CHESTER “Pop”
02/25/2005-03/09/2013
Today started out like any other day. I was up before the crack of dawn, came downstairs and gave Chester who was snoring like a chainsaw a quick “good morning little guy”, turned the coffee pot on and hit the family room. Pretty much the same routine as any given day. Then something happened….I heard Chester crying.
As most of you know from his Blog post the other day Hallelujah! Hot Dogs Heal The Lame Chester has been having some walking issues. Well, those issues turned into much more this morning when he couldn’t use his hind legs. It was painful to see him struggling. He wanted to get out back to do his morning duties, even though he was in pain he was determined. He never went in the house and he wasn’t starting today.
Our new hardwood floors were not helping his journey to the yard so I gathered all the area rugs we have to make a path to the stairs where I was able to guide him down. Whew! That was an ordeal, but we made it. The next challenge was getting from the bottom of the stairs over to the door. We took numerous breaks, had a couple pep talk and eventually crossed the finish line or threshold, just in the nick of time.
As you can imagine I was very concerned. After some research I discovered he most likely has a back issue, not a leg issue. We got ready, slipped Chester a rophy and headed to the Vet. In our minds we were going for a cortisone shot & medication, but instead we were sent to a hospital for an MRI and possible surgery. What?
Sadly after hearing that he most likely had 3 bulging disks that would require surgery, along with an 8-12 week recovery period with no guarantee of full use, we were left to make the painful decision to let him go on to a place where he can run free and bask in sunbeams all day, while we remain here with all of our wonderful memories to treasure and broken hearts to mend.
I’ll be taking a few days off during the mending, but I’ll be reading to stay occupied. Thank you for all of your kind words about Chester over the past year, they are also included in our memories.
Life can certainly change is a flash so make sure you Enjoy the Ride as much as Chester enjoyed his. I Love You Poppy!
Life With The Top Down 
My heart hurts for you! There just aren’t enough words.
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Thank you Kate.
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I’ll bet Chester gets a lot of hot dogs there… I’m sure he is thanking you, and he has his great memories too. Go read the post I did today… let me know how it turns out. ❤
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Thank you Ted.
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I am so sorry. No words I can say will help right now. As you may know I lost my beloved boxer AlfIe 3 weeks ago very suddenly. I brought his ashes home yesterday. I wrote for him ‘to alfIe with love’ . I send you love and my deepest sympathy. Hugs Ceri xxx
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Ceri, I’m so sorry about Alfie. I just read your lovely post…he was indeed a huge part of your family. The tears just keep flowing…
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Oh no.. my heart just broke for you.. Chester was well loved and again I am so very sorry 😦
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Thank you Lynn.
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There is nothing harder. I am so sorry. I wish they could be with us much longer, but it sounds like you and Chester enjoyed the short time you had together. I am going to go give mine a cuddle and a treat. Thanks for the important reminder. Thinking about you…
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Thank you News…I’m happy to hear about that hug & treat.
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Oh no… I am so sorry. I’m sending you a big, big hug from Victoria. I have so enjoyed your Chester stories (and Chester’s own stories too!) Take care, my friend.
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Thank you.
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So sorry to hear the news about Chester. Hugs to you Lisa. We lost our girl (also a beagle) two years ago through similar unexpected events. It’s damn hard. May Chester’s memory forever warm your heart and home.
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I remember you telling me she had Cushing’s and how sad you all were…I’m there, it is indeed sad.
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I’m so, so sorry. This makes me SAD so I can only imagine how YOU feel. So very sorry 😦
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Thank you Anna…it is very, very sad.
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I’m so sorry. I just posted a note to you from your comment earlier today. And something told me to click over here. My heart goes out to you right now. It was very strong of you to make that hard choice. I’m so very sorry ….
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Thanks Penny. I don’t feel very strong at all right now, but I’m sure I will soon.
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I totally understand. Right now the pain feels worse than anything else in the world. You can feel the loss right in the core of your heart. Take all the time you need ….
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Thanks Penny…it’s just awful.
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I know, my heart has been breaking for you since I read this post yesterday. I’m so very sorry.
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I know that horrible feeling of having to let them go, so sorry you had to go through. Without the pain, we never had the love and the love is what sistains us…Much love to the whole family. XO Me
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Thanks Kathy.
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Sustains! I really can spell… 🙂
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I’m so sorry. That’s terribly rough. I know you have good memories and hopefully Chester is enjoying his new doggie freedom.
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Thanks Katie, I sure hope so.
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Rest in peace, Chester. I am so sorry for your loss. So very sorry.
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Thanks Elyse.
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I’m so very sorry for your loss, Lisa. Chester had a great life with you and yours where he was well-loved. RIP Chester.
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Thank you.
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Sorry to hear about Chester. It’s never easy to watch a close friend move on. At least now he can have all the hot dogs he wants. Hope you are handling things as well as possible.
