Guest LadyChester Posted September 6, 2010 Share Posted September 6, 2010 (edited) My sweet Chessie, aka Chester B. Goode (Texas Ramrod), went to the Bridge yesterday. My handsome cowdog's heart was willing to stay but his body could not. It was one of the most difficult decisions I've ever made in my life. He had a wonderful day on Saturday, as my Dad and his hounds came to visit, and we all spent a lot of time outside playing in the beautiful September sunshine. Chester suffered a terrible racing injury that shattered his femur and severely injured his knee. He was screaming in pain on a "kill truck," from which he was literally stolen. His leg was temporarily set and he was put on the next haul out, which happened to be going to Nittany Greyhounds in PA. He had major surgery and recovered at Nittany's adoption kennel for a couple months, but became increasingly depressed and stopped eating. He also needed to have physical therapy several times a day, which was difficult in the adoption kennel. I made arrangements to board my first grey, Lady, at the adoption kennel when I went back to Penn State for my graduation from my doctoral program. Lady and Chester were in runs next to one another, and they were turned out together. Lady proved to be a great comfort to Chessie, so he came home with me as my first "foster." The minute he arrived at my home (after I carried him up the steps in my 3 story townhouse), he laid down on the new dog bed I'd purchased for him, and he changed totally. He was completely content and instantly became a happy, loving boy. I've never had a hound settle in more easily -- it was literally like he'd always been there. He was clearly home. Chester and I went through a lot together. We were quite a pair! The day before I brought him home, I had really twisted my ankle. I was carrying Chessie up and down the stairs and a few days later found out my ankle was actually broken. When my neuromuscular disease started and I could barely walk, he doted on me, gave me loads of kisses, and made me laugh. He struggled with his bad leg all of his life, but was incredibly stoic, and a happy, goofy boy in spite of it all. He loved to run and romp in the yard more than anything, although he always paid the price the next day. But still he ran, and his whole face would beam with delight. I talked with my vet about whether I should limit his activities, and she said that if it made him that happy to let him run. Nittany Greyhounds did not know they were getting an extra dog when Chessie arrived on that haul. Yet they went the extra mile to do what needed to be done for my special boy, and he ended up having 8 1/2 more greyt years. This inspired me to get more involved in greyhound adoption, and in many ways, Chessie was the driving force behind the founding of Connecticut Greyhound Adoption. He was a wonderful ambassadog and welcomed at least 100 short- and long-term fosters to our home. The kind folks at Nittany named him Chester B. Goode, after the hop-a-long character from Gunsmoke, and they couldn't have chosen a more fitting name. He was the perfect dog in every way ... a heart of gold, a sweet, goofy guy who gave kisses, and never ever did anything wrong. He was even dismayed when the others did something naughty. I always called him "my good boy, Chester" because he was simply that -- a remarkably good boy. Always. Run free and without pain, Chessie. Your brothers and I miss you terribly already. Edited September 6, 2010 by LadyChester Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dante2zoe Posted September 6, 2010 Share Posted September 6, 2010 What a moving story. I am so very sorry for your loss. He sounds like such a wonderful boy. Quote Cindy with Miss Fancypants, Paris Bueller, Zeke, and Angus Dante (Dg's Boyd), Zoe (In a While), Brady (Devilish Effect), Goose (BG Shotgun), Maverick (BG ShoMe), Maggie (All Trades Jax), Sherman (LNB Herman Bad) and Indy (BYB whippet) forever in my heart The flame that burns the brightest, burns the fastest and leaves the biggest shadow Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OwnedBySummer Posted September 6, 2010 Share Posted September 6, 2010 What a wonderful, heart-wrenching story! Thank you for sharing Chessie's tale! Quote Lisa