This is the last chapter of this story.

*.*.*

Two years passed.

Frodo hadn't expected to have this much fun with Chester! They played ball, Chester came when he was called. Life was bliss! In some way, Frodo knew that things would change, but for now, this moment would do.

"Spruce, come back!" Samwise Gamgee called, joining Frodo out on the field.

"Hullo Sam and hullo Spruce!" Frodo cried, petting Sam's grey and white malamute. He looked up at Sam, curious, "How's he doing?"

"He's doin' great; now, that Gaffer and I trained him," Sam said, managing to keep his dog on his leash. He pointed to Chester, who returned to Frodo free as a bird. "Why isn't he on a leash?"

"We're playing," Frodo said, curtly.

"He looks like he's having fun!" Sam said, watching Spruce and Chester sniff each other. "Well, we really ought to get goin', Spruce." He said to his dog.

"Rolf!" Spruce barked, misunderstanding.

Frodo saw it, too, in Chester's eyes. His Sussex Spaniel whined. He didn't want this moment to end. He wanted it to go on! Still, Frodo understood Sam's reasons. Maybe it was better this way… if only a certain thought didn't occur on Frodo's mind—

"Hey Sam," Frodo got Sam's attention. "Why don't we let Chester and Spruce play? I'm sure they would love to have another dog to play with."

Sam huffed. "Well, as long as they don't cause trouble." He released Spruce, watching his dog and Frodo's dog bark and play. He sighed, knowing this must be done. "They seem happy!"

"Sam, they know each other," Frodo admitted, sheepishly.

"Right," Sam shrugged. "But, if things get out of hand, then I'll have to take Spruce home."

"What were you doing out here?" Frodo asked, curious.

"I'm taking Spruce out for a walk and… hey boy!" Sam said, joyously, as his dog returned, ready to go home. "You see? He came back!" He strapped Spruce's leash to his collar, letting his dog know it was time to go. He waved to Frodo, telling him, "I better get goin'. I'll see you later!"

"Bye Sam! Good luck with Spruce!" Frodo called out, watching his friend disappear down the road.

"Rolf!" Chester barked, getting his master's attention.

"Oh, do you want to go home, too?" Frodo asked, attaching the leash to Chester's collar. "Come on. It's this way." His dog obeyed but began to whine. Frodo wondered what was wrong. "What is it? Spruce and Sam? I'm sure they're fine."

"Rolf! Rolf!" Chester cried.

"Chester, it'll be alright! You'll see," Frodo said, doing his best to calm his dog.

Thoughts protruded his mind. Would his dog be around for a long time? Would they be happy together? Frodo hoped so, but even then, he knew there were some things he just couldn't change. Whether it was from an accident or his dog dying from old age, Frodo couldn't bear the thought of losing his dog! And yet, he knew it would come eventually.

"Rolf!" Chester barked again, bringing his master back to reality.

"No, you're right," Frodo said with a smile. "We'll live a good life together. I just know it!" And he meant it. Every single word.

*.*.*

We're done with Part 2 of my Sussex Spaniel trilogy. :)

I'd like to thank the following people for reading, reviewing, favoriting, and following this story: megSUPERFAN, burningSunset, Gracie Miserables, and erinjoypangelinan. Thanks goes to everyone for taking time out of your busy schedules to read this fanfic. It is much appreciated. :)

Up next is the last part in my Sussex Spaniel trilogy. It's going to be sad. :(

Thanks for reading. :) I'll see everyone in the next story. :) Bye! :)

Aria Breuer