Thursday, January 28, 2016

Charlie Was a Good Old Dog

Last evening I received a phone call that I knew was coming but did not want to hear.  My youngest son called to tell me that the time had come when the quality of life of their family dog, Charlie, had deteriorated to the point where the only option left was for their vet to help Charlie pass peacefully on to his reward.



Charlie came into their lives over 15 years ago.  He was the cutest little bit of fur who endeared himself right off the bat by chewing up some of the woodwork in their rented house while they were at work.  Thankfully he outgrew that habit.





Charlie was there to welcome each of the three children born to my son and his wife.  He was so good with the kids and they loved him dearly.






I often thought his name should have been "Hoover" for he was like a mini vacuum cleaner, cruising the kitchen whenever there was a remote possibility that some stray piece of food would hit the floor.  This earned him jail time when meals were served.  I always felt sorry for him, so I would sneak him a treat whenever I could.  I don't think I was the only one.  Those eyes would get me every time.



I babysat Charlie more than once when my son and his family were going out of town for a few days.  On one occasion, my son brought the large wire kennel for Charlie to use while I was at work.  Well, that didn't go over too big with Charlie.  I could hear him barking and howling all my way down the stairs and out to the street.  I was working at a dog grooming shop next door at the time, so I caved and brought him to work with me.  He was in his glory, meeting and greeting all those people and dogs who came to the shop that day.

After a while my son wouldn't let me babysit Charlie any more.  He claimed that whenever Charlie stayed with me he gained 5 pounds.  I said it wasn't my fault that Charlie loved french fries.

It doesn't seem fair that a dog's life span should be so short.  They give us so much more happiness than we can possibly give them.  They love us no matter what.  That's something we can't say about most people.



Charlie, you were a good old dog.  You will be missed.

14 comments:

  1. My condolences for the loss of a good family friend.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thank you, Gorges...Charlie really was such a good dog. We all will miss him.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I'm so sorry for your loss. And for your kids and grands as well. I feel the same about the dogs who have been part of my life. SJ in Vancouver BC

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thank you, SJ...It is tough on the grands and their Mom and Dad as well. He had a good, long life and we are grateful for that.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Mom, there is a very big hole in our hearts for Charlie. We miss him dearly. The little things like him waking me up by sneezing next to my face at 6am daily, hearing his nails clicking as he walked across the wood floors, and the sounds he would make when he was getting comfy in his bed. We are all saddened by his passing, but also glad for the memories we have of him and knowing that he is chasing tennis balls and eating milkbones in heaven.
    Thanks for the story and pictures.
    Love, David

    ReplyDelete
  6. You are welcome, Son...I take comfort in knowing that Charlie had the best of dog lives because he lived with your family. Cherish the memories. I loved him, too.
    Love, Mom

    ReplyDelete
  7. This is a song anyone who has had and lost a dog should hear....it is sad in a wistful way but reminds us that dogs love us and to be with us and they live on in our hearts.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TlBN85tmL8

    ReplyDelete
  8. Fiona...Thank you. The song tells it true. They live on in our memories and my memories of Charlie are good ones, many of which make me smile.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Christina and ManfredJanuary 30, 2016 at 9:39 AM

    What a wonderful story beautifully told .

    ReplyDelete
  10. Beautiful Vicki!! We shared our # 1 grandson.. Loved him dearly & yes spoiled him very much! Thank heavens for all the incredible memories! In our hearts forvever!! God bless you Charlie I will miss you so❤️ Papa & Grams

    ReplyDelete
  11. Christina & Manfred...Thank you. I wanted to do this mostly for the kids, but also for the rest of us who loved Charlie. He was more than just a dog. He was part of our family.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Connie & Mike...As far as grandpuppies go, we had the best. That's our job - to spoil the grands, whether it is kids or dogs. Charlie was such a good dog. We couldn't help but sneak him treats when he turned those eyes on us! We all will be missing him, but knowing he had a good life with our kids and grandkids is comforting.

    ReplyDelete
  13. He had a good, long life with people who loved him.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Harry...Charlie could not have had a better home. My daughter-in-law always wanted a Beagle so my son gave him to her at Christmas. Their kids adored Charlie. It helps some knowing what a happy little dog he was.

    ReplyDelete