B. My beautiful Summer - to her forever home May 1, 2010 Summer Certified therapy dog team with St. John Ambulance Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest dmona Posted September 6, 2010 Share Posted September 6, 2010 Oh my goodness, Chester sounds like such a wonderful, loving dog and also sounds as if that love was returned in so many ways. Please know that my heart aches for you...it is never easy. Run free, sweet Chester, without pain and on 4 good, healthy legs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robinw Posted September 6, 2010 Share Posted September 6, 2010 I'm so sorry for your loss. Chester must've been very special Quote Xavi the galgo and Peter the cat. Missing Iker the galgo ?-Feb.9/19, Treasure (USS Treasure) April 12/01-May 6/13, Phoenix (Hallo Top Son) Dec.14/99-June 4/11 and Loca (Reko Swahili) Oct.9/95 - June 1/09, Allen the boss cat, died late November, 2021, age 19. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaliforniaGreys Posted September 6, 2010 Share Posted September 6, 2010 I am so sorry he needed to leave. God speed baby boy, knowing how much you will always be loved Quote Missing my little Misty who took a huge piece of my heart with her on 5/2/09, and Ekko, on 6/28/12 For the sick, the lost, and the homeless Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheFullHouse Posted September 6, 2010 Share Posted September 6, 2010 I'm so sorry Chester had to leave. What a sweet special boy he was. Godspeed Chester. Your mom obviously loved you a lot. Quote Judy, mom to Darth Vader, Bandita, And Angel Forever in our hearts, DeeYoGee, Dani, Emmy, Andy, Heart, Saint, Valentino, Arrow, Gee, Bebe, Jilly Bean, Bullitt, Pistol, Junior, Sammie, Joey, Gizmo, Do Bee Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Magdalyn58 Posted September 6, 2010 Share Posted September 6, 2010 I am deeply sorry for the loss of your wonderful boy, Chester. Thank you for loving him and sharing your home with him when he needed it the most. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batmom Posted September 6, 2010 Share Posted September 6, 2010 My heart goes out to you on the loss of your exceptional companion. Every person should love a dog as you have loved Chester, and every dog should have a person like yourself to appreciate him. Godspeed, special fellow. Quote Star aka Starz Ovation (Ronco x Oneco Maggie*, litter #48538), Coco aka Low Key (Kiowa Mon Manny x Party Hardy, litter # 59881), and mom in IllinoisWe miss Reko Batman (Trouper Zeke x Marque Louisiana), 11/15/95-6/29/06, Rocco the thistledown whippet, 04/29/93-10/14/08, Reko Zema (Mo Kick x Reko Princess), 8/16/98-4/18/10, the most beautiful girl in the whole USA, my good egg Joseph aka Won by a Nose (Oneco Cufflink x Buy Back), 09/22/2003-03/01/2013, and our gentle sweet Gidget (Digitizer, Dodgem by Design x Sobe Mulberry), 1/29/2006-11/22/2014, gone much too soon. Never forgetting CJC's Buckshot, 1/2/07-10/25/10. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Remolacha Posted September 6, 2010 Share Posted September 6, 2010 I am so sorry, run without pain, Chester Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnneGTS Posted September 6, 2010 Share Posted September 6, 2010 I'm so sorry for your loss Quote Anne, Sasha & Tapas. Spriet (2002-2015), Tibbie (2000-2015) and Gunda (1996-2009) www.rapiddogwear.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houndtime Posted September 6, 2010 Share Posted September 6, 2010 Thank you for sharing Chester's story. I am so sorry for your loss. Say not in grief, "he is no more," but live in thankfulness that he was. ~ Hebrew proverb Quote Irene Ullmann w/Flying Odin and Mama Mia in Lower Delaware Angels Brandy, John E, American Idol, Paul, Fuzzy and Shine Handcrafted Greyhound and Custom Clocks http://www.houndtime.com Zoom Doggies-Racing Coats for Racing Greyhounds Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest greybookends Posted September 6, 2010 Share Posted September 6, 2010 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest GreysAndMoreGreys Posted September 6, 2010 Share Posted September 6, 2010 I'm so sorry for your loss. What an amazing story of love with you and Chester. Thank you for sharing with us. GOD SPEED Chester Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest fandogs Posted September 6, 2010 Share Posted September 6, 2010 God Speed Chester.. Run free with no pain. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest barkdogs Posted September 6, 2010 Share Posted September 6, 2010 Wow, what a wonderful story about an amazing hound. I am so very sorry for your loss. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
