Obituary for Atticus Chernenko
Atticus, the beloved English Springer Spaniel, of Judge Joyce D. and Marc B. Chernenko of Wellsburg, West Virginia passed away peacefully at MedVet Medical & Cancer Center for Pets in Columbus, Ohio on April 2, 2022 after a short, but fiercely fought, battle with cancer. She was born in Georgia on March 2, 2008. After a 3 year career in the show ring, she retired and moved to West Virginia to join her new family.
She did not rest in her retirement. She traveled extensively with her new family, attracting smiles and making friends everywhere she went. She was a frequent guest at the Hay-Adams Hotel in Washington, D.C., a historic and elegant residence across Lafayette Park from the White House, where she was welcomed upon arrival by doormen who instantly recognized her, and opened the door widely for her. The Staff greeted her each day, “Good Morning, Miss Atticus!” and treated her as respectfully as any of the Hay-Adams’ frequent famous guests.
She was an avid fan of the Pittsburgh Pirates, attending several Pup Nights during the season. In recognition of her loyalty to her team, the Pirates graciously granted her access to PNC Park for Christmas Card photography sessions with her family, hosted by Pirates Executive Matt DiLascio and memorialized each year by Raymond Smith of Action Images. Her 2021 Christmas card slideshow can be viewed here: https://video214.com/play/YoIjdDBDinPo1x2EhDOzxQ/s/dark .
She loved to accompany Marc and Joyce on adventures. On one such trip she and Joyce followed as Marc bicycled from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Washington, D.C. on the Great Allegheny Passage and the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath. She was a frequent visitor to any Starbucks and Five Guys that the family passed on any trip that was taken. She was also known to appear for shopping sprees in stores, including L.L. Bean, Orvis, Vineyard Vines, O’Connell’s in Buffalo, New York and Brooks Brothers.
During downtime at home, she organized her political book club for which she made several Instagram posts (Instagram.com/78bison), befriended the bunny family in her yard, and spent lunchtime enjoying episodes of Hogan’s Heroes with her Dad. During election years, she was known to campaign for Judge Joyce, donning her specially made campaign dog coat. When she was not outside playing or otherwise doing good deeds, she could be found snoozing on her bed, her couch, or under her favorite Christmas tree.
She loved Bethany College, the Alma Mater of several of her family members, spending much time on walks across campus and enjoying the company of the Sisters of Zeta Tau Alpha at their events. Her Christmas cards, which were highly anticipated each year, always included scenes from the beautiful Bethany campus. On several occasions the card photography showcased her activities each year such as hiking with the Zetas through the Parkinson Woods for a photo-op at the waterfall, gathering on the steps of historic Old Main, and supporting the Zetas in the American Cancer Society Relay for Life Events on Bethany’s campus.
Over her lifetime, she benefitted from the kindness and amazing veterinary care of Dr. Michael A. Martello and his Staff, Ann and Katina, at Steubenville Vet Hospital; as well as the specialty care of Neurologist William R. Fenner, Oncologist Heather A. Lasher, and Surgeon (and Bethanian) Shawn C. Kennedy at MedVet. Without their care and intervention, she would not have lived the full and healthy life which she enjoyed.
Until the very end, Atticus’ tail wagged, her eyes shone brightly, and she loved her belly rubs. Atticus was relentlessly joyful and she made everyone’s days, good or bad, better. Although she is gone from our sight, she will live forever in our hearts----always our sweet, funny, and beautiful puppy.
The Chambers Funeral Home of Wellsburg, WV (304)737-3551 is honored and privileged to serve the Chernenko Family during this time of sorrow.
Please add or view condolences, photos and stories at www.chambersandjames.com
She did not rest in her retirement. She traveled extensively with her new family, attracting smiles and making friends everywhere she went. She was a frequent guest at the Hay-Adams Hotel in Washington, D.C., a historic and elegant residence across Lafayette Park from the White House, where she was welcomed upon arrival by doormen who instantly recognized her, and opened the door widely for her. The Staff greeted her each day, “Good Morning, Miss Atticus!” and treated her as respectfully as any of the Hay-Adams’ frequent famous guests.
She was an avid fan of the Pittsburgh Pirates, attending several Pup Nights during the season. In recognition of her loyalty to her team, the Pirates graciously granted her access to PNC Park for Christmas Card photography sessions with her family, hosted by Pirates Executive Matt DiLascio and memorialized each year by Raymond Smith of Action Images. Her 2021 Christmas card slideshow can be viewed here: https://video214.com/play/YoIjdDBDinPo1x2EhDOzxQ/s/dark .
She loved to accompany Marc and Joyce on adventures. On one such trip she and Joyce followed as Marc bicycled from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Washington, D.C. on the Great Allegheny Passage and the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath. She was a frequent visitor to any Starbucks and Five Guys that the family passed on any trip that was taken. She was also known to appear for shopping sprees in stores, including L.L. Bean, Orvis, Vineyard Vines, O’Connell’s in Buffalo, New York and Brooks Brothers.
During downtime at home, she organized her political book club for which she made several Instagram posts (Instagram.com/78bison), befriended the bunny family in her yard, and spent lunchtime enjoying episodes of Hogan’s Heroes with her Dad. During election years, she was known to campaign for Judge Joyce, donning her specially made campaign dog coat. When she was not outside playing or otherwise doing good deeds, she could be found snoozing on her bed, her couch, or under her favorite Christmas tree.
She loved Bethany College, the Alma Mater of several of her family members, spending much time on walks across campus and enjoying the company of the Sisters of Zeta Tau Alpha at their events. Her Christmas cards, which were highly anticipated each year, always included scenes from the beautiful Bethany campus. On several occasions the card photography showcased her activities each year such as hiking with the Zetas through the Parkinson Woods for a photo-op at the waterfall, gathering on the steps of historic Old Main, and supporting the Zetas in the American Cancer Society Relay for Life Events on Bethany’s campus.
Over her lifetime, she benefitted from the kindness and amazing veterinary care of Dr. Michael A. Martello and his Staff, Ann and Katina, at Steubenville Vet Hospital; as well as the specialty care of Neurologist William R. Fenner, Oncologist Heather A. Lasher, and Surgeon (and Bethanian) Shawn C. Kennedy at MedVet. Without their care and intervention, she would not have lived the full and healthy life which she enjoyed.
Until the very end, Atticus’ tail wagged, her eyes shone brightly, and she loved her belly rubs. Atticus was relentlessly joyful and she made everyone’s days, good or bad, better. Although she is gone from our sight, she will live forever in our hearts----always our sweet, funny, and beautiful puppy.
The Chambers Funeral Home of Wellsburg, WV (304)737-3551 is honored and privileged to serve the Chernenko Family during this time of sorrow.
Please add or view condolences, photos and stories at www.chambersandjames.com