Our darling puppy Chester ran out into the street and was hit by a car Wednesday morning. If you've ever loved a dog you know how our hearts are broken now. He was the sweetest dog, and such a super member of the family. We will miss him every day.
We made a coffin for him from a bin, with a cushion and a quilt and put all three of his fave mousies in with him.
Things you do when you are submerged in grief...
Dave dug a deep grave, and surrounded it with big stones to keep away critters.
We said our goodbyes and covered the site with a mound of soil and went home to weep. 
We love you Chester, more than you could know.
I am so sorry Melanie! I´m not a dogperson, but have always had cats and I know how much a part of the family these little creatures of ours become.
ReplyDeletemy best from Iceland
Frida
I am so very sorry. They are truly family members and I know how your hearts are hurting. Hugs
ReplyDeleteNo! That is so sad. I feel for the both of you, and Chumley too, it' a tragic loss.
ReplyDelete/Louise
Oh Mel...my heart aches for you, Dave and Chumley! I have lost a number of beloved feline friends over the years, and it never gets easy, especially if we have been close like you were with your Chester. So sorry...
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry. Our pets become beloved family members - and it is so hard to say goodbye.
ReplyDeleteHow sad a fade.
ReplyDeleteI'm weeping with you.
Good journey for your Baby.
A big hug from Germany.
Petra
I am so sorry. Your photos are heartbreaking-I can't imagine your sorrow.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry. I know how much a part of your family he was.
ReplyDeleteI am so very, very sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for your loss. Your pictures of quilts, dogs, and gardens have been a wonderful start to my day for quite some time.
ReplyDeleteHow shocking and how very sad, Melody. How could you even manage to blog today. We will all miss Chester too; he has become "our" dog too.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry. We will all miss Chester.
ReplyDeleteDear Melody and Dave, I have tears in my eyes reading your post, I've loved seeing pictures of your Pugs, for me the blog was alive with their pictures. He had a wonderful if short life, the best.
ReplyDeleteOnly time heals.
Cynthia in UK
I am so terribly sorry. Having lost a dear dog ourselves, I know the heartbreak. Thoughts are with you.
ReplyDeleteIt was heartbreaking to see your sad news. It didn't seem as though there was ever the possibility that either dog would come into contact with a vehicle, since you have so much car-free property. I am so sorry for your loss and will greatly miss seeing Chester on your blog.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry you've lost one of your babies. You have my deepest sympathies.
ReplyDeleteOMG....I am so very sorry for your loss. It's bad enough when a dear pet is sick and/or elderly, but when it's such a tragic accident, the grief can be 100 times worse. My heart goes out to you!
ReplyDeleteMy heart is breaking for you and Dave: so very sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteMy heart aches for you and Dave. I'm so sorry.
ReplyDeleteI am weeping at the keyboard. Thanks so much for sharing chumley's antics - we will all miss him. Take care. Love, randy
ReplyDeleteSending you all love and prayers- Cheryl from Suffolk, England
ReplyDeleteI wish I had words that would help, but I know there are none. Just know that you all are in my thoughts and prayers at this time.
ReplyDeleteOH...I had to get the tissues before I could write. I am so devastated for you, Dave & Chumley. My deepest sympathy goes out to you all.
ReplyDeleteDear Melody, I am so terribly sorry for your loss. While you no doubt felt fortunate to have had Chester, Chester was lucky to have had you too. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Barbara Rabinowitz
ReplyDeleteMelody, my heart breaks for you, Dave and Chumley. An unexpected loss.hits hardest of all. I feel like I knew little Chester just because a good friend had a couple of pugs and they are so sweet. I'm sure Chumley is so confused by both his loss and your grief. Give him some extra cuddles from me. I'll be thinking of all of you as you make your way through this sad time. Chester will be missed by all your readers.
ReplyDeleteOh no! Poor Chester!
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry. Our beloved Tuffy was hit by a car (which didn't stop) and we miss him still.
Hard to lose a family member. My heart goes out to you.
Sending heartfelt condolences. This is a tough time for you, Dave and Chumley. Chester was so lucky to have such a loving home during his short life.
ReplyDeleteOh Melody I am so sorry. Oh and Chester just had his birthday too. Poor Chumley will miss his little brother. I have had cats and dogs and it's so hard when they die. After our last dog died we said no more animals because we couldn't go through the grief anymore.