45MPHK9 Posted September 6, 2010 Share Posted September 6, 2010 what an amazing story about your boy. w are so sorry for your loss. run pain free chester. Quote Tricia with Kyle, our senior mutt dog Always missing Murray Maldives, Bee Wiseman, River, Hopper, Kaia, and Holly Oaks Holly“You don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows.“ -Bob Dylan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maggiespet Posted September 6, 2010 Share Posted September 6, 2010 I am so very sorry. GodSpeed Chessie. Quote http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g240/mtbucket/siggies/Everyday-2.jpgJane - forever servant to the whims and wishes of Maggie (L's Magnolia of JCKC) and Sam the mutt pup.[/b] She's classy, sassy and a bit smart assy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beckylpa Posted September 6, 2010 Share Posted September 6, 2010 I am so sorry you had to say goodbye to your boy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlies_Dad Posted September 6, 2010 Share Posted September 6, 2010 I am very sorry to hear of Chester's passing. He sounds like one of those perfect boys who is goofy and just let's life happen. Run free Chester, run free sweetie... Quote Kyle with Stewie ('Super C Ledoux, Super C Sampson x Sing It Blondie) and forever missing my three angels, Jack ('Roy Jack', Greys Flambeau x Miss Cobblepot) and Charlie ('CTR Midas Touch', Leo's Midas x Hallo Argentina) and Shelby ('Shari's Hooty', Flying Viper x Shari Carusi) running free across the bridge. Gus an coinnich sinn a'rithist my boys and little girl. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
galgrey Posted September 6, 2010 Share Posted September 6, 2010 I'm so sorry. Quote Cynthia, & Cristiano, galgoAlways in my heart: Frostman Newdawn Frost, Keno Jet Action & Chloe (NGA racing name unknown), Irys (galgo), Hannah (weim), Cruz (galgo), & Carly CW Your Charming Princess http://www.greyhound-data.com/d?i=1018857 "It came to me that every time I lose a dog they take a piece of my heart with them. And every new dog who comes into my life, gifts me with a piece of their heart. If I live long enough, all the components of my heart will be dog, and I will become as generous and loving as they are." -- Unknown Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dobelvr Posted September 6, 2010 Share Posted September 6, 2010 Very sorry for your loss Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crazygang Posted September 6, 2010 Share Posted September 6, 2010 Deeply sorry for your loss... Run free Chester Quote Run free our beloved Sir Snowy, Pip, Queenie, Sadie, Tess & Rosie until we meet again......I would rather feel the thorn than to never see the rose Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest PiagetsMom Posted September 6, 2010 Share Posted September 6, 2010 Chester was lucky to have you, and you him......I'm so very sorry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreyPoopon Posted September 6, 2010 Share Posted September 6, 2010 I'm so sorry. What a wonderful tribute to a special boy. Godspeed Chester. Quote Standard Poodle Daisy (12/13) Missing Cora (RL Nevada 5/99-10/09), Piper (Cee Bar Easy 2/99-1/10), Tally (Thunder La La 9/99-3/10), Edie (Daring Reva 9/99-10/12), Dixie (Kiowa Secret Sue 11/01-1/13), Jessie (P's Real Time 11/98-3/13), token boy Graham (Zydeco Dancer 9/00-5/13), Cal (Back Already 12/99-11/13), Betsy (Back Kick Beth 11/98-12/13), Standard Poodles Minnie (1/99-1/14) + Perry (9/98-2/14), Annie (Do Marcia 9/03-10/14), Pink (Miss Pinky Baker 1/02-6/15), Poppy (Cmon Err Not 8/05-1/16), Kat (Jax Candy 5/05-5/17), Ivy (Jax Isis 10/07-7/21), Hildy (Braska Hildy 7/10-12/22), Opal (Jax Opal 7/08-4/23). Toodles (BL Toodles 7/09-4/24) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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