I am very sorry to share that Chancho, my very good friend and most bosom pal of 12 years, passed away earlier this week. Chancho was a mountainous soul crammed into a mailbox shaped dog. Stubborn as a broken down tractor, he was the most joyous and recalcitrant creature I ever met. He delighted in the simplest pleasures: a new ball—or even better a stolen one; a piece of cheese “accidently” dropped on a kitchen floor; or a stranger stopping to scratch his bum. He taught me that every moment of every day has room for silliness and laughter, even if you're running late or feeling down. He taught me to walk with my head held high, and to look all strangers in the eye— because you will often be met with a friendly smile. Out in the world are hundreds, and hundreds of photos of that furry potato with legs that I will never see. Nearly every time I left Chancho outside a store or shop, even for just a moment, I would come out to someone taking his photo, or attempting a selfie. Sometimes I would catch a stranger having a quiet conversation with him. Sharing a moment together. I would always wait at a distance until they gave him a gentle pat on the head and said their goodbyes. Chancho taught me more about patience, empathy, and humour than any other person in my life. He taught me to appreciate simple pleasures, and to try to bring more kindness into the world. He taught me that a lazy afternoon under a blanket on the sofa is magical. He taught me that even if you can’t swim, faking it can be just, if not more, fun. —“just because you can’t, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t”. There isn’t much to more to say—beyond the weight of sadness in my heart is lessened with knowing that he is no longer struggling. We said goodbye on Tuesday evening, and since then I have been wondering what to do with all my leftover toast crusts and sullied ice-cream bowls. My home is quieter and far more absent of life since he left. I will never know his like again. -jen Chancho Diane Marie Francis Candice Bergen Phylicia Rashād Hill (aka Reliabull’s Han Chancho) September 17, 2007 – September 17, 2019 #chanchomyhoncho https://www.instagram.com/p/B2p2-3wBLNR/?igshid=1geokcasdv9jf