Therapy Dog Crosses The Rainbow Bridge Leaving Many Heartbroken

Chopper The Biker Dog earned his nickname by riding around town on a miniature motorized “Harley,” offering assistance and comfort to homeless people, children with cancer, wounded veterans, and anyone in distress.

Chopper was three months old when Mark Shaffer, a biker and real estate agent, adopted him. Shaffer previously had a therapy dog named Bandit who had crossed the Rainbow Bridge. As soon as Chopper arrived in Shaffer’s life, it was clear he was born to fill the big paws Bandit left.

“His whole attitude was, ‘If petting me is going to make you happy, go ahead and do it,'” said Shaffer, who often dressed Chopper in a bandana, sunglasses, and doggie-sized biker vest. The proud dog dad adds that his boy loved everybody, and they loved him too.

Sadly, Chopper was diagnosed with Cushing’s disease, anemia, and liver cancer in short order in 2019. When the COVID pandemic hit, social distancing and his fading health made it difficult for the friendly pup to continue his beloved work.

When Chopper’s health deteriorated, Schaffer was forced to make the difficult decision to put him down. However, before his appointment, Chopper died in his sleep one morning. He was 12 years old.

“He touched so many people’s lives,” said Gillian Larson, one of the dozens of mourners who attended the dog’s memorial service in San Diego. “He just had a way of cheering you up, sometimes when only a dog could.”

Image Credit: Facebook/Chopper the Biker Dog