Chester + Kristen

How did Chester come into your world?

My family never had a dog growing up as we moved around a lot. We had budgies instead which I still loved but I always longed for a dog. When I moved into my first home at 19, a family friend's dogs had puppies, so I jumped at the chance to get my darling Chester, and we've been inseparable ever since! Two other friends took Chester's siblings, Cleo and Moo, and they got to grow up together and have super cute puppy play dates before Chester and I moved to QLD.

How would you describe his personality?

Chester is like a gentle old man with bursts of jack russell hyper energy. He's not a fan of other animals but will gladly roll on his back for a belly rub from any human! He is also a bit cheeky. I once lived in a house for about a year before I met the neighbour coming home from a walk one day. I introduced Chester and the neighbour said "Oh yes I know Chester, he comes over most days while I tinker in the shed." Turns out Chester had been breaking out while I was at work for months and was smart enough to slip back under the fence before 5pm each day so I had no idea! Thankfully he never goes far, he's just a people person and gets FOMO being home alone.

What does he love to do the most?

Chester loves fetch and playing tug of war with his fur-cousin Dash, but more than anything he is the cuddliest little teddy bear! He loves being held and lounging around in the sun or on the couch in front of the fan getting pats. He also loves when I share my ice-cream, and when I take him to work where he gets extra attention and compliments from customers about how good he looks for his age 😆

What's everyday life like with Chester by your side?

It's always having company. It's the patter of paws on the floorboards following you from room to room, it's that little face looking up waiting for the scraps as you cook dinner (and somehow always knowing when you're chopping a carrot?). It's cleaning up soft toys all the time because he grabs a new one every time he gets excited. It's picking him up onto the bed each night as he can't jump up anymore. It's waking up to him at my shoulder each morning and then watching him launch himself off the bed as soon as I move because Jack Russell!

How has having Chester changed your life?

Chester has been with me through countless formative experiences over the last 11 years and through everything he has been a constant, smiling, curly-tailed little ray of sunshine for which I'm so grateful. No matter what kind of day it's been, when I open the front door Chesty My Besty is right there with a toy doing circles. Everyone should get to experience that sort of unconditional love. I truly couldn't imagine life without him!