Charlie (2007-2022)
The photo above was captured on Charlie's adoption day. He was a dog with an unstable history, having changed hands several times before finding his forever home here. He was lucky to have been shepherded along this path by loving people who were determined to help him find a permanent home. It was evident from the beginning that we simply belonged together.
He came here as the third and youngest member of the pack, ultimately becoming the senior dog in the pack and a shining example of everything good about old dogs. He left me at the age of 15 on August 30, 2022. You can read my goodbye letter to him below.
Safe Travels, Charlie
Dear Charlie,
I knew saying goodbye to you would be difficult and I only hope I can do it justice.
We met in 2012, about five years into your life. There were many chapters before I entered your story, but we had ten special years together.
I admit, I was a little afraid of you when I met you. You looked so tough and intimidating. A pit bull from Detroit, all brawn and muscle, with such a stoic demeanor. But they told me you were special - a one in a million dog.
And I sensed something inside you. That gentle spirit of yours that belies the tough exterior.
It was that combination of toughness and gentleness that defined you. That made you such a sweetheart of a dog, such a fun playmate, and such a patient big brother.
We had ten years full of love and play and happy memories. My world revolved around you and the other dogs to whom you were such a good brother. I cherished my role as your caretaker and you paid me back tenfold with your love, protection and companionship.
When you got sick, I knew there was nothing I could do for you but enjoy the time we had left while letting you enjoy the rest of your life. I feel so lucky to have had this last summer with you. We soaked up the sun, went on our slow ambling walks together and just enjoyed the simplest moments of being alive. I had big plans for the summer but gladly traded those in for these final moments with you. I will always treasure this time together.
You were tough all the way to the end. So tough that it was difficult to know if it was time to let you go. But that inevitable time came and you were characteristically brave and sweet.
After you were gone, your Dad said all he wants is another Charlie. I told him there will never be another Charlie, and he agreed. You really are one in a million, sweet boy.
The punch in the gut from losing you is tempered with knowing how lucky I was to have you for ten of your fifteen years. Thank you for choosing us, for loving us and for giving us so much time.
Safe travels, Charlie. Your brave and gentle spirit is free. I will keep you in my heart forever and call on you when I need my brave boy beside me in spirit. And I know you will come.
I love you.
