We Lost our Charlie

[Eva]

Dear Friends,
Tonight it saddens me to tell you about the loss of our dog Charlie, the party mix cocker spaniel we've had for 15 years.
We had to have Charlie euthanized. He was getting sickly with his congestive heart failure that was manageable, but then he wanted to go for a romp and was running and playing, so we took him to dad's, and there his back legs kept giving out, and he was losing his balance, and his legs would kick out suddenly behind him. We figured it was time. I had been worried about him having more trouble breathing, or falling down the stairs, and he was also having a hard time seeing to get out the door, having accidents in the house, plus it was tough for him to get out of the way of the active dogs. Plus lots of getting the shivers out of the blue. I kinda knew his time was sneaking up, so I'm glad we made a calm decision and he wasn't in dire pain or distress. We drove through a drive through and got him one last good cheesburger, which he wolfed down. The vet said he probably had a stroke or small TIA, and it was the right gracious thing to do. It all went smoothly and we loved him up and held him. He'll now be buried next to his family, Puma the dad, Sheena is mom, and Scrappie his brother.

. He was my first adopted baby from the pound. He lived to eat, and loved to live. Always happy and sweet and would run for a treat. Great dog to hog the beds and to even get chased out of his nice warm bed by a kitten nipping on his paws or tail. Sensitive and kind to his elderly girls. Soon they all will be in heaven keeping each other company. May your pound spirit live on in Willow our new adoptee from the pound. We love you and miss you more than you know baby boy. I know we gave Charlie the absolute best life any dog could ever want and then some, so I have no regrets. It's great to be able to have a companion that always makes you smile under any circimstances, except at times like this. But all the way through, he was wagging his tail and loving and licking me to make me feel better. What a great champion, and no more itchy skin, or medicines. Thanks for letting me vent, Love Eva & Brian

[Kathy Spyker]

I am so sorry for your loss..He sounds like he was a wonderful dog. He will stay in your heart forever.

[Tamara & Giada]

So sorry for your loss..............what a sweet looking dog. May the wonderful memories of the times you had together always lighten your heart and bring a smile to your face.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

"...And, beloved master, should the Great Master see fit to deprive me of my health or sight, do not turn me away from you. Rather hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands grant me the merciful boon of eternal rest...and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I drew, my fate was ever safest in your hands."
(From "A Dog's Prayer")

I'm so sorry, Eva. It is never easy, no matter how many times you go through it. May your sorrow be lessened by the knowledge that Charlie had the best life any dog could have, and that didn't change at the end, either. Hugs to you & your family.

[sandy b]

I'm so sorry for your loss but you have great memories of Charlie and he had a wonderful life.

[Adrianne Matzkin]

Dear Eva and Brian,
I am so sorry for the loss of Charlie. It sounds like he was much loved!
This is a copy of the Memorial Service that was sent to me by Dog Town. I hope it gives you a little comfort during this very difficult time.

Prayer for a Pet’s Memorial Service

God of all creatures, ease our grief today as we bid farewell to Charlie, whose passing leaves a gap in our family circle.  He demanded so little of us – fresh water, food, a patch of sunlight for sun-bathing, our presence – and gave so much in return – uncritical, undemanding, unlimited affection and devotion for all of us.  Greeting each day, each moment, happily on its own terms, he showed us how to live in the present rather than regret the past or worry about the future.  His easy forgiveness of our flaws, his inability to hold a grudge, gave us an example of grace.  Creator, we’re grateful for being allowed to share his life for our allotted time.  We will miss him bounding through our family life, but he will always be present in our hearts. 
Amen.
Adrianne

[Kemp Rader]

Eva & Brian -

What a wonderful tribute this post is for Charlie. It sounds like you all were lucky to have found each other and really enriched each other's lives. I am so sorry for your loss. Thanks for sharing a bit of Charlie with all of us.

Warm regards,

Kemp, Ripley, Shiloh, Oliver & Truman