"It began on New Year’s Eve, when a friend suggested a five-minute cold plunge in the ocean. We thought she might be a little crazy—but we said yes.
What began as a one-time plunge quickly turned into something we couldn’t stop doing. We became completely hooked.
And Chief loved coming with us. He had always loved the beach and the water- no matter the season.
When we later learned that Chief was sick, those cold plunges took on a deeper meaning. They became a way for us, and for the people who loved Chief, to spend some of his final days together—sharing those moments and that joy.
Chief was the kind of dog everyone loved the moment they met him.
He was a true gentle giant. His quiet presence somehow spoke the loudest, whether he was in a room or out on the beach. He didn’t need to demand attention. He just had a way of being there that made people feel calmer, happier, and at home.
He definitely had a goofy side—especially when his beloved ball was involved. But he was just as happy soaking up the sun, splashing through the water, or trotting through the snow.
The weather never mattered to him.
What mattered was being outside, in the world, with the people he loved.
On January 21, 2026, Chief passed away from hemangiosarcoma.
We miss him every day… We want to celebrate his life by doing something to help support research."
