In Memory of Chessi
by Fran Maristch
"She just needs to put on some weight." I can still hear those words from the dog's rescuer, Marion of Compassion for Camden, like it was yesterday as we drove for what seemed like hours from New Jersey to an animal hospital in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania. I was so excited. I was going to meet a new friend, a stranger that I had already fallen in love with.
She had been given the name Chessi, short for Chestnut Street in Camden where she was rescued. I remember hearing about her harsh surroundings, her difficult rescue, and her long recovery. I had to have her, had to hold her, and show her that life could be so much better than what she had known.
The hospital staff brought her out to me. It was the first time I had ever seen her, frightened and frail, looking up at me with such sad eyes. To me she was a thing of beauty to be cherished. She was my friend, and I felt an instant bond. I couldn't wait to bring her "home."
She fit into our life like a glove, like there was an open space in our existence just for her to fill. And, she filled it with such joy. For 12 years she saw us through the best of times and the worst of times. She comforted us when we were sad. She greeted us every single day with her friendly face and her wagging tail. She made us laugh with her silliness and her spirited nature. She was there for us as we lost each of my other furry friends, she was there for the birth of our son, she was there when we were sick, she was there when we were lonely . . . she was just always there.
The day came when her daddy and I had to say good-bye to our friend. She had grown old and weary, her face gray and wise, her body tired. God was calling her home. She died in our arms with the same courage that she lived, a true hero, our dear sweet friend. The length of her years with us was a true triumph over her harsh beginning, and we feel truly blessed that she was ours.
We miss her more than words can say, and we will never ever forget her. She will always be in our thoughts. There is a place in our hearts just for her. If we're ever feeling lonely for her, we only need to close our eyes and picture that dear sweet face and remember all the wonderful days of our life with Chessi, every single one of them. God bless you, sweet girl.
Mommy, Daddy and Jared love you.
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