Community Corner

Bridgewater's Famous Dog 'Chuckie the Chocolate Lab' Has Died

Chuckie of Bridgewater was well known in town and an internet sensation. He was also the inspiration behind Amy Jensen's book series.

Chuckie the Chocolate Lab.
Chuckie the Chocolate Lab. (Courtesy of Amy Jensen)

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Bridgewater's famous pooch and the inspiration behind a book series, Chuckie the Chocolate Lab, has died.

"It is with a very heavy heart that I share the news that Chuckie passed away," said Chuckie's owners Amy and Roger Jensen.

Chuckie died on April 18 after just celebrating his 14 and 3/4 birthday the week prior.

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"On [April 17], his health started to decline to the point where he was struggling to eat, walk, and breathe. The next morning, nothing had improved. He went peacefully on his own at home, surrounded by his family," said the Jensens on his Facebook page.

Chuckie is well known in the township and is also an internet sensation with more than 11,000 followers on Instagram, 4,500 fans on Facebook, and 2,800 on Tiktok around the globe.

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Amy Jensen started posting about Chuckie after he had an eye procedure and was fitted with a cone. He smashed it to pieces and instantly became a social media hit.

"He was a very special guy, loved by all who knew him (including all of his online friends around the world). He adored children, his family, all kinds of food, swimming, traveling, and the beach. We don't know what we are going to do without him," said the Jensens.

Chuckie was also the inspiration behind his owner Amy Jensen's book series. The series has three books available with the most recent "Chuckie Says Goodbye" focusing on pet loss. Read More: Bridgewater Author Pens New Children's Book About Pet Loss

Although Chuckie is no longer here, Jensen said she "will continue to write books about the Chuckie character so he will live on forever. We are heartbroken, but he lived an amazing life."

In Chuckie's honor, the Jensens would love it if people would donate to either the Somerset Regional Animal Shelter at srasnj.org or Cold Nose Warm Heart at coldnosewarmheart.org/donate.

For more information on Jensen and her books visit chuckiethechocolatelabbooks.com or facebook.com/TeamChuckietheChocolateLab.

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