The Loss of a Member of the Crotty Crew: Chewy, Our Captain

You may have heard me mention the Crotty Crew. The Crotty Crew was made up of four souls—Chewy, Perseus, Kara and me. Together, we navigated this life, each one of us providing a distinctive and unmatched spirit. The bond we share is a source of strength, comfort, and support, especially in times when life was hard. But in June of 2025, our world changed when we lost Chewy, my beloved companion and the heart of our crew. The loss has been devastating, leaving a gap that feels impossible to fill.

Chewy wasn’t just a dog; he was my co-pilot, the one who walked with me through thick and thin. Whether I was sick or needing a little extra love, Chewy was there. He had an incredible way of knowing exactly what each of us needed. If someone in the house was sick or stressed, Chewy would be the first to jump up next to them, offering his support and comfort. He wasn’t just by your side, he was with you, always fully present in the moment. He was always the first one on the couch or on the bed, quietly watching and making sure everyone was okay.

We were always together, the four of us, a balanced team. But losing Chewy has shifted that balance, and now, with only three of us, it feels like the ground beneath us has become unsteady. I often find myself struggling to adjust without him. Chewy was what held us all together. He was playful yet supportive, always ready to make us laugh or simply be with us in the moment.

For Kara, Chewy was like an older brother. He would always guide her in a way, encouraged her, and gave her the confidence to be fearless, knowing he had her back. He showed Kara how to be independent and sociable, all the while supporting her with his gentle and loving energy. Without him, she seems a bit lost, and I know she misses him just as much as I do.

Perseus and Chewy were truly brothers. Chewy naturally was the older, wiser one, taking the lead, and Perseus was always right behind him, trusting in his direction. Now, with Chewy gone, Perseus feels like he must be the responsible one. He’s trying to step up and take on the role of second-in-command, even though he carries insecurities of his own. He’s doing his best to support me and the rest of the crew, but it’s clear that he feels the loss deeply too.

Chewy wasn’t just my co-pilot; in many ways, he was our captain. He did everything, a good captain should—he provided guidance, offered support, and gave encouragement. Chewy showed us how to navigate life with love and patience, and now that he’s gone, we’re all feeling a little lost. I often say he was my co-pilot, but the truth is, he was the one steering our ship, making sure we all stayed on course.

Now, I feel like I must lead us in a new way, supporting both Perseus and Kara while also finding the strength to support myself. It’s a new kind of challenge, but I know that Chewy is guiding me through this. He has taught me so much during our life together—about love, about leadership, and about trust. And even though he’s no longer physically with us, I know he’s still here, guiding us in his own way.

Chewy will always and forever be my co-pilot, and I will carry the life lessons he has taught me as we all move forward. We all miss him terribly, but the memory of him lives on in our hearts.