Chester was our first family dog. Of all our wonderful dogs, Chester had my heart from the beginning, and when he left us I understood the term 'broken heart'. I had a sharp pain in my chest that didn't leave me for a long time. But here is not the space to grieve but to celebrate those who share our lives and those who we have loved and have gone over the rainbow bridge.

Chester was known by many because of his antics. He had secretly escorted the postie on his round for years, jumping the 6 foot fence to greet his friend and then knocking on the door of our neighbours so they could let him back in the garden. We never knew until I finished work and the postie voiced his missing of him.

There's the story of him collecting 'items' from the handbags of those who visited us. again we didn't know until we were moving his kennel and there behind it was a neat pile of cosmetics. Then there's the stories of him pinching cushions, shoes and many other things from neighbours houses. I could go on and on, but I shan't.

He always wanted a furry dog companion (though his best pal was Tigger a stray tabby cat) and we never gave in on this. Often I would look up from reading and there in front of me was Chester and a stray pooch he had opened the front door sneaked out to find and bring home. Each time I would tell him to take him back as we weren't in the market for more dogs. It never put him off trying. That is where I got the name and the idea from for this shop.

I would give 10 years of my life to have just one more hug with Chester. His cushion is the next best thing.

Here I shall add all those furry friends Chester wished he had. We look forward to welcoming yours.