BTRC alum Chelsea was adopted on May 16, 2013. Exactly ten years ago today. Sadly, Chelsea passed away on May 6, just ten days short of this special celebration. She may no longer be with us, but today we still choose to celebrate Chelsea, her amazing life, and the wonderful bond she shared with her best friend, who has written this beautiful tribute to her beloved dog:

“There will never be another friend like Chelsea. She is one of a kind and my soul dog.

At a crossroad in life, I made applications to foster for a special needs dog to multiple rescues and the first reply was from Boston Terrier Rescue Canada for an emergency intake with epilepsy. Sight unseen, Chelsea and I were meant to share our lives together. She was not considered adoptable due to the need to carefully manage her epilepsy and suspected mammary cancer. So I became a foster failure and adopted Chelsea.

Chelsea survived two different mammary cancers and thrived. We managed her epilepsy together for over a decade, but it was the reason for our most difficult goodbye.
Chelsea was my favourite part of each day. The best foster sister, an adored Grandpup, kind to any outdoor creatures, a friend to all and an epic sidekick. Her favourite games were “pinchy face” and “chase me”. She inspired daily singing and making up weird songs and rhymes. Chelsea filled the room with the sounds of snorting, snoring, chatting, the pitter patter of paws and created endless laughter with her sweet and silly personality.

Eternally grateful and blessed for the privilege of being Chelsea’s guardian and best friend.”

••

Although they were not able to celebrate her formal adoption date, they did celebrate the day she first arrived as a foster, so were able to mark a decade together on December 16, 2002. Everyone at BTRC is grateful that Chelsea had such a long and blessed life – much loved, forever missed and never forgotten. ♥️🌈🐾

To honour Chelsea, and to help other dogs with medical needs, her best friend, Jacqueline, generously donated several of Chelsea’s most favourite outfits and accessories for a fundraiser called “Chelsea’s Closet.” $1,224 was raised in memory of Chelsea. In another amazing act of generosity, Jacqueline donated $5 for every picture that was shared of pups sporting their auction items. Upon hearing this, another BTRC volunteer, who wishes to remain nameless, also offered to donate! An additional $460 was raised. This fundraiser is definitely reminiscent of Chelsea’s loving spirit. 💖 Thank you Chelsea and Jacqueline.