ReplyDeleteHere's to the wonderful memories that Chester has given you, Dave and Chumley the past 3 years.
Cyber Hugs to you!
I'm so sorry that you lost Chester. He was an adorable doggy.
ReplyDeleteWeeping with you. They take a piece of your heart, don't they?
ReplyDeleteI'm crying with you. Its so very hard to lose a dog. They are so perfect. Always loving, never resentful.
ReplyDeleteI almost had to laugh too. Living in the country, I have buried a few dogs, with the same concerns and the same solution--covering with the big rocks to keep critters away!
I hope that you will be able to find another companion for Chumley when the time is right.
So sad! Rest in peace, Chester. One summer when I was a teen one of our dogs ran into the street and was killed by a truck. I heard it happen and was crying before I got out the door. The truck driver said he just couldn't stop in time. I'll never forget how sad I was that day.
ReplyDeleteOh Chester! We share your grief.
ReplyDeleteBeth
Seeing the title of your post made me lightheaded. Tears here, for a little doggie I never knew.
ReplyDeleteSo, so sorry Melody, Dave and Chumley. Poor Chumster, he'll grieve as much, and understand even less than you two do.
Hugs and sympathy from Indiana.
Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers! We are so lucky to have the dogs who own" us heart and soul!
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry this happened. I do believe there are dogs in Heaven so he's there right now chasing butterflies in a field of daisies!
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to read about this tragic accident. Losing a beloved pet is so very difficult, my heart goes out to you, Dave and Chumley.
ReplyDeleteMelody: I am so sorry about Chester. I enjoyed knowing him through you. You were lucky to have adopted Chester and he was lucky to have such a loving family.
ReplyDeleteTeresa
My heart is aching for all of you. Our animals bring such joy to our days and leave such a huge hole when they're gone.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry. People say you can't care as much about a pet as about a child but they're wrong. Pets have a shorter time with us but each means everything while they're here.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry for your loss. Our dogs are so dear to our hearts and are so very much missed!
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear this, Melody.
ReplyDeleteOh I am so very sorry for your heartache! I know you, Dave and Chumley will miss that little rascal like crazy. He was a sweetie!!!!
ReplyDeleteThat is too sad, he was only a pup, I have a lump in my throat for you xx
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry. The gifts they bring when they come are so painful when they go.
ReplyDeleteOh this hurts to see. I'm so very sorry.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for your loss of Chester. May you cross the Rainbow Bridge together.
ReplyDeleteSo sad for! We do love our four footed babies!
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear this news. Sending comforting hugs.
ReplyDeleteA heartbreaking loss. Hugs to all three of you. It's always sad when a pet dies but even harder to bear when it's unexpected and the pet is young. Sharing your sorrow.
ReplyDeleteDear Melody, Dave and Chumley, There are no words to express the sorrow I feel to read about the loss of Chester. Through your blog and pictures I have come to know and love both him and Chumley; often times laughing at their antics. It's comforting to know that he is wrapped in one of your beautiful quilts and surrounded by the things he loved. What beautiful memories you have of this little boy. Thank you for taking the time to share your life with us. With deepest sympathy, Sharon
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for such an unexpected turn. I know how your heart is broken. I choose to believe that the people and pets who are dear to us are just as close as ever, right by our side. We just can't see them anymore. I have quite a crowd around me. Sometimes I talk to them, or invite them up onto the bed. Chester will never leave you.
ReplyDeleteHi Melody -Absolutely gutted - poor you. I have loved Chester as much as you - from afar - UK - my daughter has a pug Rocky and I have shared your photos with her on a regular basis. He will be sadly missed. x
ReplyDeleteSo sorry, Mel! I am sharing your grief. It is bad enough when we lose our dogs to old age, but this must be so difficult for you and Dave and Chumley. Sending ((((hugs))))
ReplyDeleteMelody, I always start my day with your happy and colorful blog. My heart is sad to see and hear of the loss of your beautiful little Chumley. I know there are many feeling this loss with you today. So, so sorry for your family.
ReplyDeleteI am so sad for your loss. I enjoyed reading about both dogs and I understand what a loss it will be.
ReplyDeleteSorry, Melody. I named Chumley instead of Chester. I am thinking of him missing his constant companion.
ReplyDeleteThe pictures of Chum watching the burial just broke my heart.
I'm so sorry to hear of Chester's passing. Hugs to you, Dave and Chumley.
