This Friday hits different.
Normally, we’d be gearing up for Pizza Crust Friday—Chooch’s absolute favorite tradition. The way he used to sit patiently by the table, eyes locked on every slice, ears perked the moment I tore that golden, crunchy crust from the pizza. It wasn’t just about the crust—it was about us. Our little weekly ritual. And now, with International Pizza Crust Friday coming up, everyone’s talking about celebrating. But for me, it’s bittersweet.
Because Chooch isn’t here.
He wasn’t supposed to leave me like this—not without one more crust, one more goofy lick to the face, one more moment of us laughing at how serious he took his “crust duties.” I thought we had more time. You always think you do.
But the only thing I can think… is maybe he did leave this way on purpose.
Maybe Chooch knew I needed something to hold onto—a tradition, a memory, something small but powerful to get me through the hard days. And that “something” was Pizza Crust Friday. It’s not just a snack anymore. It’s a piece of him that still lives with me every week. It’s laughter. It’s love. It’s legacy.
And judging from the love you’ve all been sending—pictures of your dogs with their crusts, sweet messages, the way you’ve picked up this tradition and made it your own—I know Chooch is still here. In every shared bite. In every happy tail wag. In every family that stops for just a moment to smile and celebrate something so silly, so simple, and yet so deeply meaningful.
So thank you. Truly. For keeping his memory alive in the most joyful way.
This Friday, I’ll still get a pizza. I’ll still break off that crust. And even though Chooch won’t be sitting beside me physically, I know he’ll be right there in spirit, tail wagging, tongue out, forever a legend.
Because legends never die. 💛🍕🐾
