Saying goodbye to Chester

On Monday April 15th we said goodbye to Chester. Chester was our lab/dane mix and he was 17 years old. We had adopted him when he was 2 years old from a family who could no longer care for him.

Chester had been having a harder and harder time getting up and making it outside to potty.

Over the weekend, he became unable to stand at all. We knew it was his time. I think this was hardest on our son, who was only four years old when we added Chester to the family; that son is nineteen years old now. He's pretty much known Chester his whole life.

I find myself automatically looking over at where Chester's bed was whenever I go into the living room.

Also, I'm a little worried about our other senior dog, Bruce (unknown age but estimated to be 18!). We adopted Bruce 8 years ago, so he's been Chester's buddy for 8 years. They were like the canine version of Grumpy Old Men. Bruce always hung out in the living room near Chester. When we'd take the younger dogs out for a walk to to the dog park, Bruce stayed home with Chester. Now Bruce does not stay in the living room anymore. He's glued to me and sleeps in my room now. He really seems lonely and lost. Does this happen sometimes?

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Comment by Jeri Key on July 20, 2013 at 1:41am: So sorry for your loss! We lost our 15 year old corgi Georgie to nasal cancer 9 weeks ago tomorrow and our 5 year old corgi Spook and our 14 year old tabby cat have both been lost as has the whole family! We finally decided to get a new puppy so we will be adding Piper a tri female t the family in August! I believe that animals mourn each other maybe not in the same way but they still mourn!

Comment by Jane Christensen on April 19, 2013 at 11:23pm: So, so sorry for your loss. I'm so glad he was able to have such a long life with you:) I don't know what to say about Bruce but hopefully he and Sidney will be able to comfort each other!

Comment by Linda Masters on April 19, 2013 at 10:05pm: So sorry for your loss. I am sure Bruce will also have to go through the grieving process.

Comment by Teresa Gilpin on April 19, 2013 at 9:13pm: I am so sorry for your loss. Blessings to your whole family.

Comment by Brian D Graham on April 19, 2013 at 8:47pm: I'm so sorry for your loss Bruce will also grieve as well as his playmate has gone to Doggie Heaven!. I can see Your animals are well loved!.

Comment by Bev Levy on April 19, 2013 at 8:41pm: So sorry for your loss! When I lost one of my corgis the other one grieved for almost a year. It took him quite awhile to warm up to the puppy we added but eventually he did. I would think it would be more difficult for your other senior citizen. Hugs!

Comment by Laura on April 19, 2013 at 8:15pm: I'm so sorry for your loss. It's never easy to say good bye.

Comment by Linda on April 19, 2013 at 6:57pm: It is so hard to say goodbye to an old friend. He was a handsome fella and lived a very long and happy life with you. You already know you gave him the gift of peace.

Animals mourn...for their people and their animal buddies. I have a feeling Bruce will be staying close to you for some time. I know everyone is sad but try to have an upbeat attitude with Bruce, it can help him adjust.

Thank you for loving and caring for these older guys, not many people want to take on an older dog. I wish peace and comfort for you and your family.