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Thank you Eagle.
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So sorry for your loss. I made this same journey over the Summer and it really sucks.
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Thanks Sofia…it really does suck. Sorry to know of your loss.
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You have my sympathy. They say losing a human relative or friend is the most difficult thing. I disagree. Losing an animal friend is worse. They never judge, love unconditionally, and offer companionship when we need it. How many human friends can say that? Chester is happy, you’ll see him again.
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Thank you Tom. You are so right!
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I am so sorry to hear about Chester, at least he didn’t suffer for long because he had “non-fur parents” who loved him so much. I am crying with you.
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Thank you Benze.
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Reblogged this on athingirldotcom and commented:
I am so sad, you have no idea. I always felt as if I knew him. Losing a pet who’s always been there for you, no matter what, is a heartbreaking event to endure. I am so, so sorry. Susannah
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I am trying to reblog but WordPress is not cooperating. You wrote so beautifully. I’m here weeping. Want everyone to know about Chet. So sad…(:
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Thanks Susannah. This is definitely the downside of having these wonderful furry friends in our lives. I am a complete mess…just a mess.
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My heart goes out to you and your family. I’m sure you’ll find comfort in knowing that Chester is chasing cats and chewing an old slipper in the great beyond.
It’s eerie, but I wrote about the same thing happening to my dog in the comments of your last Chester post. My dog’s saving grace was her being so young to have had that type of problem. The surgery option came out like this: Pay for the surgery and hope for the best, or send our youngest back to college a few weeks later – we couldn’t afford both.
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Thanks Point, it was horrible going back and forth trying to make that decision…just horrible. We had the same dilemma regarding the college tuition. The surgery would be almost 6,000, followed by the long recovery that would include lots of care and PT and let’s just say Chester didn’t like when anyone had their hands all over him so he would be a difficult patient. They bring so much joy to our homes that I never really took this sadness into consideration…I am so sad.
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It’s a rough road. I’m sure you’re still expecting to see him in his favorite places – but he is in his favorite place in your heart.
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Thanks Point.
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There’s something else I want to say. What you did was so damned hard…so brave and compassionate. You did the very best thing for him…not to make him go through treatment of any kind that would have been hard for that sweet, funny guy. You’re my hero with a heart the size of the Liberty Bell.
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I’m so sorry to hear that, Lisa. My thoughts are with you.
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Thank you Twin.
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I am so sorry to hear about Chester. Losing a pet is like losing a best friend. You did the right thing by putting him down. Our waitress 2 weeks ago lamented that she was working three jobs to pay off a $30,000 vet bill and her dog died anyway. We put down our last Bichon when she seemed to be in so much pain, she couldn’t move.
I will be thinking about you and your family…
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Thank you Susie, especially for sharing that story..it helped to hear about that woman’s struggle. Give Roxy a treat for me ❤
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I’m very sorry for your loss. I hope you know how brave you were to do the right thing by Chester, before he suffered too much and lost his dignity. Too many people try to selfishly hang on at the expense of their four legged family member.
Now take some time, be sad and then remember how wonderful it was to have him in your life.
Thinking of you,
M
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Thank you Michelle, your words came a very good time.
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It is with sadness I write this. I am so very sorry for you loss. My heart breaks for you and my tears flow for your sadness. I will miss hearing about Chester and he will remain in my memories also. I hope you do okay the next few days and if you need to talk, please email me. thinking of you, DAF and Shugo
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Thank you DAF and Shugo…it’s all just very sad right now.
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This is very tough. It does break your heart, but you truly hate to see them suffer. Best wishes to you and your family. BTG
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Thank you very much.
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Oh no…Chester.
I’m sorry, Lisa. I can’t imagine how hard it must have been. Lots of hugs.
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Thank you so much.
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I am sorry- this happened to one of our dogs too – overnight- so sudden. Sorry !!
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I’m so sorry Lisa!
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Thank you Jennifer.
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Today is one year since Sydney passed away. Maybe she & Chester will be hanging out playing together!
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I certainly hope so.
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So sorry 😦
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Thank you Lauren.
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So sorry to hear this. Losing a loved dog is like losing a family member. They really are. I still miss mine but have great memories.
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Thank you Fil.
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So very sorry to learn about Chester. we have had to say good-bye to two of our labs and those were among the most difficult days of my life, and that our our children’s too. Again, so sorry, and hope you take the time you need to get over your loss.
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So sorry for your loss. Its so hard to lose an animal you love dearly.
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This is always the most painful part about loving an animal friend and family member. I am so sorry to hear about Chester.
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I am so sorry for your Lisa. I could feel the pain. Take care!!
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Thank you. It has been very sad around my house.
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You left a lovely note on my blog about your loss and I responded over there (I didn’t think to come here to do it).
http://livingtheseasons.com/2013/02/28/mom-assaulted-him/
Nancy
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