Tribute to Chloe
And though you're gone, my heart will stay, filled with love for you, every single day. I'll remember you, and smile with glee, forever loving you my dear Chloe.
Chloe
23 May 2009 - 10 July 2024
A Tribute to Chloe: Remembering a Beloved Companion
Once Unwanted, Now Adored. Forever Loved, Never Forgotten
Chloe came into my life by chance. My mom and I had just attended the yearly church bizzare in Winterton in the Central Drakensberg in KwaZulu Natal South Africa. We had stopped at the local Spar to buy something to drink on the long road back to Pietermaritzburg, when a flyer on the notice board caught my attention. “Jack Russell’s for Sale”. Honestly, I had never thought of having a Jack Russell as a pet, they were diggers, shed hair all over the house and were known to be very creative escape artists! But in the car we hopped making the trip up the very narrow long and windy mountain road to see these puppies.
Before I could even get out of my car this tiny puppy was shoved in my arm, “This is the runt, take her”, one of the kids ordered. We looked at all of the puppies and my heart broke seeing how the kids would rough play with this little “runt”. She was tiny, had skew eyes and was clearly unwanted, I had no choice, she was coming home with me!
The drive back was long, agonising and freezing cold. Poor Chloe was covered from ear to tail in fleas, who by the way had no problem with taking a bite out of us once or twice along the way. We made a quick stop for puppy food and flea shampoo and in no time this little unwanted runt was flea free, wrapped up in a cozy blanket with a full tummy surrounded by love.
Chloe would grow into a beautiful long-legged Jack Russell standing taller than her sister Sarah. She had such Poise that I would often joke that the Queen of England would be proud to invite her to have tea with the Royal Corgis.
She was gentle, caring and loving, helping me through my darkest days, when I suffered from such severe depression that I could barely get out of bed some days.
She was fiercely protective of the ones she loved, saving my mom’s tiny little Maltese from a horrendous monkey attack. And she was persistently patient, waiting for hours near a hidey hole of some poor unsuspecting rat to come out, and then not letting go of her prize until she was given a biscuit in return!
In the Winter of 2024, Chloe got so sick so quickly, kidney failure, and there was nothing our Vet could do to help her, I only had one option and it was unbearable. As she lay on the grass in the sun, I told her how much I loved her, how much she meant to me and how grateful I was to have had her in my life for 15 short years. She lifted her head and licked the tears from my face, a sign that she was ready to go and that she understood and loved me back.
Chloe you were my best friend, my soul mate and the other half of my heart. You may have begun as an unwanted pup, but you became my most treasured companion.
Till we meet again I will forever love you.
This page is a heartfelt tribute to Chloe, lovingly written by Deborah, her devoted companion and a member of our family. Through her memories and the love shared here, we honour Chloe’s beautiful life and the deep bonds that inspire the heart behind Tails of Tribute.
Poems in loving Tribute to Chloe
"In the silence of sorrow, poetry speaks. Not to erase the pain, but to honour it and allow it to weep."
Love Beyond the Silence
written by Deborah Lee Wortmann
Moonlight filters through the window high, illuminating the spot where you used to lie.
A familiar place, now empty and bare, but I know you’re just lounging elsewhere.
Our footsteps stroll down the hallway with glee, where your happy paws used to dance with me. The silence now is just a little bit grey, but I know you’re still making mischief somewhere each day!
A distant bark carries high on the breeze, and I smile, thinking of your silliest sneeze. I’ll gather these memories, fun and true. And cherish them, thinking of all the good times we knew!
I’m grateful for the time we had, the snuggles and the play. For the memories of your wagging tail, and your loving way.
I’m thankful for the lessons learned, the love and the laughter too, and the time we shared I’ll always treasure true.
And although you’re gone, my heart will stay, filled with love for you, every single day.
I’ll remember you, and smile with glee, forever loving you my dear Chloe.
To My Light house of Love
written by Deborah Lee Wortmann on behalf of Sarah
For 13 years, you were my guiding light, my lighthouse in the dark of night. You led me through life’s joys and fears, and with you by my side, I had no tears.
But now you’re gone, and I’m left to roam without my lighthouse, I’m lost and alone. The world is dark, and I’m searching for the way; everyday without you seems so grey.
I wander through the house, sniffing the air, hoping to catch a scent of you, but you’re not there. I miss your wagging tail, your happy eyes too, the way you’d snuggle close and bring joy to all I’d do.
My heart is heavy, my spirit is blue, I’m lost without you, my dear companion true. But even in death, your love will remain, a part of me, a memory, a love that’s still the same.
And although you’re gone, your light will stay, guiding me through darkness, shining bright to light my path each day.