ReplyDeleteOh Melody...I got a huge pang in my heart over your loss. I lost my BJ four years ago suddenly and know the absolute shock and grief that comes with this type of loss. Hug Chumley a little tighter today.......and read this poem. I found it very helpful when someone sent it to me during my time of grief:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.petloss.com/rainbowbridge.htm
ReplyDeleteHow absolutely devastating! Poor little darling. Dave must be so devastated - it seems they were always beside him or on top of him.
Been in this misery before. So so sorry.
I am so sorry Melody. I know it hurts so very much.
ReplyDeleteSo very sorry for your loss, Melody.
ReplyDeleteWe will miss him too!! Blessings on you as you grieve his loss.
ReplyDeleteOh, Melody. My heart is breaking for you, Dave and Chumley. I've been through the pain of losing a beloved dog twice. It hurts like nothing else. I'm so sad this has happened to your family. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe what I just read, I am so very sad for you, Dave and Chumley. As soon as I read the title my heart sank, poor little Chester - how on earth did it happen? One of my cats was run over after being chased into the road by another cat, I thought my heart would break. The same anger and pain came back reading your post. I too use plastic boxes lined with blankies for my pets, I love that you put him in with a quilt and his toys and labelled his little coffin. I light a little candle on their graves on their birthdays and passing. Poor Chumley must be so confused. I am so VERY sorry for you and I wish I could take your pain away. Bye Bye Chester - you were loved by many around the world, sleep peacefully little man. All my love Debbs xxxx
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for your loss. Pets ARE FAMILY!!! HUGS, HUG and more HUGS. Love.
ReplyDeleteMelody I am so, so sorry about your loss. My heart just broke when I saw your headline. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
ReplyDeleteWhat a sad time for you and Dave. It will surely be weeks before you can look at his things without crying. Know we are thinking of you.
ReplyDeleteSo sad.....you and Dave did a lovely memorial for Chester.... it will take some grieving ... and we will miss him as well.
ReplyDeleteOh, Melody, I'm so sorry. What a sweet puppy he was. You gave him a truly wonderful life.
ReplyDeleteOh, Melody, I am so sorry for your loss. Our pets are our family, and I know the depths of this grief. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
ReplyDeleteLeslie
Melody and Dave I am so sorry to read about Chester, always having had dogs who are family I can understand how you are feeling right now. My thoughts are with you both.
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh. I am so, so sorry to hear this sad news. My thoughts are with you as I know your hearts are heavy.
ReplyDeleteSo, so sorry. He was lucky to have you, and will be waiting for you at the Rainbow Bridge.
ReplyDeleteI am so sad.
ReplyDeleteI am so very sorry for your loss. You have to be a dog lover (they are really four-legged people) to understand the devastating grief and sense of loss. I have enjoyed seeing the dawgs so often on your blog. I know it's hard but I hope your fun and happy memories of him will give you some comfort.
ReplyDeleteI am so very sorry, how heartbreaking! Have a good cry and remember all the love he brought into your lives.
ReplyDeleteDenise in Sacramento
So sorry, Mel...I always looked forward to the antics and reports of Chester and Chumley and if there were pics, it was a red-letter day!
ReplyDeleteI feel for you and Dave, and am dreading the day I will need to say goodbye to my furry four legged girl, Maya. Know that I'm thinking of you.
So very sorry about Chester.
ReplyDeleteRegina
So sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing Chester and Chumley with us in your blog.
ReplyDeleteNancy
Austin, TX
Dear Mel, Dave and Chumley,
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for you all.
I can't see the screen properly, and I'll bet you can't read it either... You are all going to miss Chester so much. It'll be a huge change for Chumley... lots of hugs for you all.
I'm so sorry Melody. I really enjoyed seeing the pics of the 'dawgs'. Chumley is going to miss his friend. we'll be thinking of you guys.
ReplyDeleteMelody, I am SO sorry to hear of your loss. I can only imagine the sorrow you are feeling.
ReplyDelete~June in AZ
I 'm very Sorry, I feel with you, it is so sad.
ReplyDeleteUcki
My heart skipped a beat when I read your blog this morning. I only wish I had the courage to take such lovely photos when our wonderful boxer Puck died fifteen years ago...I showed the post to My Muttley and he was upset for you too. Big hugs from New Zealand and kia kaha to you all. xxx
ReplyDeleteYour photos are so touching, especially seeing Chumley say goodbye to his best bud.
