Masterpiece Kris Kringle
                   Kris'  Portrait hangs over the fireplace
                 in our home







My Kris Kringle

Right from the start, it was apparent Kris was the most
special of all the Chows I had owned.
He was smart, affectionate and a perfect soul mate.
Being a widow I took him everywhere with me. Traveling,
shopping, hiking in the woods and visiting friends. I never
worried about anyone bothering me at night because he
snored so loud, it sounded like a man was sleeping in the room.

Kris never had a sick day in his life. He was happy and healthy.
As a baby he was loving and outgoing. He made up to all I
made up to and ignored those I ignored. Kris was  always willing
to try anything and everything. He was a true party animal.

He humored me and we tried the conformation ring, which he
did not prefer, but accommodated my wishes. We ended up doing
obedience which we both dearly loved. Kris especially like agility.

Kris enjoyed playing with his toys and particularly loved
the talking toys.  He would retrieve and play with me for
hours, laying and mouthing his toys so the house would
sound like a barn yard.

Kris loved Christmas time and would  delight in
unwrapping his presents and having his picture
taken with all his new toys. He was always able to
find the box of milk bones and the packages of
home made cookie treats which he would open first.

Kris was protective and  would patrol the house
and property at all times.  His bark was loud and
came from down deep in his chest.  He stood  21 " and
weighted 87 pounds  which could be quite  intimidating.

Kris and I had such a good life together, then in May when
he went in for his yearly check up it was noted he had lost
weight. He had lost about 5 pounds which was unusual.
I kept a close watch on his weight and he continued to
drop weight rapidly.  We went to Virginia to a
specialist and had numerous test.  The endoscopy
showed a slight inflammation of his stomach but no
cancer cells.  He was placed on medication and was
to improve within 72 hours.  Kris did not improve
he continued to loose weight inspite of all the
home cooked meals with lots of protein, carbs and
fatten foods.  I became his gourmet cook.

Kris became lethargic and not himself.
I felt so helpless  and prayed he would improve.

The specialist recommended an exploratory as she
thought he may have cancer growing on the outside
wall of the stomach which would not show on any
of the test she had performed.
I was informed that the chow breed has a
25% higher rate of cancer than other breeds.

My  personal vet did the exploratory .
He and his staff were so supportive
however, it was bad news.

Kris died of adenocarcinoma which had
taken over the outside  stomach wall and was
metastasized  to the spleen.
I am devistated.  I miss him so.




                                                    


                                             Visit  Kris and all our chows waiting at  The Rainbow Bridge