This is the last chapter for this story and trilogy. :'(

*.*.*

Two weeks passed.

Frodo stared at Chester's grave. The grass was starting to grow around, and on, the soil where he buried his Sussex Spaniel. Sam wanted to help with the digging, but Frodo made it clear he wanted to do it himself. Chester was his dog after all. It was more appropriate that he do it.

Now that chore was done and he was left with a broken heart. His dog was dead and he was alone, but so was Sam, who just lost Spruce. Frodo glimpsed at Bag End's garden, finding his best friend gathering the harvest for the winter.

Frodo sighed, glad to see his friend helping out with something.

"Sam," Frodo called, getting his friend's attention, "thank you for letting me do this." He looked at Chester's grave in shame. "I wouldn't have wanted it any other way."

"It's alright," Sam said, solemnly. "I would have done the same. I did it for Spruce, so I thought you might want to do the same for Chester." He grinned morbidly. "Wow! That was awful." He looked at Frodo, curious. "Makes me wonder if Spruce and Chester are happy up there with Ilúvatar."

"I'm sure they are." Frodo grinned, pleased with this notion. "They're at peace now."

There was a pause, at which neither friend knew what to say next. Eventually, Sam broke the silence. "What if they came back?" Sam asked.

"Came back?" Frodo's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?"

"Well, what if they were in a different form?" Sam pressed.

"A different… form?" Frodo asked, stunned. "Sam, if that's possible, then I would see Chester now!"

"Well, you never know," Sam shrugged. "I better finish the harvest."

"Good luck!" Frodo called, still staring at Chester's tomb.

"I will!" Sam called back, returning to his work.

Frodo grinned a small grin. Impossible! Chester returning? Well, maybe it was possible. He felt sure his parents would return in some form or another. So, why not his dog? Of course, the whole idea scared him. What if Chester returned? What form would he take? Would he even recall him?

These were questions he didn't have the answers to! It was hopeless! He was still in mourning! So why was he dreaming about his Sussex Spaniel?

"Who am I kidding? I'll never find him—" Frodo spun around, stunned to see a fully-grown cocker spaniel cocking his head at him. The dog's barking sounded so familiar. "Chester?"

The cocker spaniel nodded. No way! Was Frodo really seeing this dog? How could it be? He approached the new dog, petting him on the head. The cocker spaniel's tail wagged several times, attempting to lick his cheek. The feeling he was having… it was Chester!

"You're back! I can't believe it!" Frodo smiled. "You're here." He chuckled, turning to Sam and discovering his gardener was with a grey and white husky, who greeted him with slobbery kisses. He sighed. "Well, if this is what Ilúvatar wants, then I'm glad!" He said in awe, facing Chester with warm, friendly eyes.

"Rolf!" Chester barked his familiar bark. Frodo laughed, knowing he had found his dog or rather the dog found him.

"Well, come on in! I'll get you some food!" Frodo said, walking to the front door and opening it, letting Chester into his home. As he grabbed the food dish, thoughts protruded his mind. Chester was back and now his life was complete. "Welcome home, Chester!" He said, softly.

Chester barked in recognition. He was glad to be home, too.

*.*.*

And we're done with my Sussex Spaniel trilogy. :) Hey, it ended on a good note! Yeah! :) Sorry, I got overexcited there. :)

I'd like to thank the following readers who read, reviewed, favorited, and followed my story: Gracie Miserables and megSUPERFAN. Thanks goes to everyone who took the time out of their busy schedules to read this fanfic. It is much appreciated. :) My inspiration for this fanfic was from my new Sussex Spaniel puppy, who was a great help in figuring out how a puppy and a dog would react to certain situations. :)

Okay, so I knew Chester was going to pass away, but I didn't expect him to return. I'm glad he did! :) This trilogy is over, but it was nice to work on. :)

Thanks for reading. :) I'll see everyone in another story or series. :) Bye! :)

Aria Breuer