ReplyDeleteMy heart is breaking and my eyes are overflowing. This is so very sad. Know that I'm sending good thoughts to you and Dave and Chumley.
ReplyDeleteTears in my eyes for you and your husband and Chester.
ReplyDeleteThese are the worst days of loving pet care.
So sorry.
So sorry for your loss. I'm crying with you, lots of hugs for you all.
ReplyDeleteMartine
Utrecht, The Netherlands
What a heart wrenching loss for all of you, made even more difficult because it was so sudden and untimely. May you find comfort in the memories of your good times with Chester. He was a lucky pup to be part of your family.
ReplyDeleteSo very sorry for this terrible loss - my love to you all...
ReplyDeleteSo very sorry for your loss. I will miss seeing his sweet face in your posts. It is never an easy thing to lose a beloved pet.
ReplyDeleteSo very sorry for your loss. Chesters little face and body language tells the sad tale.
ReplyDeleteSo sad reading your post, thinking of you all
ReplyDeleteHeartbroken for you all. Very sad news.
ReplyDeleteWhat a heartbreaker; so sorry for your loss. Cherish the memories.
ReplyDeleteDear Melody, I am so sorry for your loss. How horrible for you, your husband and poor little Chumley. He will be lost without his pal. My Deepest sympathy.
ReplyDeleteOh Melody. What a shock to see this. Immediately my own tears began. I loved Chester too, from Atlanta. These pictures, especially the sight of Chumley alone, oh my goodness I don't know what to say. Please know that much love is being sent your way.
ReplyDeleteSo incredibly sorry for your loss Melody. Hugs to you and Dave and Chumley.
ReplyDeleteDear Melody, Dave and Chester, So very very upset and sad for your loss. Our deepest sympathies, love and prayers are sent to you all.
ReplyDeleteQuilty hugs, Georgina.
Melody, I am so sorry! What a great loss for you. I know it will take awhile for all three of you to feel normal again. I hope you feel all our love and good wishes.
ReplyDeleteOh Melody, crying huge tears for you and Dave, so very sorry, doggies bring us such love, it's so hard when you lose one. So sad.
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ReplyDeleteКак жалко! Примите соболезнования.
ReplyDeleteКак жалко! Примите соболезнования.
ReplyDeleteThoughts and prayers are with you and your husband. I know how much you loved Chester and how you will miss him.
ReplyDeleteGayle
Oh Melody, I am so sorry for your loss. My love to you, Dave and Chumly.
ReplyDeleteHow tragic -- my heart is aching for you, Dave and Chum. So sad that he was around for so little time, but there was so much love from you to him, and from him to you! We could all feel it. Thank you for sharing him with us.
ReplyDeleteSo so sad and sorry for your loss...it is inexplicable, the pain is.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to read about your beloved furbaby...may the good memories of Chester help you through the hard days ahead...he was such a cutie and I always enjoyed seeing them both on your quilts and such...
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for all of you....we just put down our sweet Kelsey girl....I am crying and so sad...we know your pain!!! So sorry.
ReplyDeleteI am so very sorry! He was lucky to be part of your family and to be so loved. Sending you, Dave, and Chumley hugs.
ReplyDeleteMelody, I'm crying with you and Dave. I am so sorry. He was such a joy. I have loved the photos of your dawgs. Please give Chumley an extra hug from me.
ReplyDeleteMary G in Chicago
Melody,
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear about your beloved Chester. I feel your heartbreak.
I feel your heartbreak, so sad to hear of your lost
ReplyDeleteIt was such a loved part of your family, Chumley will miss him so
With Deepest Sympathy
I am so very, very sorry for you and Dave. I've grown to love you sweet doggies over the years and have so looked forward to seeing their adorable photos in your posts. I lost my dog last year. I know your hearts are broken. I'm sitting here in tears. Wish I were there to give you hugs.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry about Chester.
ReplyDeleteI always looked forward to reading about the "dawgs" in your posts. It's not going to be the same.
So sorry Melody, we have a pug too, I always enjoyed seeing the pictures of yours.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry . . . I know you loved that little guy.
ReplyDeleteDave and Melody - Wow, what a shock! I am so sorry for your loss. They are like kids to us humans and it is just hard to take when we lose one.
ReplyDeleteI'm so very, very sorry for your loss. These little guys get deep in our hearts.
