Gizmo passed away in Spring 2004 at her home in Tennessee after a brave fight with cancer. The following tribute was written by her family, Lloyd and Judy:

"Gizmo was a true friend to us and we loved her the 13 years we had her with us.To tell you about Gizmo, she put up with "cats" being brought into our RV home. One we brought in was only 3 days old and had to be bottle fed. When it was cool on the floor, Giz would take her paw and pull the kitty into her to keep her warm. She was so gentle, it is a shame that chow's have a such a bad name. Giz was raised by our old poodles and she thought she was a poodle, didn't know she was a chow! She would let our grandchildren crawl all over her and play.
She was so proud when we would have her clipped (like a lion) and would prance so proudly as folks told her how pretty she was. Yes, we will always miss her and treasure our pictures. ...We know that all of our 4-legged kids we be waiting for us when we go home one day and lead us thru the gates of love and no more hurts and pains and returning love back to us to heal the pains of being lonely from their absences.

I would say sadly you leave us of this world for a better place and that you will be waiting to lead us down the same path.
You will be missed by us, and the 2 cats you raised.

REST IN PEACE OUR BELOVED 4-LEGGED CHILD"