I adopted Chester from the local Humane Society when
he was 5 months old.
The card on his kennel said “Last of the litter”.
No one wanted him.
He was the sweetest quietest puppy…with four white paws.
I took him home and he became my best friend and
constant companion for almost 15 years.
He was a Lab/Setter mix but he looked like a large
Border Collie.
He helped me cope with broken relationships and sadness.
With him I had the confidence to go camping and hiking.
I discovered my own sense of security and freedom having
this big wonderful dog to travel with.
For a while he was a therapy dog at a senior center.
He cheered everyone up.
Chester always shared his tennis ball with everyone.
In my neighborhood kids used to come by and ask to play
with him in the yard. He was that kind of dog.
The kids all grew up and moved away…and
Chester slowed down;
he played ball less and less; and the walks became
shorter and shorter.
He gave so much love.
He trusted and loved unconditionally like pets do.
I was so sad when I started to come home from work to
find that Chester was no longer able to greet me at the door.
He wanted to!! He was on the floor unable to stand up.
I helped my friend up and received his loving kisses for my effort.
Then he had times when he was wobbly on his feet…
and he had problems with steps.
Every day though he looked forward to his short walk
when those perky eyes.
The day came when I helped Chester to stand up and he licked
me like always but he couldn’t stay up and he fell
back to the floor.
I had to help steady him to walk…I carried his back legs a bit …
and I carried all 55 lbs of him in my arms to the backyard.
I let him sleep in a nice shady spot and cried realizing that this
was the decision time.
Chester was no longer living the life he needed.
With the looks he gave me when he could no longer stand up
and play or chase I knew.
He was getting gluosacamine and extra vitamins and all
the TLC I could give him…but something else
was terribly wrong.
I’m so sorry that we have to make these horrible choices
for our pets.
When I took Chester to the vet he said it was probably
something neurological.
We knew it was good-bye time.
I stayed for the euthanasia.
I comforted my forever friend and told him to
“Go to the North Shore”.
It has been just a few weeks since that day.
I didn’t think witnessing the euthanasia was particularly
comforting- at least not for me…
I was there for Chester to keep him calm.
The tranquilizer really calmed him (I needed it too).
Seeing him breathe his last breath and seeing his trusting
eyes close were difficult.
He was always dignified and noble right to the end.
His spirit was good and strong but his body
was wore out.
I wanted to keep him forever…and so I shall in my heart.
I love you Chester.
I’ll see you again some day my friend.
Mary Lou