Saying Goodbye to Chipis, my Beloved 16 Year Old Shiba Inu

If you’ve ever had a dog, you know they’re more than just pets—they’re family. They see you at your best and your worst and love you through it all. That was my sweet Chipis, my stubborn, adventurous, and fiercely loyal Shiba Inu. Saying goodbye to her this past month was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do, but looking back, I can’t help but feel grateful for the life we shared.

The Start of Something Special

When I first adopted Chipis, I had no idea what I was in for. If there’s one thing about Shibas, it’s that they’re stubborn, and Chipis was no exception. She wasn’t too thrilled about me at first, keeping her distance and doing things her way. But everything changed when she was just five months old.

One day, she ran out and got hit by a car. It was terrifying, and she needed surgery. That scary moment was the turning point. During her recovery, she finally let her guard down, and from then on, we were inseparable.

Our Adventures Together

Chipis wasn’t just a dog; she was my sidekick. We went everywhere together—Cabo, ranches in Mexico, even snowy Pinetop. She loved exploring as much as I did, and we made memories I’ll treasure forever. But the adventures weren’t just about the places we went; they were about the moments we shared.

She saw me through so much: heartbreak, laughter, falling in love, getting married, and becoming a mom (but not before I saw her become a mom first). She was always there, quietly by my side, reminding me that I was never alone no matter what life threw at me.

Her Health Journey

For most of her life, Chipis was healthy, aside from a few minor issues around allergies. But around her 12th birthday, we found out she had chronic kidney disease. It wasn’t serious at first, and she didn’t need medication, but just hearing those words broke my heart. I couldn’t imagine losing her.

When she turned 15, things started to change. She began standing in corners and ignoring her name. At first, I thought it was just old age, but the vet confirmed it was dementia. Her arthritis worsened, and her kidney disease advanced. We started her on medication, and while it helped her move more comfortably, her mind was slipping fast.

The Hardest Decision

By the end of 2024, Chipis’ struggles became impossible to ignore. She cried when she got stuck in corners, not realizing she could just back up. Her legs would give out, and she began having accidents. Watching her go through that was heartbreaking.

I knew it was time, but making the decision to say goodbye is something no one prepares you for. I arranged for a vet to come to our home, so her son, Chavo, could be there. I wanted him to have closure and not spend days searching for her.

The night before, my sister-in-law came to say goodbye, and we prepared the kids, who had grown up with Chipis their entire lives. It was an emotional evening, but we tried to focus on celebrating her life.

On January 9th, the vet arrived. She was kind and patient, explaining everything. The first injection—a sedative—helped Chipis relax. It was like she finally let go of all the pain she’d been holding on to. Chavo lay beside her, and though I couldn’t speak through my tears, I know Chipis felt how much I loved her.

The second injection came, and just like that, she was gone. Peacefully, painlessly, surrounded by love.

Honoring Her Memory

We chose aquamation through Cholla Afterlife. It felt like the right choice for a dog who brought so much life to my world. Her ashes are now in a beautiful urn that doubles as a plant holder, a small way to keep her memory alive in our home.

What She Taught Me

Chipis was more than my dog—she was my constant. She taught me patience, resilience, and how to find joy in the little things. Losing her has left a hole in my heart, but I know she lived a full and beautiful life.

To anyone who’s had to say goodbye to a pet, I see you. It’s one of the hardest things you’ll ever do, but it’s also one of the greatest acts of love. Rest easy, Chipis. You’ll always be my Chipis Chipilona.