The Loss of a Great Friend!
Photo by Maryanne Cherry
No matter what age you lose a beloved friend it’s still tough! Chester Roscoe Fortney turned 7 last month! That’s not that old for even a Golden! In the last months and days he has been his normal, goofy and very active self! Then yesterday during a normal trip out to our yard he laid down rolled in the leaves and then had a heart attack and was gone! We all love our dogs and other pets, Chester and I have been constant companions over the last several years as my travel schedule has reduced to very few trips. When it was just him and myself at home, he was my shadow, everywhere in the house I went he was right on my heels! Once Sherelene got home from work he switched over to being her shadow for the rest of evenings!
I know that he is in heaven, happy as can be, playing with all the other dogs lucky enough to be there and spending time with my son Wesley and life (everlasting) is better than just good! I’m devastated to not have my friend here with Sherelene and I, but I’m happy that he did not suffer and die from some slow progressing illness. As hard as it is to lose him, it would have been even worse to see my boy who gave so much to us, suffer, he certainly didn’t deserve that!
So, thank you Chester for being world’s greatest dog to me! Thanks you for being so loving and caring of Sherelene and I, for making me laugh till my sides split and so proud when you welcomed every guest into your home. For years I’ve prayed that I would go first, knowing how difficult this would be, but I don’t question God, surely I will see him again, someday! I love you my pal, see you then!
Blessings & treats,
Papa
This entry was posted on Monday, November 17th, 2025 at 9:39 pm
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Two loving friends. He felt the same way about you.
I know he did, he was a good boy!
Im so glad I got there last Thursday.
I’ll never forget letting him out as I was leaving and giving him a pat on the head when he came in
You’re right, I’m sure he’s up in Heave with Roscoe causing all sorts of fun.
See you tomorrow. We love you guys!
J & LINDA
He loved you, “Car Wash”. Thank you for introducing me to Goldens, without Roscoe it would have never happened! Please be careful on the way up tomorrow! I look forward to the fellowship!
Beautiful tribute and photos of your faithful friend, he will be missed by many. So thankful I could come see him back in October.
He loved you Ben, thank you for your sweet words!
So sorry to hear about Chester and your loss. You were perfect companions to each other.
May you be consoled by the thought that he is waiting to greet you some day in joy that will be everlasting.
Thank you Ron, I know that is true, He is now in the greatest care of our Heavenly Father where love is perfect! We should all be so fortunate!
I’m so sorry for the sudden loss of Chester. He was such a blessing in your life, and I know how deeply you loved him. I pray God brings you comfort and peace in the days ahead.
Thank you Rodney, you’re a great friend!
…..and Brother!
Bill. I am so sorry for your loss. I know there is a big hole in your heart right now. Helped by the knowledge that you will see him again. God Blerss!
Thank you Dave, I certainly will, he is playing with all the other dogs in heaven right now!
Bill, I am so sorry for your loss. We’ve been there and done that. And we understand. Hugs.
The joy of owning a great dog or cat is the price we pay for the pain of losing them!
Bill,
Terry and I were saddened to learn of Chester’s passing. We know how much he was loved by your entire family. Chester was a beautiful dog, trusted friend, and faithful companion. We know you and Sherelene will miss him. God bless.
We will, but we are also thankful to. have had him for 7 years, no matter how long you can keep them, it’s never long enough!
Bill,
Sorry for your loss. I know the feeling we had to put our dog down a few months ago due to a brain tumor. We will get another dog after we do some traveling.
John
Sorry for your loss as well!
One of you had to suffer. Better you than him, unfortunately. Grieve well, my mentor and friend. God bless.
Thank you Walter, I agree!
Sorry to hear this for you BILL. Know all too well what you’re feeling. They are family.
Yes they are, I’m sure he already is part of a new pack in Heaven!
Bill, I don’t get to your site very often since I have stopped doing any photo work. I was extremely saddened by this post. I know from all my dogs over the years that they are a true friend, and a loved family member – more than any non-dog owner will ever understand. My heart goes out to you. just remember the Lord put Chester with you because he knew you would treat him as he should be treated and loved. You did a great job of taking care of him during his time, take comfort in that.
Thank you so much for your words! I have to ask is this Mike a Ellison, my long list Brother in the Lord, if do please send me a phone number, my website is. billfortney.com
Bill, So sorry for your loss!
You will carry his memories for the rest of your life. I love the Psalm 36:6 “You save humans and animals alike, O Lord” a reminder that God’s compassion extends to your dog as part of His creation.
Bill, I offer this prayer for you:
Lord, you see my sorrow and understand the love I had for this faithful companion. Thankyou for the joy, comfort, and unconditional affection my dog brought into my life.
Please calm my heart in this time of grief and wrap me in Your peace, Heal the ache of this loss and remind me that every good gift comes from You. Hold my beloved Chester on Your tender care, and hold me close as I mourn.
Amen.
Beautiful, thank you so much, love you my friend!
Bill, I’m sorry to read of Chester’s passing. My golden retriever, Cooper is now 10 and a half and I value each day with him. The bond between us is tight and I can only imagine the pain that you are experiencing with the loss of Chester. Many years before Cooper, I had a white Labrador retriever die of a heart attack one night in front of me. I was home alone and it was very shocking and sudden. May the Lord comfort you during this most difficult time.