I hope it's okay to post this here but I've asked questions or advice in the past for our daughter's dog. Her husband and her adopted Chester 9 years ago and pulled him through parvo plus a few other health issues along the way. I would go to NY every year to dog sit for him so they could go on vacation. He was the most lovable, intelligent and well behaved dog I knew. I used to say he was a human in a dog's body. His name was Chester and just this week he was having difficulty walking due to his spine. I felt he might have had the symptoms of DM. Their regular vet told them they needed to take him to a neurologist who wanted to do an MRI. Chester stayed overnight at the specialty hospital so they could anesthetize him first thing in the morning for the MRI and depending on the results possible surgery. However, they called our daughter and her hubby to say he had deteriorated more overnight, i.e. both front legs were stiff and rear legs were immobile, he could not move them at all plus no control of his bladder. Long story short, the neurologist did not recommend doing the MRI, the kids took Chester home and made the heartbreaking decision to have their regular vet come to the house later that day. It's been tough on all of us and now that the kids live abroad even harder for us to see them. Chester was my daughter's comfort buddy. He was her faithful companion through thick and thin, always by her side and his passing has left an enormous hole in her heart. Although not a GSD, (Aussie/Border Collie mix), I know others here can relate and understand how difficult it is to lose a four-legged friend that you love so much. RIP dear, sweet Chester. I'll try to post a pic but not sure if it will work.

I remember Chester and of course, this is exactly the place for him. I'm so very sorry for his loss. I'm certain your daughter is just devastated. It seems to be a very sad time in life right now. I pray for strength for us all. Please post all you want about Chester.

It's always hard. No matter how. I remind myself that it is a small price for sharing their lives with us. That doesn't make it hurt less but it gives me context.

Chester, you were amazing. May your humans remember that as your legacy.

I think it was Lisa who used to say that all dogs are special. When you look back over their lives, your heart just swells.

Rest in peace Chester, you did a good job.

Mary Jane

Thank you everyone. Yes, Chester was exceptionally special. After Sean passed he became our surrogate pup. Even though we have all experienced a loss it never gets easier, does it?

SRM, anytime you want to share stories about Chester please feel free. We've all been there and it hurts.