Remembering Pierce

PIERCE CHAMBERLIN

May 13, 2008 – February 7, 2023

Pierce “Buddy” Chamberlin, loyal companion of Katie and Kyle Chamberlin, was freed from his recent pain on February 7, 2023. Our family’s heart is left with a miniature dachshund-sized hole, but the life Pierce led was much larger than his diminutive frame.

Katie picked out Pierce before she picked out Kyle. (A little black and tan puppy caught her eye as the most personable of the litter.) When the latter entered their lives the next year, Pierce quickly took to his new dad. Since his parents were married in 2015, Pierce has been the center of the home. We have never been a family without Buddy nudging his little snout between us or resting his chin on our laps.

Pierce loved strolling down the Mishawaka Riverwalk, where the rapid churn of his tiny legs would earn a smile from most everyone he passed. Though generally uninterested in the barking of other dogs, he would patiently stop for pets from children and adults alike. Even after his vision failed, Buddy knew every inch on his one-mile loop, often running to the far end of his retractable leash and turning the next corner without prompting.

We acknowledge the outings upon which Pierce embarked were perhaps experienced more so than chosen. Much as he tolerated being dressed up for the amusement of his parents, Buddy also patiently came along on many family adventures. Despite a disdain for swimming – when placed in the pool, he would immediately swim to the steps -- he enjoyed riding along in the canoe. He would sit at Mom’s feet for outdoor dining, and he basked in the attention received waiting in the line at Ritter’s. Pierce stayed at three different campgrounds, hiked at Potato Creek and The Res, and even romped on the Lake Michigan beach for the first time at age fourteen. Perhaps his biggest adventure was flying to Milwaukee where he twice participated in the German Fest dachshund races. (Though a winner in our hearts, he showed more interest in the cameraman than the finish line.) When his mom and dad went further afield, Pierce was warmly welcomed into the homes of his grandparents.

Around the house, Pierce lived at a more leisurely pace. He was spoiled with his own bed in most every room of the home, and he had a sixth sense for locating sun spots in which to nap. When mom and dad arrived home, the stored-up energy would come bursting out in excitement, ‘circle dancing,’ and kisses. In the evening, he staked his spot on the couch between us, just below the perch on which he would often look out the window awaiting our arrival. In his refined senior years, he developed a particular affinity for The Trumpet with Jane (CBS Sunday Morning) and Tick-Tock (60 Minutes), staples in his lazy Sunday routine.

Consistent with the personality characteristics of a purebred dachshund, Pierce had a stubborn side. While generally well behaved, he showed no particular interest in being trained. If he wanted a specific spot on the couch, he was going to sit there, regardless of whether someone else might presently be occupying the space. If he wanted a crunchy treat, he was going to keep banging on the pantry door until his wish was granted. And if he wanted to go upstairs for bedtime, you might as well just give in to his demand.

Pierce was equally tenacious in protecting his family. While friendly to strangers in public, he was suspicious of anyone unknown at his home. Each night before burrowing under the covers, Buddy would perform a quick security duty, howling from the foot of the bed to make any unwelcome comers aware of his presence. He was a fiercely loyal member of the family, and his love was unfailing.

Before chronic illness hindered his appetite, Pierce loved to eat. His preferred food was generally ‘whatever someone else was having.’ Some of his favorite delicacies included strawberries, blueberries, peanut butter, Os (Honey Nut Cheerios), and whatever discarded morsels he may find on a walk. One treat stood above all others: green beans. At the mere sound of a fresh bean snapping, Buddy would run from another room to beg for his small portion.

Katie is fortunate to be part of the team at Morris Animal Hospital, and their many years of great care helped our little old man enjoy a long and healthy life. Pierce particularly loved Dr. Gayle, and she was there to provide him a final act of compassion.

Our family will miss park walks, couch time, and bedtime kisses, but we will continue to cherish nearly fifteen years of wonderful memories. We are both better people — more compassionate, more patient, more loving – because we knew Pierce. And we will be forever thankful for his time in our lives.