ReplyDeleteOh no! I'm so sorry about Chester. He was such a sweet boy .. I loved seeing the pictures of him and Chumley. Poor Chumley. :-(
ReplyDeleteMelody,
ReplyDeleteI am so, so sad. I didn't realize just how far into my heart your two boys had crawled in. By sharing their sweet faces with us so often I fell in love with them. It just keeps breaking my heart to think of Chumley looking for him and missing him. And for you and Dave mourning your boy. My parents always had dogs in pairs and I came to think of them as twins. How hard it is to think of you 3 with out him. I'm sending you love and healing prayers. Thank you for the pictures.
So sad to read this news. I have enjoyed reading about the antics of Chester and Chumley. It is so hard to loose a dog-child.
ReplyDeleteOh, Melody, I'm so sorry. I always loved keeping up with the dawgs antics. I remember when you first got Chester. I'm not a dog person but even I gave some thought to getting a pug. I will miss him too. Big hugs to you and Dave.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry for your loss of Chester. I always enjoy your stories and photos about the dogs and it is obvious how much you love them.
ReplyDeleteOh my God... I'm so sorry! :-,(
ReplyDeleteI am crying as I write this. Thank you for sharing Chester's life with us and giving 'us' some closure as well by sharing his final resting place. I have dog family members who are sending woofs of love and support to you, Dave and Chum.
ReplyDeleteHow beyond heart-breaking. I am a MAJOR dog person, so I totally get how bereft and grief-stricken you all must be. My heart goes out to all of you -- you, Dave and Chumley. Thank you for sharing your touching ceremony with all of us.
ReplyDeleteI'm so very sorry. We lost our own sweet dog last week so I know too well the pain you are experiencing. My tears are your years. Much love to all of you as you grieve.
ReplyDeleteOh Melody, I am so sorry.
ReplyDeleteSharon
I am so sorry, Melody. We lost our beloved dog way too early just this past March and it is so incredibly painful. My sympathies and thoughts are with you.
ReplyDeleteI am so very sorry for your loss...pets are a huge part of the fabric of our lives...we still miss our Buster...it's been a year and a half. Chester will continue to bring you joy as you remember him.
ReplyDeleteg-d bless you all...
ReplyDeletedogs are the closest creatures
to our heart,
loyal,
loving,
caring,
understanding....
my heart goes out to you....
Melody I am so sorry....my heart aches for you...we know...we lost our dear Maggie in January and still feel so incredibly 'empty' without her. HUGS for you and your family.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for you all....I hope someday you will be comforted remembering all the love you lavished on Chester in his short life. God bless.
ReplyDeleteMelody, so very sorry to read about your Chester, my deepest sympathy to you and Dave.
ReplyDeleteHe wasn't my dog and it hurts.
Wishing you both Peace.
Oh, I just now saw your post and I am so very, very sorry. How hard for you all and what a terrible thing to happen. Being a dog lover/owner all my life, I know what you are going through and I'm sorry this had to happen. He should have had a long life ahead of him.
ReplyDeleteI am just getting caught up from the holiday and weekend - I am so sorry about what happened. Poor Chester. Chum looks so confused.
ReplyDeleteJust read this post today
ReplyDeleteI am so, so sorry for your loss.I am a doggie mom so totally ''get it''
Little ceremonies to commerorate their life and your loss are very important.
Again, my condolences and best wishes to all of you.
Oh no! I'm sorry you are having to deal with this. Pets become part of the family so quickly, and it's devastating when they go. I'm glad he was in your life, even if it was too brief, and I'm glad you could provide him a good home.
ReplyDeleteAndrea
Oh my, Melody I am so sorry for your loss. I drop by on occasion and have loved seeing the two dogs on your blog. As a pet lover I feel the deepest sympathy for you all including Chumley. May time heal each of you. Nancy Turbitt
ReplyDeleteI am so very sorry about Chester. Our pets are loved family members and the loss is devastating. I have become attached to Chester and Chumley because I read your blog every day, and I am heartbroken. I hope time will leave you with less pain and great memories. I've read that dogs can be depressed when they lose a companion or owner, and I hope that is not the case for Chumley.
ReplyDeleteTake care.
D~~~~
Melody,
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine your pain. I am sorry. As I used to tell my granddaughters when they were little "he is in doggy heaven".
Nidia
Melody, I'm so sorry to hear about Chester. I've been a fan of your blog for years, and always feel at peace seeing photos of your awesome pups. Sending you love and healing thoughts.
ReplyDeleteJenny