A Place For Champs

About Us

The idea for this site came about after the completion of my doctoral studies a few years ago. My research on “The Impact of Animal Death and Euthanasia on Human Companions” was life changing & I felt it not only necessary but imperative to create a space in which hurting individuals could celebrate, honor and memorialize their deceased pets in a safe & accepting environment.

On a personal note

Recently, I sensed some sadness in one of my relatives and gave her a call. I asked how she was and as I did not see the family’s furry friend at the last gathering, I asked about him. She told me in a breaking voice that he was experiencing difficulty breathing for a while and his breathing became more labored and so severe that a decision had to be made. There was an internal battle of wanting to hold on to him yet not wanting him in pain. The decision was made to relieve him of his suffering and he was euthanized.
Household members were not even aware until after the procedure had been done. I found out two weeks later. I would have liked to have known so I could have offered my support and be present to say goodbye to our faithful family companion of 15 years but I get it. Having to make the decision to euthanize is complicated and loaded with a gamut of emotions. The loss for many is like that of losing a family member yet different in that if the deceased were a human family member, we would have all been informed and would have been able to support each other in the grieving process and openly honor & memorialized our beloved.

DEDICATION

In loving memory of our beloved deceased pets whose loyalty, faithfulness, and unconditional love have enhanced and enriched our lives. They have left us better than they found us, and for that, we are grateful.
Maggie N., your death and the tear-jerking response of your human companion was the motivation for my research. You were dearly loved.
Thank you, Maggie, Shaggy, Roger, Pablo, Kimna, Forrest, Mitch, Moe, Max and Snowy for your unfailing love and devotion. Rest in peace. You are dearly missed.

OUr Rules

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Mutual Respect

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Non Judgmental OUtput

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Please ALlow TIme Entries to Post

In Memoriam

Please tell us about your animal: Name given, personality,
what you miss the most & a valuable lesson you learned from your beloved animal companion.

Moe (2009 – 2024)

Personality: Moe was an extraordinarily intelligent Maltipoo who mastered both English and Spanish. His keen understanding was so profound that we had to spell out words like “walk” or “outside” to avoid his immediate, enthusiastic reaction. Eager for his walks, he would stick by your heel, awaiting his adventure.

What you miss the most: Moe’s daily routine was a reminder of his intelligence and love for consistency. He cherished his walks and had a remarkable way of ensuring we knew what he expected each day. His presence at our heel, waiting for his leash, is a deeply missed daily ritual. Additionally, every night after my shower, Moe would wait for me in my bedroom. As I changed into my pajamas, he knew it was bedtime. He liked going to bed early, and once dressed for bed, he would approach me, waiting to be lifted onto the bed to settle into his spot for the night. I miss that nightly routine terribly.

A valuable lesson you learned: Moe taught us the profound impact of loyalty and the rewards of kindness. His grandparents, Joycelyn and Daddy Ray, provided him with homemade meals and daily walks, earning his unwavering affection. Moe showed us that going above and beyond in caring for someone truly strengthens bonds and loyalty. From Moe, we learned that genuine care and consistency are the essence of love and loyalty.

Moe’s memory continues to inspire us to treat all our loved ones with the same dedication and kindness he enjoyed and returned tenfold. His legacy is a reminder of the pure, unconditional love pets bring into our lives.

Titus Bell (2010 – August 17, 2024)

Titus Bell was family, a true friend and will always be missed. To this day I can hear his snores, grunts and barks. I knew this day would come, but I didn’t know it would hit me this hard. 14 amazing years of life from moving from apartments to houses, California to Arizona, welcoming new additions, Titus was there for it all. He always was joyful, had a positive spirit and said would say”let’s go”! The goal was always to move from an apartment and get a big yard for Titus, he was the motivation to our American Dream. I will forever miss his caring energy, he knew when things were rough and knew how to make it better by simply rubbing against you and placing his head on your knee. The days of fetch, hikes and long walks will always missed.

A valuable lesson that could be gained from the life of Titus was that loyalty is everything. That life comes with ups and downs, but as long as we have each other we will keep climbing and achieving goals together. The position that we are in today is never the ending of the story, they are simply stepping stones to a greater future. He saw us grow from a family of 3 to a family of 7 and we continued to take on new challenges together while accomplishing everything that came our way.

From Titus, I’ve learned that life is short, but the impact that that we leave on others will live forever. Titus will always be remembered as one of the biggest parts of my family simply because not only was he there first before the blessings came but that we got a chance to make amazing memories as a family with him. He will always be my “Ty Ty”

His memory will always live in our hearts and it was a pleasure seeing so much with. We will always remember his Championship ways, loyalty, and fighting spirit to overcome adversity. I mean that is what the ” boxer” way!

With love Your Family,

Maximus (2008 – 2024)

Maximus joined our family in 2008, when he was 12 weeks old. A fluffy ball of white fur with enchanting dark eyes.
Initially he was shy, and reticent, running away, and hiding when we got too close. Gradually he grew to know, and trust us, and became an integral part of our family.
Max loved people, I’m sure he never doubted that he was human. Taking him to the dog park was just an opportunity for him to make new human friends. He generally ignored anything with four legs.
He was a welcome committee all by himself. We often joked that if an intruder got in our house, Max would greet him with tail wagging, and warm licks.
He hated to be left alone, sometimes if the car door was left open for even a brief moment, Max would jump right in, and refuse to get out.
He loved riding with the window down, and the wind blowing in his face. He barked at other dogs as we drove by them. His excitement was boundless when he knew he was going for a walk. He nipped at his leash, spun around in circles, and pulled at our clothing to hurry us up.
He always tried to entice us to feed him people food. He sat very still, and stared at us with those irresistible eyes till we weakened, and gave in. Everyone who knew Max said he was a perfect dog, some even questioned if he was really a dog.
He was sweet, and gentle, but also fearless, as he chased larger animals than himself, including coyotes. When I saw him face to face with a coyote in our backyard while I was getting dressed for work, my heart almost stopped.
Max liked to be in the middle of everything, especially if people were involved. He enjoyed cuddling, and having his head, back, and tummy rubbed. His worse nightmare was bath time, he knew his shampoo, and as soon as he saw me get it, he disappeared like a lightning flash. I would find him hiding far under one of the beds. He would shiver when I took him to the sink. He definitely felt better being clean though,.
Maxie was one of our greatest gifts. Our home has not been the same without him. I miss his company, his warm greetings when I come home, his constant, unchanging love, his trust, and devotion.
I was always awed by his humility, and sadness when he knew he did something wrong, his ready forgiveness if he was scolded, his attempt to re-establish friendship, never holding a grudge. His acceptance, and equal treatment of everyone, his adjustment to situations he could not change. I know these are human qualities, but I saw them so clearly expressed in our Maxie. His little life served as a large book of learning for me. I will love, and appreciate him always.
If our pets go to heaven, we would be overjoyed to have our little angel back.