Disclaimers: I do not own The Lord of the Rings. J.R.R. Tolkien does. The Sussex Spaniel and his name belong to me.
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Welcome to the last part in my Sussex Spaniel trilogy. :) For those who know how it feels to lose a pet, this is one of those fanfics. We knew this was coming up. :( So, let's get started. :)
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Autumn had come once more in the Shire. The leaves were turning red, yellow, orange, and brown. They dropped as the month Blotmath progressed. The harvest was being taken care by the hobbit farmers, as were the crops in the many gardens scattered throughout the Shire.
Frodo Baggins sighed. He usually wasn't this depressed, but just watching his liver colored Sussex Spaniel, Chester, with his big paws and floppy ears sleep throughout the day didn't settle his nerves one bit.
Frodo was usually a perky chap. His bright blue eyes couldn't conceal the pain he was feeling. He did wash his curly, brown hair this morning, but that didn't settle his nerves. He wore blue for the past three days. A deep blue jacket, a blue waistcoat, a white dress shirt, and deep blue knee breeches. He nearly forgot that he was wearing the same jacket, waistcoat, and breeches for three days now, but then he wasn't paying attention to much except his dog.
Chester needed him and he needed Chester to hold on!
No! His dog could hardly stand, let alone do much. Were his legs weak? The grey hairs on Chester's body and face were prominent. Chester was twelve years old and could barely move. That didn't help his master's mood one bit.
"Um… I need to send out a letter. Hang on!" Frodo said, rushing towards his finished letter on the parlor table. He read the letter in quick time.
Dear Doctor Henson,
I know this may sound sudden, but I need your help! If you would come immediately to my house, there's an emergency with my dog, Chester!
I know this is pressuring you, but you've got to help me! I think my dog may not have long to live! It's not like I'm asking much from you, but hopefully, you'll get this letter. Please come to my house. I'm not sure Chester can hold out for much longer!
Thank you for your time! Sorry to bother you.
Sincerely,
Frodo Baggins
Frodo's fingers trembled as he stuffed the letter into the envelope and sealed it with the Baggins family crest. It was the best he could do in such a short time, but what did he have to lose? The mail in Hobbiton was quick, and the doctor was local. He'd get the letter right away. Or maybe Frodo should deliver the letter himself… but he couldn't abandon his dog!
Oh, what to do?
Knock, knock, knock!
Frodo rushed to the front green door and opened it, welcoming the brown-haired hobbit Samwise Gamgee. "Sam, good timing!"
"How's Chester?" Sam asked in a hurried voice.
"He's not going to last," Frodo said, looking down at the letter in his hand.
"Is that—"
"For Doctor Henson. Do you think you can deliver it? Please? I must stay with Chester." Frodo asked, nervously. Maybe he was asking too much from his friend!
"Mr. Frodo, I saw you write that letter – we just put Spruce down – of course, I'll deliver it!" Sam took the envelope from Frodo's shaky hands. "I'll be right back! Doctor Henson lives down the Hill. I'll come back with him as soon as I can!" He rushed out the door without saying another word.
"Thank you!" Frodo closed the door, taking a good look at his whining dog Chester. He moved away from the door, approaching Chester and petting him. To his surprise, Chester wagged his tail, showing that he was happy. "Good boy, Chester. You are a good boy." He smiled, glad to have him by his side.
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Thanks for reading. :)