I’m not certain if Chester is Fergus’s uncle or cousin but I do know my son-in-law seemed a little nauseated the day it dawned on him Chester could be considered his brother-in-law. There’s something about Chester that makes people hesitant to get too close. My children are loathe to claim him as a sibling – hell, some days they won’t admit they know him.

Chester has a reputation he’s been trying to overcome – he’s a senior dog now, a gentle thoughtful fellow, but he was a badass back in the day, a real devil.

Chester joined our family a couple of years after my husband lost his best buddy Spencer very suddenly. Spence was a beautiful yellow lab, a larger than life character who fit his entire lifetime into a few short years. Everyone was devastated the day Spence was killed on the road, none more so than his dad.

Chester wasn’t exactly a replacement friend, not consciously anyway. He was as different from Spencer as a dog could get. Spence had been a velvet puppy with black soulful eyes. Chester arrived with bright blue eyes and huge feet. As much as the intent had been there – a new dog/a new day – Chester’s big feet couldn’t fill the paw prints Spencer left behind.

I think my husband was looking for his best buddy dressed in different clothes – Chessies are often mistaken for brown labs but they are completely different in every way. A lab is always on the campaign trail, Chesapeakes don’t give a rip if you vote for them or not.

I don’t think Chester was a disappointment as much as my husband was disappointed – he loved Chester but the connection wasn’t there. Where Spencer spent his life riding shotgun in the truck it wasn’t long before Chester was staying home with mom.

I’m a sucker for wagging tails.

At first I felt like I was looking after Chester until his dad got home, it took a couple of near death experiences before I realized I had fallen in love with him. I’ve been working hard to keep this devil alive ever since – every time I pull him back from death’s door I hang onto him a little tighter.

Dogs are family in my books, which brings me back to the confusion of what Chester is to who. Fergus and Chester seem to like each other, I wouldn’t say they’re best friends but Chester doesn’t have many dog friends (or any). My other grand-dogs (Lady and Lola) don’t see Ches often enough to have developed a relationship with him. My daughters like him if he’s recently been bathed. My son appreciates his athleticism but not his drooling. The in-laws are thankful they are only connected through marriage. It’s my grandchildren who genuinely love Chester – cousin, brother, uncle, they don’t care – he’s just a big brown dog who is completely devoted to them.

As for me – Chester is my boy and I’m thankful beyond words that he is. He’s a little smelly and strong willed but he has matured into a friend I didn’t see coming. He goes where I go.

(if you’re curious about Spencer his story can be found in the Paw Prints category or by searching his name.)

Comments (1)

  • Nancy . March 29, 2021 .

    Lovely

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