It's always sad to lose a dog.
I've had working dogs all my life. They'll work their heart out for you all day and all they want in return is a warm dry place to sleep, food, and the occasional cuddle and pat.

Actually, my dogs kept me working too. If I was feeling tired and sat down on a log for a ciggie break the dog thought: "Dad has sat down! That means I can reach him for a cuddle!" And they'd cuddle in as close as they could get.

And it's a proven fact that the lovingest dog is the wettest.
So I didn't stay sat down for long.

And yeah; it's always sad when they go. I feel for you Seth.

(And strangely enough the first dog I ever had was named for the other side of the coin to your Chip. He was a collie huntaway and I called him Dale.)