Good day, I'm Amber Strickland and I'm setting up this LFEBridge on behalf of myself, my husband, Chad, my brother and sister-in-law, Luke and Amber, and our dog-nephew Pimpin'. So many of you have asked how you can help with the recent loss of our brother, Chandler, and we now have a special way for you to do just that...let me tell you the story of a man and his dog. Pimpin' has been Chandler's constant companion for around 7 years. Chandler got him when he was just a puppy. As Widespread Panic says, "Sometimes a dog is as good as any man." For Chandler, Pimpin' was just that...a best friend. From the moment they met, the two were inseparable. They traveled many miles and roads together, always by each other's side. Some would say they were soulmates and I know for certain that Chandler found a great deal of comfort in his canine side kick. Pimpin' was by Chandler's side through his final moments here on Earth. Pimpin' has experienced the tragic and untimely loss of Chandler just as we all have. Pimpin' immediately went to stay with his human grandmother. The hardship of his loss was evident, though, as he hid under the table and could barely be coaxed out even for food. He was, justifably, sad, scared and lonely. That is until Pimpin' saw Chad. Chad's cousins came to the airport to pick him up and decided to bring Pimpin' along for the ride. As soon as Chad got into the car, this dog literally started to flip out with joy. He was rolling over and wagging his tail for the first time in the days since he lost his best friend. Pimpin' was instantly attached to Chad. He followed Chad EVERYWHERE he went including waiting for him outside the bathroom door and snuggling with him at night. It was clear and evident from the moment Chad arrived that Pimpin' would now love and count on him just as Chandler had. It was an instant connection, similar to what brothers have with each other. So, it became clear that Pimpin's new home should be and needs to be with Chad and I here in Colorado. Our dogs are members of our family and we treat them like they our kids. Chad is now home and Pimpin' is definitely missing him. I can't imagine the heartbreak and confusion for this poor dog in losing first his dad and then his uncle. We, along with our two daughters and two current dogs, are therefore eager to welcome him into our family and give him his new forever home. This is where you come in... Pimpin' is currently in Mississippi while Chad and I are in Colorado. As you can imagine there are a lot logistical details to consider and work out to get a dog across the country. Flying Pimpin' is not an option. Aside from the cost, commerical airlines will not transport a dog if any of the airports on the route are warmer than 80 degrees outside. Flying from Mississippi to Atlanta to Denver in the middle of July guarantees that one, if not all, of the airports will be warmer than 80 degrees. Just as important, as Pimpin's aunt, I can't imagine asking him to fly in a plane (for the first time) in a crate (for the first time) all alone. It seems like this little fella has been through enough already. That leaves us with the only option of driving half way across the country and going to get him. And this is where the story becomes even more special. Luke and Amber have agreed to meet halfway in Tulsa OK. The two surviving brothers and their wives taking care of the one thing Chandler loved most. We all know that Chandler would be so proud to know that his little boy is being well taken care of by his family. As we are working out the details of the trip, the expenses are quickly adding up. And in addition to getting Pimpin' to Colorado, there is the task of setting him up comfortably in his new home. Here's what we are looking at: Rental cars for both brothers - We alll have SUVs and with the cost of gas and wear and tear on our vehicles, renting cars is more cost-effective Gas - For both brothers, the round-trip travel will be about 18-22 hours and over 1400 miles Hotel rooms - We will be doing this travel over 3 or 4 days Food while traveling Vet visit once we get home Colorado Regsitration Getting Pimpin' neutered as required by Colorado and to help ensure three male dogs getting along best Pimpin' out Pimpin' - Pimpin' has been through so much and we would love to treat him to a day at the doggy spa and get him all pimped out! Tags Collar Bed Additional leash and food bowl The best dog food Gourmet Treats New toys - He's a chewer :) I've learned recently that one of the hardest parts about loss and grief is that life continues on. And that is true for Chad and I, Luke and Amber, our kids and our homes so the expenses have started to feel heavy in what should be a joyous occassion. I've also recently learned that what may feel like a lot alone, can be turned into a little together. It's hard to admit but often times asking for help when needed and accepting that help can feel difficult. But, helping each other is one of many ways we show and share our love. So, we are asking for help! Chandler's obituary requested no flowers be sent but instead to donate to the Humane Society. If you haven't already done that or are willing and able now, we would love for you to join this story and this journey by contributing to the "Pimpin' out Pimpin' & Bringin' him to Colorado" fund. Any and all donations are accepted and appreciated. Our promise to you will be that all money raised will be used to get Pimpin' to Colorado and help this deserving dog to live out his best life with us. Time is of the esssence so that Pimpin' can begin to heal and settle into his new home. We are anxious to get him to Colorado so he can bond with his new canine brothers and human sisters. We are ready to love him! We are hoping/planning on meeting next Saturday 7/15 or the following Saturday 7/22. Thank you for the love and support all of you have already shown our family. Thank you, in advance, for anything you can give to help Chad and Luke honor their brother's memory. As mentioned, Chandler would be so proud to know Pimpin' is being cared for and looked after. Pimpin' is a sweet little thing and has been through so much these past few weeks. He too thanks you for helping him make it to his next chapter. We will be sharing Pimpin's journey to Colorado on our social medias so be watching for that. We love you all!!!
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