched each others lives, hope he has many more years to come to be your friend & enjoy more adventures together 🥳💐🌺🦴🍖 xx
Thank you! 👍 We have been through some very trying times indeed. I just try to give him the best life I can now. I hope you have a good day LL. It's very hot in Tokyo 🗼 and we are melting. xx 🌻🌱☀️
Happy Belated Birthday to Chom , he looks the picture of health. Dogs give out unconditional love and bring out the love in us. I do wonder if like people they come into your life as planned. It's so good that you had him with you through all your tough times and you were there to nurse him back x
I believe most encounters are pre ordained Irene, even the not so good ones. Chom is the one gift that came to me that has been such a treasure. I hope you are more comfortable now than you were in your last post 😔. Much love to you. xx 🌻☀️
Happy Birthday Chom. What a lovely story. So happy you found each other. They bring joy & happiness into our lives. They certainly are man’s best friend. 🐶
You’re so right about dogs and your precious Chom is a valued family member. So loyal and always there for you. I do think dogs have a little soul. Stay well and safe. x 🤗
Hello Lupino. I definitely think dogs have a soul because they are so pure in heart. I don't know if there is a heaven or if there are dogs there but I want to go wherever Chom will go! Have a lovely day. xx 🐕❤️
Dogs are such a wonderful gift and are very comforting and can relieve stress and bring endless joy. I have no doubt Chom was a big comfort for you during your recovery from your lung transplant, and yes sadly their lives are far too short. We should all be as forgiving as a dog is.
Well, the world would definitely be a warmer place if we all had the good traits of dogs. 😅 Chom is asleep as I type. Even watching him sleep helps me relax. Hope you are well Jackdup. Take care. xx 🙋♀️🐕
We just lost are dog a couple of months ago and it was one of the toughest things we have been through. She was such a sweetheart and saw me through some health issues as well. Her breed generally Iives to 14-16 and she was only 10 so it was much harder than if we had had a period of time to get prepared, although it is pretty hard to prepare for that as the end is final.
Belated birthday wishes to the ever handsome Chom. You are an amazing team Cas. Thankyou for sharing his story and thankyou for rescuing him much love to you both 🥰🤗🤗
I think your Zero is such a Sweetie. ❤️ I think that's the name of your little.dog if I'm not mistaken. My memory is not so good. I hope things are okay with you. Have a lovely day! xx ❤️
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