This Christmas, my heart felt emptier than I could have ever imagined. We lost Chopper, the sweetest soul who brought so much love and joy to our lives. His absence has been deafening, a constant reminder of just how important he was in this house. In the midst of my family’s grief, one thought kept coming back to me. “A blanket for every dog this Christmas.” It felt like the perfect way to honour Chopper’s memory and share with other dogs the comfort he cherished most of all, with our Yukon Blanket Drive For The Humane Society.

 

Chopper was my 11-year-old pitbull, my big, snuggly, very loud old man. The dog who taught me I was meant to be a crazy dog mom. There was nothing Chopper loved more than curling up in a soft fleece blanket by the fire. It was his favourite place in the world.

 

Chopper and our younger dog, Willie Nelson, have been my inspiration for nearly everything I’ve done with the Humane Society in Yukon. So it should come as no surprise that in Chopper’s passing, he continued to inspire me. And now, through this blanket drive for the Humane Society, he’s inspired an entire community.

 

I have to say that I am once again humbled and overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity of this territory. Together, we not only met the goal, but I can proudly say we’ve far exceeded it. Because of all of you, every dog at the Humane Society Yukon has a new, cozy blanket this Christmas. But it didn’t stop there. Thanks to the outpouring of support, we’ve provided enough blankets for dogs at multiple rescues across the Yukon. With extras to ensure that every new pup arriving at the Humane Society Yukon will also have a warm blanket waiting for them.

 

 

Thank you to Whitehorse Motors and 98 Hotel for being our drop-off locations! This wouldn’t have been possible without your help. We had donations come from so many places! The correctional officers in Whitehorse, small businesses like Bare North. Most moving of all, fellow dog moms and dads who read Chopper’s story and donated blankets in memory of their own beloved pets. Each blanket carries a piece of love, a cherished memory, and a promise that no dog will go without comfort this holiday season.

Together, we’ve done something extraordinary. Together, we’ve honoured not only Chopper but also the many dogs who have touched our hearts and left pawprints on our lives.

 

 

In the photos, you’ll see Enzo, Percy, and Jambalaya with the blankets they picked out for themselves. Thank you to the staff at Humane Society Yukon for letting us come in, even on a day when you aren’t usually open. We had so much fun brining in the blankets and giving these three pups a chnace to get their blanket picked out for Christmas Eve. And thank you, Bailey, for helping me deliver them all.

 

To everyone who donated and shared my poster, thank you, from the bottom of my heart. You have helped me turn heartbreak into hope and for showing how powerful we can be when we come together for something good. 

 

I hope the photos below from our Yukon Blanket Drive For The Humane Society brings a little magic to your Christmas Eve!