The dog rescue community has paid tribute to one very special spaniel who was given two years of love before his death this month.
Chester the Springer was a former gun dog who was deemed no longer fit for purpose and left to spend the rest of his days in a concrete pen.
But thanks to a stranger calling the volunteers at Derry ’s Rainbow Rehoming Centre, Chester spent the end of his life loved and pampered after his owner gave him over to their care aged eight.
Now though Chester has passed away and the team at Rainbow Rehoming and paid special tribute to him.
A spokesperson said: “It’s with a very heavy heart that we share the sad news that Chester has passed away.
Chester came into our care during June 2019. He was 10 years old, deaf, overweight and his beautiful coat was in a horrendous state.
“His life changed thanks to one person who give Chester a voice by contacting us. From the minute Chester escaped that life he used every opportunity to shower us with love and show us how grateful he was. We’ll always remember watching him come alive and sadness leaving him.
“Then came a much needed groom thanks to Hayley at Country Tails Dog Grooming made extra special with a cuddle from Lennon, Hayley’s son.
“When his coat went so did the smelly reminder of that old life and in the weeks that followed our time spent together turned in times that our team will never forget. Then moved to his new family and our work was done and like angels, his new family came into his life.
“Chester had finally found his happy ever after and he lived the best life with his family never too far from his side. He was cherished and loved endlessly and spoilt beyond believe. We still remember that feeling of happiness the day he left our care.
“There’s been a few tears remembering Chester, tears of sadness for any pet that is living a life like Chester did, and tears of joy for our boy who we watched turn into a different dog within hours and come alive before finding the most wonderful family.
“So we want to thank everyone involved. We’ve no doubt our special boy is running in the long grass with his nose to ground in true Springer style.
“We’ll never forget you Chester and we’ll always be grateful and give special thanks to the person who lifted the phone and changed his life forever.”
if you would like to support Rainbow Rehoming Centre, you can find them by clicking here.
