A week ago today, we were forced to make the decision so many dog families dread and say goodbye to our beloved Charles.
This proud and handsome man came into our lives as a senior rescue from Labrador Friends of the South, Inc.. Having just completed Dot’s adoption, with a long awaited medical release, we were not necessarily seeking another addition ….,until his profile was posted. Done Deal!
When we arrived with current pups to meet our new canine son, Charles came forward with a posture of ‘ it is about time you came. Let’s go!’
Behind his blind eye was a decade of wisdom to go with the scars on his face and the buckshot embedded in his chest. This canine had stories to tell we would never hear and only surmise.
In his heart was a purity that required no need to learn how to love like humans do. Charles was hard wired for loving.
The disclosed vices of his character were manageable and endearing personality traits to us. YES. Charles would wander. His sense of smell was his super sense, and once he locked in on a scent of interest, Charles forgot his name. AFFIRMATIVE. Charles insisted on company. Canine brother Maverick and feline sister, Sako were his most devoted siblings who had to share the same space as him. To my benefit, Charles was typically on my arm’s reach throughout the day, following me from barn chores to home office and every car ride he could charm his way on. We could take our boy everywhere with confidence, and we included him on as many trips and excursions we could.
When Charles was not in the mood to go for a walk and would not leave the driveway, we ‘duped’ HIM by taking him in the car to a park or school . He could be a stubborn stinker.
Our terms of endearment for Charles were personal: Mike would refer to him as ‘The Old Sergeant Major.’ To Jamie, he was ‘Bubba.’ For me, simply ‘My love.’
The privilege of loving an older dog makes every day special. Life offers no guarantees. Quality of time matters so much.
Two years, eight months together on earth was not nearly enough. Would we do it again? ABSOLUTELY! The love is worth it.
It was our highest honor to be Charles’ family. We know God loves us, because he designed Charles for us.
Fly high, sweet man.